Bhubaneswar: In a startling display of fandom that nearly turned disastrous, enthusiastic supporters of Telugu superstar Prabhas ignited a blaze inside Ashoka Talkies at Rayagada in Odisha during the premiere screening of his latest film, The Raja Saab.
A video capturing the chaotic moment has since exploded across social media, sparking widespread outrage over safety lapses.
The incident unfolded at Ashoka Theatre on Friday, as fans celebrated the release of the horror-romantic comedy directed by Maruti.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that revellers scattered around 25 kilograms of colourful confetti on the floor before setting it alight right in front of the screen.
Fortunately, the fire contained itself without causing any injuries or major damage, despite flames leaping up and illuminating the darkened hall. However, the near-miss has sparked concerns about irresponsible behaviour in public areas.
Shared on Instagram by user @m.chaanti, the clip shows the inferno amid cheers from the crowd, quickly amassing views and drawing sharp criticism. Netizens lambasted the fans for their immaturity, with one commenting, “This is no way to celebrate; what if the fire had spread?” Another urged, “Act like adults — it’s not your home.”
Such extreme devotion isn’t new for Prabhas’ admirers, who have previously built temples and inked tattoos in his honour, but this episode has ignited debates on fan culture boundaries.
The Raja Saab, Prabhas’ first outing since the blockbuster Kalki 2898 AD, raked in over Rs 50 crore on its opening day despite mixed reviews. As the video continues to trend, authorities are yet to comment on potential actions against the theatre or the involved fans.