Angry Prabhas fans storm The Raja Saab preview shows despite security in Hyderabad, many screenings cancelled
Maruthi’s horror-comedy The Raja Saab, headlined by Prabhas, hit theatres on January 9 but its release was far from smooth. It was marred by anger and chaos as agitated fans barged into theatres during press screening, while others crowded around entry gates, venting their anger over delays in the screenings.
Fans get angry
While premiere shows kicked off across Andhra Pradesh from 9 pm on Thursday, the film ran into last-minute hurdles in Hyderabad following a delay in the issuance of the government order. The uncertainty sparked confusion and unrest at a few theatres in the city.
Several videos circulating on social media show agitated fans barging into theatres, while others are seen gathering near the main gates, shouting and venting their anger. The situation escalated at Vimal Theatre, where a large number of fans gathered outside amid confusion and the absence of clear information about the shows.
One of the videos doing the rounds on social media showed several angry fans forcing their way into Vimal Theatre during The Raja Saab media premiere and refusing to leave the premises. They insisted that the show be screened for them.
Another video from a theatre in Kukatpally captured several fans growing restless while waiting outside the gates, banging on them and demanding that the management open the theatre for entry. One of the videos showed massive crowds rushing into the theatre, breaking through security barricades.
One clip shows the theatre management attempting to rein in the out-of-control crowd by brandishing a stick and trying to keep them from entering the premises. Some of the clips also showed fans being subjected to a lathi charge as authorities attempted to control the situation.
The clips have left social media users both amused by the theatre management’s handling of the situation and puzzled over who is actually responsible for the chaos.
“Unplanned premieres + zero clarity = disaster. Who is responsible for crowd control? #TheRajasaab,” one wrote, with another sharing, “Why are they beating them like that? The situation at Vimal theatre is out of control, don’t go there, they are beating people.”
“Canceleld premiers at Sreeramulu Theatre #RajaSaab #TheRajaSaab #Prabhas,” one shared. One wondered, “who is responsible”. One wrote, “Fans vs. theatre management … People being told. The show is scheduled only for the media .Not for others .Fans frustrated.”
About The Raja Saab
The pan-India horror comedy marks the return of Prabhas to the big screen. Directed by Maruthi, The Raja Saab is a fantasy horror starring Prabhas, alongside Sanjay Dutt, Malavika Mohanan, Boman Irani, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar and Zarina Wahab. The film released on January 9 in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam.
It is produced by People Media Factory and IVY Entertainment. Ahead of its release on January 9, the filmmakers received permission to hike ticket prices in Andhra Pradesh, with premiere tickets on January 8 priced at ₹1000.
