A screening of the newly released Telugu filmThe Raja Saabturned chaotic at a packed cinema hall in Odisha onJanuary 9, when fans celebrating starPrabhasinadvertently caused a fire. During the star’s entry sequence on screen, some attendees broughtaarti plates, lit lamps, and burst crackers inside the theatre, which ignited materials at the front of the hall. The incident sparked panic as smoke and flames disrupted the screening, prompting many audience members to evacuate. Fortunately,no injuries or casualtieswere reported.

The Raja Saab, which had been postponed multiple times, drewlarge crowds on its first day, eager to witness Prabhas’s return to the fantasy-thriller and mass-entertainer genre. Social media clips show fans shouting, throwing confetti, and celebrating during key sequences, including thecrocodile fightand musical numbers. The celebrations escalated when some fans broughtaarti ki thaaliinto the auditorium, lit lamps, and burst arrows in front of the screen to honour Prabhas, triggering the fire.

The film starsPrabhasalongside an ensemble cast includingSanjay Dutt, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar, and Boman Irani. Its release generated widespread attention, with fans across regions expressing their excitement at theatres.