The recent launch of the first single, “Rebel Saab,” from Prabhas’ upcoming comedy-horror flick The Raja Saab was intended to be a celebratory affair. However, the event quickly devolved into an unexpected controversy, placing director Maruthi at the center of a social media storm. While the event at the packed Vimal 70 MM Theatre in Hyderabad drew huge crowds of devoted Prabhas fans, it was the director’s comments—and not the song—that dominated the post-event chatter.

Maruthi, who helms the ambitious project, made certain remarks during his speech that were instantly interpreted by a significant segment of the audience as indirect digs aimed at Tollywood star Jr NTR and his massive, dedicated fanbase, often referred to as the 'NTR Army.'

The Alleged Digs and Fan Interpretation

Although Director Maruthi did not explicitly name Jr NTR, the context and phrasing of his comments were enough for fans to draw strong conclusions. The remarks were perceived as an attempt to contrast the star power and fanbase of Prabhas with that of his peers, particularly focusing on the intensity and loyalty displayed by different fan groups.

The comments, which quickly circulated via clips and quoted excerpts online, led to immediate and fierce backlash from the Jr NTR supporters. These fans took to social media platforms to express their profound disappointment and outrage, accusing the director of using a major promotional event to unnecessarily undermine and criticize a fellow star. The sentiment among the NTR fanbase was that the comments were unwarranted, distracting from the event's purpose, and displayed poor taste.

The Swell of Disappointment and Accusations

The reaction from Jr NTR’s supporters was swift and overwhelming. Hashtags trended demanding an apology, and numerous posts detailed why Maruthi’s comments were seen as unprofessional and provocative. The core of the criticism revolved around the perceived slight against the star's stature and the dedication of his fanbase.

In the highly competitive and passionate world of Telugu cinema, fans are extremely protective of their idols. Any perceived negativity or comparison, especially from a prominent industry figure, can ignite a furious response. Maruthi's comments were quickly labelled as an attempt to create an artificial rivalry or controversy to garner cheap publicity for his own film, The Raja Saab.

A Launch Event Overshadowed

The entire spectacle of the single launch—which saw enthusiastic fans turn out in force despite the absence of lead star Prabhas—was effectively overshadowed by this sudden controversy. The technical delay in the song’s release (from 6 PM to almost 8 PM) had already dampened spirits, and Maruthi’s subsequent comments further detracted from the focus on “Rebel Saab.”

As of now, Director Maruthi has not issued a formal clarification or apology regarding the interpretation of his remarks. The controversy serves as a sharp reminder to filmmakers and industry personnel about the immense passion surrounding fan bases in Tollywood, where every public statement is scrutinized and often magnified through the lens of star rivalry. The focus now shifts to how Maruthi and the The Raja Saab team will navigate this unintended public relations crisis.
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