The much-anticipated release of Prabhas' latest film, 'The Raja Saab', finally arrived in cinemas on January 9, after facing several delays. The fantasy thriller marked a grand opening, with fans of the superstar thronging theatres across the country for the first-day-first-show celebrations, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
Fans Go Wild with Celebrations
Social media was quickly flooded with videos from inside packed cinema halls, capturing the frenzied excitement of Prabhas' devotees. Audiences were seen cheering at the top of their lungs, throwing confetti into the air, and erupting with joy during pivotal scenes. The actor's dramatic entry, popular song sequences, and the highly-discussed crocodile fight scene triggered massive reactions. In a unique show of enthusiasm, many fans even carried large toy crocodiles to the screenings, adding to the festive chaos.
Fire Erupts During Overzealous Fan Tribute in Odisha
However, the celebrations took a dangerous turn at the Ashok Talkies Hall in Rayagada, Odisha. According to reports, fans brought an 'aarti ki thaali' (a ceremonial plate with lamps) into the auditorium. During Prabhas' entry scene, they lit the lamps and reportedly burst fire arrows in front of the screen as a form of tribute. This act led to a fire igniting near the screen, causing sudden panic.
While some viewers bravely attempted to douse the flames, others rushed towards the exits in the ensuing commotion. Journalist and social activist Siraj Noorani shared a video of the incident on social media, detailing the events. He later clarified that the fire was successfully controlled by the people present inside the hall. Thankfully, no injuries or casualties were reported from the alarming incident.
Strong Box Office Start Followed by Dip
'The Raja Saab', which marks Prabhas' return to his signature mass-entertainer genre, features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar, and Boman Irani. The film enjoyed a spectacular opening day, raking in an impressive Rs 53.75 crore at the box office. However, the collections saw a significant drop of more than 50 percent on its second day, Saturday, earning approximately Rs 25 crore.
The film's release has undoubtedly been a major event, showcasing the unparalleled star power of Prabhas. While the overwhelming fan response highlights his massive popularity, the incident in Odisha also raises concerns about safety during such over-the-top in-theatre celebrations.
