The release of the much-anticipated Prabhas-starrer 'The Raja Saab' has been clouded by controversy, with a social media user alleging that the film's team attempted to bribe him to remove his negative critique. The film, directed by Maruthi, opened in theaters today to a wave of mixed and largely negative early reactions from viewers online.
Allegation of a Bribe for Positive Publicity
On Friday morning, an X user with the handle @BS__unfiltered posted a screenshot that sparked immediate debate. The user claimed that after he posted his review of the film, he received a direct message from the official account of 'The Raja Saab'. According to his post, the message contained an offer of Rs 14,000 to delete his critical review and replace it with a positive one.
Sharing the evidence, the netizen wrote emphatically, "What the hell mannnnn!!!! They are offering me money to delete this!!! Nahi hoga delete #TheRajaSaab #Prabhas." However, it is crucial to note that the authenticity of this screenshot has not been verified. It remains unclear whether the message was genuine or potentially fabricated or AI-generated. The film's production team has not yet issued an official statement regarding these claims.
Audience Reactions: A Divided Verdict
Beyond the controversy, fans and general moviegoers have been actively sharing their opinions on social media platforms. The consensus appears to be split, with a significant portion expressing disappointment.
One detailed review described the film as a "horror-fantasy with a good idea but weak execution." The user praised Prabhas for an energetic and comical performance and highlighted the face-off with co-star Sanjay Dutt as a main highlight. The palace setting was found interesting initially, but the reviewer criticized the messy screenplay, a dragged second half, uneven VFX, and a weak emotional payoff.
The review also pointed out that the music by Thaman was a positive, and the story picked up slightly from the end of the first half. It mentioned the three songs featuring Prabhas and Nidhhi Agerwal, who was noted to have performed well. Ultimately, the viewer labeled it as a "one-time watch at best" and hinted at a potential sequel setup titled 'The Raja Saab Circus—1935 (Part 2)'.
About the Film and Its Cast
'The Raja Saab' is written and directed by Maruthi. The film features Prabhas in the lead role, supported by a cast including Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, and Boman Irani. The film's release was highly awaited by fans of the star, but its opening day has been marked by both critical reception and unexpected allegations that question the ethics of online reputation management.
As the day progresses, more audience reviews are expected to pour in, which will provide a clearer picture of the film's public reception. The industry and fans alike are now watching to see how the team addresses the bribery allegation and whether it impacts the film's performance at the box office.
