The pre-release event for Prabhas's upcoming film 'The Raja Saab' in Hyderabad took an unexpected turn when director Maruthi made a comment that has not sat well with the superstar's massive fanbase. The event, held on Saturday, was meant to build excitement for the horror comedy but ended up sparking a controversy online.
The Comment That Sparked the Fire
During his emotional speech, Maruthi narrated an anecdote to illustrate Prabhas's global fame. He recalled visiting a remote village in South Africa where a local person did not recognize him as a director. However, when Maruthi mentioned that his film's hero was Prabhas, the person immediately connected him to 'Baahubali'.
The filmmaker used this story to highlight how the 'pan-India' concept was popularized by director S.S. Rajamouli. It was here that Maruthi made the contentious statement. He said Rajamouli "introduced a medium-range hero to the Pan-India stage and established a massive cutout (stature) for the world today."
Fan Backlash and Online Debate
The term "medium-range hero" did not go down well with a significant section of Prabhas's admirers. Many took to social media to express their displeasure, arguing that the description undermines the actor's box office pull and star power.
Fans countered the claim by sharing data on Prabhas's past box office collections and the advance booking numbers for his films as proof of his top-tier status. A parallel debate also emerged, with some netizens pointing out that stars like Prabhas, Allu Arjun, and Ram Charan were behind established names like Mahesh Babu until blockbusters like 'Baahubali', 'Pushpa', and 'RRR' catapulted them to nationwide fame.
All About 'The Raja Saab'
Despite the controversy, the focus remains on the upcoming film. 'The Raja Saab' is a horror comedy featuring an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar, and Boman Irani. The movie is one of the most anticipated projects in Prabhas's lineup and is scheduled for a theatrical release on January 9, 2026.
The pre-release event in Hyderabad was attended by the entire cast and crew, marking a key promotional milestone for the film. While the director's remarks have stirred a separate discussion, the industry is keenly watching how this impacts the buzz around the movie's eventual opening.
