Mumbai, India – July 10, 2025: Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra navigated the sensitive Marathi-Hindi language debate with grace during the teaser launch of her upcoming pan-India film KD – The Devil in Mumbai on Thursday. While promoting the multilingual action drama, Shetty reaffirmed her connection to Maharashtra, sidestepping the ongoing controversy surrounding linguistic tensions in the state.
The event, attended by co-stars Sanjay Dutt, Dhruva Sarja, and other cast members, marked the unveiling of the teaser for KD – The Devil, a period action entertainer set in 1970s Bangalore. Directed by Prem and produced by KVN Productions, the film features a star-studded ensemble and will be released in Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.
When questioned about the Marathi-Hindi language row, sparked by the Maharashtra government’s now-revoked proposal to introduce Hindi as a third language in primary schools, Shetty chose to focus on unity and her film’s inclusivity. “Mala Marathi mahit ahe, me Maharashtra chi mulgi aahe,” she declared, translating to “I can speak Marathi. I am Maharashtra’s daughter.” She added, “Today, we’re here to talk about KD. If you want to discuss controversies, we can’t encourage that. This film is already multilingual, and we can dub it in Marathi as well.”
Her response, delivered with a blend of humor and firmness, earned applause from the audience and her co-stars, including Sanjay Dutt, who smiled in support. Shetty’s statement addressed the linguistic divide, fueled by actions from groups like the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, which have faced criticism for allegedly pressuring non-Marathi speakers to adopt the local language.
The actress also shared insights into her role as Satyavati in KD – The Devil, describing it as an ode to her mother, Sunanda Shetty, inspired by her 1970s retro style. “This is my first time working in a film with a retro look. Satyavati is an homage to my mother, with bouffant hairstyles and polka-dot sarees,” Shetty said, expressing her excitement about the project.
The teaser for KD – The Devil has generated significant buzz, showcasing intense action sequences and a vibrant 1970s aesthetic. The film, slated for release on July 10, 2026, promises a gripping narrative based on true events, with a cast that includes Dhruva Sarja, Sanjay Dutt, Nora Fatehi, Ramesh Aravind, Reeshma Nanaiah, and V. Ravichandran.
Shetty’s poised handling of the language debate, coupled with her enthusiasm for the film, underscored her commitment to promoting inclusivity while staying true to her Maharashtra roots. As the KD – The Devil team continues its promotional tour across Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi, and Bangalore, anticipation for the film’s release continues to build.
Disclaimer: This article is based on verified reports from the teaser launch event and reflects statements made by Shilpa Shetty Kundra. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this publication.
