Arya's candid comments on Varanasi sadhus during Mr X promotions have sparked discussion, just as his spy thriller nears its April 2026 release.
Dumtika Editorial
April 13, 2026 · 1 min read

(Image: Dumtika Editorial)
Kollywood actor Arya has created a buzz during the promotions of his upcoming spy thriller, Mr X, by making bold remarks about Varanasi sadhus. The film, which sees Arya alongside Gautham Ram Karthik, R. Sarathkumar, and Manju Warrier, is directed by Manu Anand and scheduled for release on 17 April 2026.
Arya, known for his candid nature and varied roles, recounted his experience while shooting for the film 'Naan Kadavul' in Varanasi. He claimed that a significant portion of the sadhus in the holy city are not genuine, stating, "I'd say about 60% of the sadhus are real. But the other 40% are fake swamis. Many are criminals." Arya described how some individuals take on the guise of sadhus to avoid law enforcement, lacking any form of identification and often involved in serious crimes.
He further recalled a tense moment during the Kumbh Mela, saying, "The police there warned us. They said, 'Listen, we are only 50,000 policemen here, and we have normal guns. The people inside are carrying AK-47s. So, be very careful while you shoot.' That's the situation over there."
Arya's statements have ignited conversations online, with fans debating his observations and the broader realities faced in Varanasi. As anticipation mounts for the release of Mr X, all eyes are on Arya and how this controversy may impact the film's reception.