The Raja Saab director Maruthi apologises to Jr NTR fans for 'raise your collar' comment 'Hope you understand the intention'

Maruthi

The Raja Saab director, Maruthi, recently made headlines and faced a lot of flak online after his comments at the film's song launch event on Sunday went viral. The makers released the song Rebel Saab at the Vimal 70 MM Theatre in Hyderabad in the absence of the lead star Prabhas. During the event, a comment made by Maruthi about Jr NTR seemingly did not go well with the fans of the actor.

Maruthi's comment on Jr NTR

At the event, Maruthi discussed Prabhas' fandom and made indirect remarks at ‘raising collar', an action for which Jr NTR is well-known for. The comment triggered many fans of Jr NTR. For the unversed, raising the collar has become a signature gesture for fans of Jr NTR, who have used the action to express their love for the actor during pre-release promotions of films like Devara and War 2.

Director Maruthi stated that Prabhas has worked very hard on the film. "I won't say anything like you'll raise your collar after watching this because it's too less for someone of Prabhas' stature," he said. Following his comment, many fans of Jr NTR slammed the director on X for taking an indirect jibe at fans to promote his own films.

Maruthi apologises

Maruthi acknowledged the backlash and took to X to apologise to Jr NTR's fans. Maruthi wrote, "Felt like clarifying this personally. First, 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."

He went on to add, "I have immense respect for NTR garu and for all his fans. 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… and I hope you understand the situation and the intention behind it."

The Raja Saab is written and directed by Maruthi and is produced by People Media Factory and IVY Entertainment. The film starring Prabhas was officially announced in January 2024; however, the filming began in 2022. The horror comedy is now scheduled for release in theatres on January 9, 2026.