‘The Raja Saab’ Director Maruthi Calls Prabhas a “Medium-Range Hero”, Thanks SS Rajamouli for Rise to Stardom
Maruthi Emotional About Prabhas, Calls Him ‘Medium-Range Hero’; Thanks SS Rajamouli
At the grand pre-release event of The Raja Saab held in Hyderabad, director Maruthi delivered a heartfelt speech that won attention not just for its emotion but also for a controversial remark about his lead actor, Prabhas.
Maruthi, visibly moved during his address to the cast, crew, and audience, reflected on the long journey of the film and the evolution of Telugu cinema’s reach. While expressing his deeper feelings about the project and the people who shaped it, he made a candid comment describing Prabhas as a “medium-range hero” before his rise to pan-Indian stardom.
A Remark That Sparked Debate
The line referring to Prabhas as a medium-range hero did not sit well with many fans of the actor, who feel the phrase undervalues Prabhas’s pre-Baahubali accomplishments and his strong standing in Telugu cinema. Supporters quickly took to social media to defend Prabhas’s status, pointing to earlier hits such as Varsham, Chatrapati, Darling, Mr. Perfect, and Mirchi as proof of his strong box-office presence even before he became a nationwide face.
According to NewsBytes, Maruthi was trying to highlight how the landscape of Indian cinema has changed, especially with films reaching global audiences, and how that shift affected industry perceptions.
Gratitude to SS Rajamouli
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Alongside the remark, Maruthi made it clear that he intended to acknowledge the impact of filmmaker SS Rajamouli on Telugu cinema and on Prabhas’s worldwide stature. He expressed profound gratitude to Rajamouli, saying that many directors in the industry feel indebted to him for elevating Telugu cinema to the global stage through his visionary work, particularly the Baahubali franchise.
Maruthi stated that Rajamouli’s contribution helped introduce what he termed a “medium-range hero” to the pan-India audience, leading to a massive elevation of the actor’s image across regions and borders.
The Emotional Moment
The Raja Saab pre-release event wasn’t just about headlines and controversies — it also captured genuine emotion. Maruthi’s speech conveyed the challenges and long hours put into the film, with the director openly moved by the journey the project has undergone. Videos from the event show Maruthi becoming emotional as he addressed the supportive crowd and team.
The moment was further heightened when Prabhas himself was seen reassuring and hugging the director, a gesture that many fans highlighted on social platforms as a sign of mutual respect and camaraderie between the star and the filmmaker.
Fan Reactions and Debate
While some audiences appreciated Maruthi’s honest reflection on cinema’s evolution and the role of larger-than-life films in shaping star images, others felt the particular wording about Prabhas could have been chosen more sensitively, given his stature in Indian cinema.
The online debate reflects a broader discussion among fans about how star careers are perceived, especially when measured against the massive success of pan-Indian films and their global footprint.
About The Raja Saab
The Raja Saab is a highly anticipated horror-comedy starring Prabhas alongside actors such as Sanjay Dutt, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, and Riddhi Kumar. The film is scheduled to release on January 9, 2026, aiming to captivate audiences during the Sankranti festival season with its blend of genre elements and mass entertainment.
