Prabhas has once again grabbed the internet’s attention with a striking new look from the trailer 2.0 of Maruthi’s upcoming film The Raja Saab. Reported by NDTV.
A brief but impactful moment towards the end of the trailer has triggered intense discussion online, with many fans believing the actor has subtly addressed Arshad Warsi’s controversial “joker” remark from 2024.
The buzz traces back to August 2024, when Arshad Warsi openly expressed disappointment with Prabhas’ character in Kalki 2898 AD, describing it as looking like a “joker.” The comment sparked widespread debate at the time and divided fans.
Now, in the final seconds of The Raja Saab trailer 2.0, Prabhas is seen in a dark suit, standing with his head bowed while holding a massive hammer.
As he slowly lifts his face towards the camera, his appearance reveals white face paint with colourful detailing, instantly reminding viewers of Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker. The visual instantly set social media abuzz, with fans drawing parallels between the look and Warsi’s earlier comment.
Social media reactions poured in rapidly. One user wrote, "Finally, he has accepted that he is The Joker. Hats off to The Visionary Arshad Warsi #TheRajaSaab will break Jawan, Pushpa 2 record for sure." Another comment read, "When Arshad Warsi Said Prabhas, You looked like a Joker, Prabhas fans went crazy, Now he himself showed himself as Joker. Nobody trolls them better than man himself."
A third reaction added, "Arshad Warsi was absolutely right-Prabhas truly looks like a Joker."
While some fans viewed the moment as a clever, self-aware response by Prabhas, others continued to debate whether the look was intentional symbolism or simply a bold creative choice for the film. Regardless, the short glimpse has succeeded in keeping The Raja Saab firmly in the spotlight, with audiences eager to see what the actor has in store next.
The conversation traces back to August 2024, when Arshad Warsi appeared on Samdish Bhatia's podcast and shared his disappointment with Prabhas' character in Kalki 2898 AD. He said, "Prabhas, I am really sad, why was he... he was like a joker. Why? I want to see a Mad Max. I want to see Mel Gibson over there. Tumne usko kya bana dia yaar. Kyu karte ho aisa mujhe nahi samajh mein aata."
The remark triggered backlash from fans, prompting Arshad to clarify that he was criticising the character design and not the actor.
Speaking to ANI later, he explained, "Everybody has their own point of view, and people like to interpret noise. I spoke about the character, not the person. He (Prabhas) is a brilliant actor, and he has proved himself again and again, and we know about it. And, when we give a bad character to a good actor, it's heartbreaking for the audience."
Despite the clarification, the debate has now resurfaced following The Raja Saab trailer 2.0.
The Raja Saab is slated for a grand Sankranthi release on January 9, 2026. Directed by Maruthi, the film also stars Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Malavika Mohanan, and Nidhhi Agerwal.