The release of Prabhas' much-anticipated horror-comedy, The Raja Saab, has been a rollercoaster of massive box office numbers, extreme fan celebrations, and mounting controversies. The film, which marked the star's debut in the horror genre, hit theatres on January 9, opening to a staggering collection of over Rs 63 crore in India. However, the celebrations quickly spiraled into chaos, with reports of dangerous fan behavior and a stern intervention from the Telangana High Court over ticket pricing.
Fan Frenzy Turns Dangerous: Crocodiles and Confetti Fires
Capitalizing on the viral buzz around a trailer scene featuring Prabhas fighting a crocodile, overzealous fans took their excitement to unprecedented levels. Videos circulated widely on social media showing fans carrying dummy crocodiles into cinema halls, recreating the much-talked-about moment from the film's promotion.
In a more alarming incident, a group of fans in Odisha took celebrations too far. Despite the film receiving largely negative reviews, a section of Prabhas' dedicated fanbase treated the release as a festival. A viral video from a theatre showed fans setting confetti on fire inside the auditorium while a scene from the movie played on screen. The act caused panic among other viewers and drew severe backlash online, with netizens condemning the blatant disregard for public safety and property.
Social media users were quick to criticize, with comments highlighting the immaturity of such actions. One user pointed out, "This is not your house," while others stated that such behavior shames the actor's name rather than celebrating his work.
Telangana High Court Slams Government Over Ticket Price Hike
Amid the fan-driven chaos, a significant legal development unfolded. The Telangana High Court came down heavily on the state government for approving a temporary hike in cinema ticket prices for the film's Sankranti release. Justice NV Shravan Kumar, hearing a petition filed by advocate Vijay Gopal, set aside the government memo that permitted the increase.
The court criticized the administration for issuing what it called "clever memos" to bypass established legal provisions. The petition argued that the Home Secretary lacked the statutory authority to approve such hikes, a power that rests solely with the Hyderabad Police Commissioner and district collectors. The court also noted a contradiction, pointing out that while a minister had publicly stated there would be no price hike, officials still issued the order.
The now-quashed memo had allowed an increase of Rs 105 in single-screen theatres and Rs 132 in multiplexes from January 9 to 11. The film had also enjoyed special shows on January 8 across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala, adding nearly Rs 10 crore to its early earnings.
A Blockbuster Marred by Controversy
The debut of The Raja Saab underscores the immense star power of Prabhas, capable of driving record-breaking openings irrespective of critical reception. However, the incidents following its release raise serious questions about fan culture and event safety during major film launches.
Simultaneously, the court's strong reprimand to the state government highlights the ongoing issue of arbitrary ticket pricing for big-star releases, a practice that often burdens the common moviegoer. The film's journey, from high-octane promotions to a controversial opening, paints a complex picture of contemporary Indian cinema where box office success, fanaticism, and regulatory scrutiny are inextricably linked.
