SS Rajamouli made Prabhas a pan-India star with Baahubali; Maruthi’s ‘medium-range hero’ remark irks fans

Hyderabad witnessed a sea of excitement at the pre-release event of The Raja Saab, Prabhas’ upcoming big-ticket entertainer. With roaring fans, a packed stage and the entire team present, the evening was meant to be a pure celebration. Director Maruthi, visibly moved by the scale of love, delivered an emotional speech. Yet, one part of his address soon overshadowed the festivities, triggering sharp reactions online.

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A Personal Anecdote from Distant Lands

While speaking about how Telugu cinema has expanded its footprint globally, Maruthi narrated an experience from abroad that left a lasting impression on him.

He recalled, “We visited a remote village somewhere in South Africa. When I mentioned that I am a film director, he said, "Oh, really?" and looked at me from top to bottom. I then asked him if he knew who my hero was, and he asked, "Who?". When I said "Prabhas," he replied, "Oh, the Baahubali hero?". This shows that he has become known even to people of a different tribe in the Masai Mara.”

For Maruthi, the moment captured the unprecedented reach Prabhas gained after Baahubali.

Rajamouli’s Role in Changing the Game

Expanding on the thought, Maruthi credited SS Rajamouli for reshaping not just a star’s career, but the global perception of Telugu cinema itself.

He stated, “Every director is very, very, very indebted to Rajamouli garu. The reason is that today, everyone is walking around with their collars raised, saying "Pan India, Pan India," but he is the one who put his life into it, introduced a medium-range hero to the Pan-India stage, and established a massive cutout (stature) for the world today.”

What was intended as gratitude, however, soon became the core of a brewing controversy.

‘Medium-Range Hero’ Comment Sparks Backlash

Prabhas’ fans took strong exception to the phrase ‘medium-range hero’, arguing that it undermined his pre-Baahubali stardom. Social media platforms lit up with comparisons to his earlier successes.

One fan wrote, “Prabhas also had blockbusters like Varsham, Chatrapati, which are a bigger sensation than Aadhi. In fact Prabhas had a way better streak than NTR around that time - Darling, Mr. Perfect, Mirchi all were hits. Even Rebel had a massive hype.” (sic)

Another comment took a sharper tone, saying, “Prabhas giving it all back by giving chances to medium-range directors like you.” (sic)

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Spotlight Back on The Raja Saab

Amid the debate, anticipation for The Raja Saab remains high. The fantasy thriller sees Prabhas returning to a mass-driven narrative laced with humour. The film boasts a star-studded cast including Sanjay Dutt, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar and Boman Irani.

Scheduled for release on 9 January 2026, the film aims to dominate the Sankranti box office.