The much-awaited premiere of Prabhas' new film, 'The Raja Saab', descended into chaos and frustration at several theatres in Hyderabad on Wednesday, January 8. The film's first shows, scheduled for a 9 PM start across Andhra Pradesh, were unexpectedly delayed due to last-minute permission issues, leaving eager fans in the lurch.
Chaos Erupts as Communication Fails
Moviegoers who had gathered for the 9 PM shows were left irritated by the indefinite delays. The core of the problem was a severe lack of clear communication from theatre staff regarding when the screenings would actually begin. This frustration quickly turned into anger as crowds began to swell outside the venues.
The situation turned particularly chaotic at Vimal Theatres in Hyderabad. As staff failed to provide updates, a large crowd gathered outside. The tension escalated when a group of people forcefully barged into the theatre during what was supposed to be a media premiere. Videos of the incident, now viral online, show the group creating a ruckus, refusing to leave, and demanding that the film be screened immediately.
All About 'The Raja Saab' and Its Mixed Reception
'The Raja Saab' is a horror comedy directed and written by Maruthi, featuring Prabhas in the lead role. The film boasts a notable supporting cast including Bollywood veterans Sanjay Dutt and Boman Irani in pivotal roles. Actors Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, and veteran Zarina Wahab are also part of the project.
Despite the premiere day troubles, the film managed to reach audiences and received a mixed response on its first day. The Times of India's review gave the film a rating of 2.5. The review acknowledged that the film's attempt to explore a genre rare in mainstream Telugu cinema is commendable and its fantasy concept holds promise. However, it criticized the loose screenplay and execution, stating that these elements prevented the film from reaching its full potential. The review concluded that while 'The Raja Saab' understands its star-driven intent, a tighter narrative could have elevated it beyond a visually engaging but inconsistent spectacle.
Fallout and Industry Implications
The incidents in Hyderabad highlight a recurring issue in the Indian film distribution chain: logistical and regulatory hurdles impacting high-profile releases. For fans, the experience marred the excitement surrounding a major star's film. For the industry, it underscores the need for smoother coordination between distributors, theatre owners, and local authorities to ensure planned premieres go off without a hitch, especially for films with massive fan anticipation like those starring Prabhas.
The chaos, unfortunately, became an unintended part of the opening day narrative for 'The Raja Saab', shifting some focus away from the film's content and onto the real-world drama outside the cinema halls.
