The theatrical release of the much-anticipated Prabhas-starrer 'The Raja Saab' on January 9 was met with a wave of mixed reviews from audiences. While the film, directed by Maruthi, generated significant fanfare, it also left a section of fans notably disappointed. A key point of contention was the absence of a specific Prabhas look that had been heavily featured in the promotional material.
Missing Avatar Restored After Fan Outcry
Fans who flocked to theatres were surprised to find that a crucial scene showcasing Prabhas in an old man's get-up, prominently seen in the trailers, was missing from the initial print of the film. This omission sparked questions and criticism online. Responding swiftly, director Maruthi has now confirmed that the deleted scenes have been added back to the theatrical run.
In a statement reported by CineExpress, Maruthi addressed the fan queries. "Many people called me asking about Prabhas' old get-up that was shown in the trailer," he said. "We couldn't include it initially, but from this evening onwards, audiences can watch those scenes in theatres." He further revealed that the team has also added the rooftop action episode to the film.
Maruthi expressed confidence that these additions would enhance the viewing experience. "We have also sharpened the film based on audience feedback," he added, claiming that fans will now get to see the real swag of 'Raja Saab'.
Producer Explains the Technical Glitch
Providing clarity on the last-minute omission, the film's producer, TG Vishwa Prasad, cited a technical issue. Speaking to Hindustan Times, he explained that approximately four minutes of content featuring Prabhas' old avatar was affected.
"One week back, due to an unfortunate incident and the server being down, we had the output, but it needed cleanup and minor corrections," Vishwa Prasad stated. He confirmed that the necessary corrections have been completed and the updated version has been dispatched to theatres.
Director Maruthi on the Mixed Response
Addressing the polarizing reception to 'The Raja Saab', Maruthi shared his perspective, urging patience. He argued that a film's true performance cannot be judged solely by its opening day, especially when it attempts a novel subject.
"A new kind of subject needs a big star, and Prabhas encouraged me to attempt something different," Maruthi remarked. He acknowledged the divided reactions, noting, "Some intellectual audiences liked the film, while others couldn't connect with it."
He believes such experimental narratives need time to find their audience. "But a film's result cannot be judged in just one day. Such films take time and usually pick up slowly. We can decide the outcome after ten days," the director concluded, remaining optimistic about the film's long-term prospects.
