Daaku Maharaaj, starring Nandamuri Balakrishna and Urvashi Rautela, has been embroiled in controversy since its release on 12 January. From criticism over a song to Urvashi’s remarks and Netflix’s handling of the film, here’s a look at the key issues that kept it in the headlines.
1. Age Gap Debate
The significant age difference between Nandamuri Balakrishna, 64, and Urvashi Rautela, 30, sparked debate among audiences. Many criticised the casting, calling it unrealistic and uncomfortable.
2. Backlash Over Dabidi Dibidi
The song Dabidi Dibidi, sung by Vagdevi, was met with heavy criticism. Social media users slammed its choreography, calling it “vulgar” and “cringe-worthy.” The dance was choreographed by Shekhar Master and featured some of Balakrishna’s iconic dialogues, but fans were unimpressed.
Urvashi Rautela later addressed the backlash in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, stating, “It is hard to assess why people are talking about the choreography in this way.”
3. Urvashi Rautela’s Insensitive Remarks
During a promotional event, Urvashi faced severe trolling over her comments regarding Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing incident. Instead of expressing concern, she shifted focus to the film’s Rs. 105 crore box office collection and flaunted her expensive jewellery.
In a conversation with ANI, she said, “It is very unfortunate. Now, Daaku Maharaaj has crossed ₹105 crore at the box office, and my mother gifted me this diamond-studded Rolex, while my father gifted me this mini watch on my finger, but we don’t feel confident to wear it outside openly.”
Following public outrage, she issued an apology but deleted it soon after, sparking fresh criticism. Many accused her of using the controversy for publicity.
4. Netflix Poster Snub
When Netflix India South announced the film’s OTT release, fans noticed that Urvashi Rautela was missing from the official poster. The omission led to widespread speculation, with many questioning whether her role had been downplayed.
5. Rumours Of Scenes Being Deleted
Reports surfaced that Netflix had removed Urvashi’s scenes from the OTT version of Daaku Maharaaj. The controversy intensified when Netflix initially left her out of the film’s promotional material.
However, after fan backlash, Netflix shared individual character slides, including two images of Urvashi. Sources later clarified that the rumours about her scenes being cut were false.
Directed by Bobby Kolli, Daaku Maharaaj features a stellar cast, including Bobby Deol, Pragya Jaiswal, Shraddha Srinath, Shine Tom Chacko, Sachin Khedekar, and Pradeep Rawat. Despite the controversies, the film has remained in the spotlight, ensuring its place in the public conversation.
