In a startling allegation that has sent ripples through the Tollywood film industry, producer Sreenivas Kumar Naidu, popularly known as SKN, has accused a senior producer of actively attempting to sabotage the upcoming Prabhas-starrer, "The Raja Saab." The claims, made during a recent podcast interview, have ignited a debate about industry ethics and the intense competition that exists behind the scenes.
SKN alleges that this unnamed producer has been orchestrating a sustained campaign to tarnish the reputation of "The Raja Saab" even before its release. According to SKN, the alleged sabotage involves spreading false narratives, planting misleading rumors, and pushing negative stories about the film across various media platforms. He suggests that this producer's actions stem from an inability to accept Prabhas' immense popularity and the anticipation surrounding his films.
While SKN refrained from naming the producer directly, he hinted at a history of similar "unethical practices" whenever a competing film appears to be a potential success. He believes the motive behind this negative campaign is to distract the audience, create confusion, and ultimately demoralize the team working on "The Raja Saab".
"The Raja Saab," directed by Maruthi, is highly anticipated as a romantic horror entertainer showcasing Prabhas in a different light compared to his recent action-heavy roles. The film features a star cast including Malavika Mohanan and Nidhhi Agerwal. The film is expected to release sometime in 2025.
SKN's allegations have sparked varied reactions within the industry and among fans. Some express outrage and call for transparency, demanding that SKN reveal the name of the accused producer. Others remain skeptical, suggesting that such claims could be a publicity stunt to generate buzz around "The Raja Saab".
This isn't the first time SKN has been in the news recently. Earlier this year, he faced backlash for comments made at the pre-release event of "Dragon," where he appeared to favor non-Telugu-speaking actresses over local talent. He later clarified his remarks, stating they were made in jest and emphasizing his commitment to supporting Telugu actresses.
Whether SKN's accusations regarding "The Raja Saab" are factual or a product of industry rivalry remains to be seen. However, the incident has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the film's pre-release period and raised concerns about the ethical standards within the Telugu film industry. As the release date of "The Raja Saab" approaches, it will be interesting to see if these allegations have any impact on its box office performance and reception. The film industry and fans alike are awaiting further developments in this unfolding drama.