Ever since The Raja Saab hit theatres on Friday, one criticism has followed the film almost everywhere — the extensive use of a body double for Prabhas. As the debate gained momentum online, a parkour athlete who worked on the film has now stepped in with behind-the-scenes footage that adds fresh context to the discussion.
The clips, shared on Instagram, show Prabhas actively present on set and participating in the shoot — countering the claim that the actor was entirely absent from action-heavy sequences.
Behind-the-Scenes Video Goes Viral
The athlete, identified as Pavan, posted a montage from the sets of The Raja Saab, calling his experience a “true fanboy moment.” One of the opening shots shows Prabhas calmly getting his makeup retouched before stepping in front of the camera — a clear indication that the actor was indeed part of the filming process.
However, the video also doesn’t shy away from reality. Several clips openly show a body double dressed exactly like Prabhas performing high-risk parkour stunts, being pulled on a trolley, and suspended mid-air using ropes during a major fight sequence.
Rather than denying the use of doubles, the footage highlights how action scenes were split between the actor and trained stunt performers — a standard industry practice, especially for physically demanding sequences.
Athlete Reacts After Watching Film in Theatres
Pavan also shared a clip recorded from inside a cinema hall, capturing audience reactions during the same action sequence. In his caption, he wrote that the “theatre cut went crazy,” adding how surreal it felt to watch a sequence he helped choreograph play out on the big screen.
The post struck a chord with fans, many of whom appreciated the transparency and the acknowledgment of both Prabhas’ presence and the stunt team’s contribution.
Maruthi’s Earlier Comments Resurface
The discussion around body doubles isn’t new. Just days before the film’s release, director Maruthi had already addressed the backlash in an interview.
Responding to similar criticism faced by Prabhas in films like Saaho and Radhe Shyam, Maruthi explained that using body doubles is common practice across industries. He emphasized that leading stars today are valuable assets and shouldn’t be physically strained for every shot when technology and trained stunt teams can safely achieve the same result.
According to him, preserving an actor’s health and longevity is just as important as delivering spectacle on screen.
Box Office Update and Ongoing Changes
Despite mixed reviews, The Raja Saab opened strong at the box office, collecting ₹112 crore worldwide on Day 1. Following the lukewarm response, the makers have already made mid-run changes, adding new scenes featuring Prabhas in his older look starting Saturday.
Whether these changes — along with behind-the-scenes clarity — help soften audience criticism remains to be seen.
Final Words
The viral BTS video doesn’t erase the use of body doubles — but it does reframe the conversation. The Raja Saab relied on a blend of star presence, stunt expertise, and technical support to execute its action sequences. While fans may still debate how much is too much, the footage confirms one thing: Prabhas wasn’t missing — he was part of the process, even if not every leap or flip was his own.
In modern big-budget cinema, spectacle is rarely a solo effort — and The Raja Saab is no exception.
