After the release of Mahesh Babu’s film ‘Khaleja’, fans appeared unhappy. Several scenes cut from the film, which Fan’s angered them.
SNPNEWS.IN Update: Re-release of Mahesh Babu’s 2010 film Khaleja in 4K on May 30, 2025, has sparked significant controversy due to missing scenes and songs in the remastered version. Fans, who were highly enthusiastic about the re-release of this cult classic, expressed disappointment and frustration after noticing that key scenes and songs were omitted during special premiere shows on May 29 and the official release on May 30. This led to chaos at some theaters, with reports of vandalism as fans protested the altered version. Social media platforms, particularly X, saw an outpouring of fan outrage, with some blaming the Khaleja team for poor planning and not informing audiences about the cuts beforehand.
The Khaleja team responded by stating they were working to reinstate the missing content, and exhibitors later announced that the unedited version would be screened across theaters. Despite the controversy, the re-release has been a commercial success, grossing over ₹3.5 crore in advance ticket sales, surpassing records set by other re-releases like Prabhas’ Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire. The film’s strong pre-sales, especially in India and the USA, reflect Mahesh Babu’s enduring popularity and the movie’s cult status, despite its initial box office failure in 2010.
Mahesh Babu has not publicly commented on the controversy. The re-release, intended to celebrate the film’s legacy and honor Superstar Krishna’s birth anniversary, has been overshadowed by these issues but continues to draw large crowds due to the film’s beloved humor, dialogues, and Mahesh Babu’s performance.
Details on fan reactions
Fan reactions to the re-release of Mahesh Babu’s Khaleja in 4K on May 30, 2025, have been intense and polarized, largely due to the controversy over missing scenes and songs in the remastered version. Here’s a detailed breakdown based on available information, particularly from social media platforms:
Initial Excitement: Prior to the re-release, fans were thrilled about Khaleja returning to theaters in a 4K remastered format. The film, a cult classic despite its 2010 box office failure, has a dedicated fanbase that cherishes its humor, Mahesh Babu’s performance, and iconic dialogues. Social media posts showed widespread anticipation, with fans sharing nostalgic memories, planning theater visits, and celebrating the film’s re-release as a tribute to Mahesh Babu’s legacy and Superstar Krishna’s birth anniversary.
Outrage Over Missing Content: The mood shifted dramatically after special premiere shows on May 29 and the official release on May 30 revealed that key scenes and songs were cut from the re-released version. Fans expressed their frustration on Social Media, with many calling the omissions “unacceptable” and a “betrayal” of their expectations. Posts highlighted specific grievances, such as the absence of beloved songs like “Sada Siva” and pivotal scenes integral to the film’s emotional and narrative impact. Some fans accused the Khaleja team of poor planning and lack of transparency, as no prior announcement was made about the edits.
Akshay Kumar & Paresh Rawal Become The Center Of Discussion from Last 10 days
Theater Chaos and Vandalism: The dissatisfaction escalated beyond social media in some locations. Reports emerged of fans causing disturbances at theaters, with instances of vandalism reported in certain venues due to anger over the altered version. These incidents were widely discussed on Social Media, with some users sharing videos and images of the chaos, amplifying the controversy. Fans felt that the re-release, meant to honor the film’s legacy, instead disrespected its essence.
Mixed Sentiments Post-Response: After the Khaleja team announced they were working to restore the missing content and exhibitors confirmed that the unedited version would be screened, reactions split. Some fans appreciated the swift response and expressed renewed excitement to watch the complete film, sharing updates about sold-out shows and packed theaters. Others remained skeptical, with Social Media posts questioning the team’s initial oversight and demanding accountability. Hashtags related to Khaleja trended as fans debated the issue, with some defending the film’s team, citing the logistical challenges of re-releasing a 15-year-old film.
Continued Support Despite Controversy: Despite the backlash, Mahesh Babu’s star power and Khaleja’s cult status kept fan enthusiasm high. Many fans on Social Media praised the film’s 4K visuals, Mahesh Babu’s charisma, and the nostalgic experience of watching it in theaters. Advance ticket sales exceeding ₹3.5 crore, as reported on Social Media & web sources, underscored the unwavering loyalty of Mahesh Babu’s fanbase, particularly in Telugu-speaking regions and the USA. Fans shared celebratory posts about the film breaking re-release records, with some calling it a “blockbuster comeback.”
Calls for Accountability and Memes: The controversy also sparked a wave of memes and sarcastic comments on Social Media, with fans humorously mocking the situation, such as joking about watching a “Khaleja remix” instead of the original. Some demanded apologies from the filmmakers or distributors, while others urged Mahesh Babu to address the issue directly, though he has remained silent so far.