Prabhas-starrer The Raja Saab was scheduled to have premiere shows on Thursday, January 8, across both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. In Andhra Pradesh, bookings for the premiere shows opened well in advance along with the approved ticket price hike. The AP government issued the necessary order soon after the producers applied, ensuring a smooth booking process without any issues.
However, the situation was very different in Telangana, where government approval for the ticket price hike did not arrive on time. As a result, bookings did not open on Thursday until 11:30 pm, leaving fans frustrated. The makers had planned a special premiere show exclusively for the press and a few celebrities at Vimal Theatre in Balanagar.
As the delay continued, Prabhas fans in Telangana grew increasingly anxious. Many took to social media, questioning director Maruthi, executive producer SKN, Mythri Distributors, and the production house about the uncertainty. The press show, which was scheduled to begin around 10:30 pm, became a flashpoint when hundreds of fans gathered outside Vimal Theatre even before the showtime and demanded that bookings be opened.
The makers and distributors chose not to open bookings, as they were still awaiting official approval from the Telangana government. Meanwhile, premiere shows had already begun in Andhra Pradesh, and early reports—especially after the first half—were not encouraging. Fans in Hyderabad grew more concerned, fearing they would miss watching their favourite star’s film on the first day.
In the chaos, a few hundred fans forcefully entered Vimal Theatre, occupied seats, and demanded a screening. Theatre staff were unable to control the situation and eventually alerted the police. When questioned about entering the theatre without tickets, one fan said, “The distributors and makers announced on social media that the film would screen at 10:30 pm. Ask them to open the bookings, and we will buy tickets.”
Police arrived later and cleared the theatre of all fans who did not have valid tickets. Finally, around 11 pm, the Telangana government approval came through, and booking counters were opened. The film eventually began screening around 12:30 am. By then, the film’s initial response had already surfaced, as many fans had watched it earlier in Andhra Pradesh.
