The Raja Saab not only ended up as a massive box-office failure but also invited unprecedented negativity towards Prabhas.
Criticism poured in from all quarters; media, social media, and even sections of his fan base.
While the film’s theatrical fate was sealed early and largely forgotten, the trolling surrounding it has refused to die down.
Even a month after its release, the backlash has intensified following the film’s OTT premiere.
Fresh rounds of online criticism have now targeted both Prabhas and director Maruthi, with viewers dissecting the film more brutally after watching it on digital platforms.
A section of Prabhas’ fans is openly urging him to stay away from such films and, more importantly, to stop collaborating with what they term “mediocre directors” like Maruthi.
They are questioning what compelled Prabhas to team up with a filmmaker whose track record largely consists of mid-range successes, with Bhale Bhale Magadivoy being the most notable among them.
Fans are also drawing comparisons with Allu Arjun, pointing out that despite starting their careers around the same time and sharing a close friendship, Maruthi has never directed a film starring the Pushpa actor.
Their argument is simple: if Maruthi were truly capable of handling top stars, Allu Arjun would have already collaborated with him. So why did Prabhas, after delivering several underperformers, choose to place his trust in him?
Many fans believe that the failure and continued trolling of The Raja Saab should serve as a wake-up call for Prabhas.
They feel he must take this feedback seriously and reassess his script and director choices going forward.