The Raja Saab Effect: Why Are Prabhas Fans Searching For Villa No. 17, Kondapur?

Director Maruthi is currently one of the most talked-about filmmakers on social media, having helmed Pan-Indian star Prabhas’ latest film, The Raja Saab. The horror-comedy, which opened in cinemas with

paid premieres on January 8 ahead of its official release on January 9, has received a mixed response from audiences, with many expressing disappointment over its execution. Several viewers felt that despite a strong and intriguing premise, the film fails to deliver due to unconvincing VFX and an incoherent screenplay. Prabhas’ massive star power, along with the inclusion of veteran actors such as Sanjay Dutt and Zarina Wahab, had generated significant hype around the project, which is reportedly made on a budget of Rs 500 crore. However, the buzz faded soon after the film’s global release. Following this, netizens have begun calling out director Maruthi, referencing a promise he made to fans during the film’s promotional events. Many have also shared clips of his now-viral speech.

The Raja Saab Release Effect: Prabhas Fans Trend Director Maruthi’s Villa No. 17, Kondapur On Social Media

At The Raja Saab pre-release event, director Maruthi made an eyebrow-raising and widely discussed statement to express his confidence in the film. He told the crowd that if even one percent of the audience—whether Rebel Star Prabhas’ fans or film buffs felt disappointed after watching the movie, they were welcome to come to his home and question him in person. He even publicly mentioned his address: Villa No. 17, Kolla Luxuria, Kondapur.

Reacting to the film’s reception, fans took to social media to share memes on how several followers of Prabhas and heading to his house to question him about the output. one fan wrote, “Director Maruthi definitely has no clue about the concept of the horror-comedy he intended to pull off with a big star.” Another user commented, “Scenes at Villa No. 17, Kolla Luxuria, Kondapur. Maruthi: idi edoo nannu champese plan laga undi enti.”

A third user urged the filmmaker to better understand the audience, writing, “Dear #Maruthi, take a film that the common audience can understand. You completely confused viewers in the second half. At one point, we don’t know what’s happening or what is real.”

The Raja Saab had generated curiosity as it marked Prabhas’ return to the family entertainer genre after more than a decade. Most of his films following the Baahubali franchise were mass action entertainers, and fans had hoped this film would bring back the “vintage Prabhas.” The film also stars Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, and Boman Irani.