The release of Prabhas' much-anticipated film 'The Raja Saab' was marked by an unusual and viral fan celebration that has taken the internet by storm. Moving beyond traditional practices like 'Paal Abhishekam' (milk offerings), enthusiastic fans of the star were seen bringing fake crocodiles to theatres across the country.
A Viral Tribute: From Milk to Reptiles
In a unique twist to movie release festivities, a video clip showing fans carrying toy crocodiles into a cinema hall has gone massively viral. This act was a direct and playful recreation of a scene from the film where Prabhas' character is seen fighting a crocodile. Initial speculation about the video being AI-generated was put to rest by a fact-check, confirming the footage is genuine. It captures fans using props to show their excitement for the film's debut.
'The Raja Saab': A High-Stakes Release
The film, directed by Maruthi, finally hit theatres on January 9, 2026, after facing several delays. Mounted on a colossal budget estimated between Rs 400 to 450 crore, 'The Raja Saab' features a star-studded cast including Bollywood veterans Sanjay Dutt and Boman Irani in pivotal roles. The film also stars Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, and Zarina Wahab.
Despite the massive hype and unique fan promotions, the film has received a mixed response from audiences. While Prabhas' performance has been widely praised, many viewers and critics have pointed out weaknesses in the film's writing, which is seen as impacting the overall product. According to trade analyst Ramesh Bala, the film was expected to rake in around Rs 100 crore on its opening day.
What This Fan Frenzy Signifies
The crocodile incident highlights the extreme lengths to which Indian movie fandom will go to celebrate their favourite stars. It underscores the cultural phenomenon of film releases as community events. However, the contrasting mixed reviews for 'The Raja Saab' suggest that while star power can generate unprecedented hype and opening numbers, the ultimate success of a film still hinges on strong content. This release marks Prabhas' first film of 2026, setting the tone for his upcoming projects.
