‘The Raja Saab’: Fire Breaks Out at Theatre During Screening As Prabhas’ Fans Burst Crackers

Enthusiastic fans celebrating Prabhas’ entry at Ashok Talkies in Rayagada sparked a blaze after lighting crackers and burning confetti inside the hall.

January 10, 2026: A major tragedy was narrowly averted on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Ashok Talkies in Odisha’s Rayagada district. During a packed screening of Prabhas’ latest release, The Raja Saab, a fire broke out inside the auditorium, causing a brief stampede-like situation among terrified moviegoers.

The incident occurred during the “Rebel Star’s” high-octane introduction scene. As the screen lit up with Prabhas’ entry, a group of over-enthusiastic fans reportedly began performing an aarti and bursting firecrackers inside the hall. The sparks ignited kilos of confetti that fans had thrown into the air, leading to a sudden blaze near the screen and the front-row carpets.

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Quick Action Averts Disaster

• The Panic: As flames rose near the screen, several audience members rushed toward the exits.
• The Response: Fortunately, theatre staff and a few alert fans acted instantly using fire extinguishers to douse the flames before they could reach the seating area or the main screen.
• The Aftermath: No injuries or major property damage were reported. After a 20-minute halt to ensure safety protocols, the screening resumed to a slightly shaken but still vocal crowd.

“Shaming the Star”: Social Media Backlash

The video of the fire quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from the general public and fellow fans alike. Many took to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the dangerous stunt.

“This is the maturity of Prabhas fans? You are shaming his name. This is a cinema hall, not your house. You could have killed people,” one viral comment read.

Authorities in Rayagada have reportedly launched an inquiry into how firecrackers were smuggled into the cinema hall despite security checks.

Box Office Update: Mixed Reviews, Massive Numbers

Despite the controversy and a wave of “atrocious” reviews from critics who slammed the film’s 189-minute runtime and “shoddy” VFX, the Prabhas-Maruthi collaboration is proving to be a commercial juggernaut.

Directed by Maruthi, the film features a massive ensemble including Sanjay Dutt, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Malavika Mohanan. While critics have labeled it a “cringe-fest,” the film’s strong opening suggests it may still reach the ₹100-crore mark by the end of the weekend.