Director's Comment at Song Launch Ignites Social Media Storm
The release of the first song, 'Rebel Saab,' for the highly anticipated Prabhas film 'The Raja Saab' was overshadowed by controversy this week. The film's director, Maruthi, found himself at the center of a social media firestorm after comments he made during the song's launch event on Sunday were perceived as disrespectful by sections of Jr NTR's massive fanbase.
Why Jr NTR Fans Were Offended
The incident occurred at Hyderabad's Vimal Theatre, where the team had erected a massive cutout of Prabhas. Addressing the crowd, the 44-year-old director stated, "I can't say you will raise your collars at release time, because those reactions are too trivial for what you will witness." This seemingly innocuous statement was immediately linked by fans to Jr NTR's signature 'collar-raising' gesture, a popular mannerism often associated with the 'RRR' star.
Fans took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express their displeasure, arguing that Maruthi's remark was an unnecessary and dismissive comparison rather than simple praise for the film's cutout. One user pointed out that the director could have simply complimented the cutout without the comparative tone.
Maruthi's Heartfelt Public Apology
Responding directly to the growing criticism on Monday, Director Maruthi issued a public clarification and a heartfelt apology. He expressed that his words were misunderstood and that he never intended to disrespect the actor or his supporters.
In his post, Maruthi wrote, "Dear Venky… Felt like clarifying this personally. First, I sincerely apologize to every fan. It was never my intention to hurt or disrespect anyone. Sometimes in the flow of words, things come out differently from what we truly mean, and I regret that it was received in the wrong way or as a comparison."
He further emphasized his "immense respect for NTR garu and for all his fans," valuing the love they hold for cinema and their hero. The director concluded his note by hoping that the situation would be understood based on his true intentions.
About Prabhas' New Film 'The Raja Saab'
Despite the controversy, excitement remains high for 'The Raja Saab,' which marks the first collaboration between superstar Prabhas and director Maruthi. The film is a horror-comedy that features Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar, and Nidhhi Agerwal as the female leads. Adding to the star power, Bollywood veteran Boman Irani is part of the cast, while Sanjay Dutt is set to play the antagonist. The project continues to generate significant buzz among fans and industry watchers alike.
