At the first single launch ceremony of Prabhas starrer The Raja Saab, the team also unveiled a special cutout poster of Prabhas at the event. Later, addressing the euphoric crowd at the event, Maruthi had said, “I can’t say you will raise your collars at release time, because those reactions are too trivial for what you will witness.”
Unfortunately, Maruthi’s remarks were met with some criticism particularly among Jr NTR fanclubs who interpreted the ‘collar’ remark as a dig at Jr NTR and his signature move. A fan replied, “You could have simply praised the cut-out, but you brought unnecessary comparisons in your speech.”
On Monday morning, Maruthi replied to the fan, saying, “I sincerely apologise to every fan. It was never my intention to hurt or disrespect anyone. Sometimes in the flow of words things come out differently from what we truly mean and I regret that it was received in the wrong way or as a comparison.” The Raja Saab filmmaker also stated that he has ‘immense respect for NTR garu and for all his fans,’ adding, “I truly value the love you carry for cinema and for your hero. I wanted to clarify this with complete honesty and from the heart. I hope you understand the situation and the intention behind it.”
The Raja Saab, that marks maiden collaboration between Maruthi and Prabhas, also stars Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar and Nidhhi Aggerwal in the female lead roles. Meanwhile Sanjay Dutt plays the antagonist. The film is produced by TG Vishwa Prasad and Krithi Prasad under People Media Factory. The technical team has cinematographer Karthik Palani, production designer Rajeevan, and editor Kotagiri Venkateshwara Rao. Thaman S has composed music for the upcoming horror-comedy.
The Raja Saab is confirmed to have a grand theatrical release on January 9, 2026.