Maruthi Apologizes for Comments at Rebel Saab Song Launch: 'Never Meant to Hurt' Jr NTR Fans

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The director of Rebel Saab, Maruthi, sparked controversy after making comments at the film's song launch event on Sunday. Fans of Jr NTR, who have long been associated with the 'raising collar' gesture, took issue with Maruthi's indirect reference to the signature move. The event, held at the Vimal 70 MM Theatre in Hyderabad, drew a large crowd of fans waiting for the launch of the song Rebel Saab. Despite Prabhas's absence, the fans were eager to see the film's introduction song. In a statement, Maruthi apologized for his comments, stating that it was never his intention to hurt or disrespect Jr NTR fans. He acknowledged that his words may have been misinterpreted and expressed his respect for the actor and his fans. Maruthi's apology came after fans took to social media to express their discontent with his comments. The backlash was triggered by Maruthi's comparison of Prabhas's stature to the effort required to 'raise a collar', a nod to Jr NTR's fans. The song Rebel Saab, featuring music by Thaman, is now available in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada. The film, written and directed by Maruthi, is scheduled for release on January 9, 2024. Maruthi's apology aims to clear the air and reassure fans of his respect for the film industry and its enthusiasts. The controversy surrounding his comments has, however, highlighted the strong bond between fans and their favorite actors in the South Indian film industry.