Prabhas’ The Raja Saab sparks box office boom and fiery fan controversy
The release of The Raja Saab, starring Telugu actor Prabhas, has sparked both box office success and controversy. While the film earned over Rs 54 crore on its opening day, a dangerous celebration by fans inside a Cuttack theater drew sharp criticism online. Videos showed supporters burning paper confetti during a screening, raising serious safety concerns.
The incident took place at Ashok Theater in Cuttack, Odisha, where enthusiastic Prabhas fans lit large amounts of confetti to mark the film’s release. The fiery display, meant to create a festive mood, quickly turned into a safety hazard. Social media users condemned the behavior as reckless, pointing out the risk of fire in a crowded cinema and the violation of basic safety rules.
Despite the backlash, The Raja Saab performed well financially. It collected Rs 38.5 crore in Telugu-speaking regions and Rs 6.15 crore in Hindi markets on its first day. However, audience and critic reviews of the film itself have been largely negative. Fans had treated the release like a major festival, with some celebrations turning disruptive. While the box office numbers reflected strong initial interest, the controversial incident overshadowed the film’s commercial success.
The film’s strong opening clashes with the growing criticism of unsafe fan behavior. Authorities and theater owners may now face pressure to enforce stricter safety measures during high-profile releases. Meanwhile, The Raja Saab continues its theatrical run amid mixed reactions.
