Controversial Prabhas Statue in Mysore Sparks Outrage: Baahubali Producer Threatens Legal Action

The unveiling of a wax statue of Telugu superstar Prabhas at a museum in Mysore has stirred up a hornet’s nest, with Baahubali producer Shobu Yarlagadda expressing his displeasure over the unauthorized installation. The statue, which portrays Prabhas in his iconic Baahubali attire, has not only caught the ire of the film’s makers but has also sparked a debate on social media platforms.

Producer’s Strong Stand

Shobu Yarlagadda took to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the museum’s actions, stating that the statue was not an officially licensed work and was installed without the permission or knowledge of the Baahubali team. “We will be taking immediate steps to get this removed,” he declared, responding to a picture of the statue shared on a fan page.

Internet’s Mixed Reactions

The statue has received mixed reviews from netizens. While some appreciate the effort to honour a Telugu actor in Karnataka, others have criticized the statue’s lack of resemblance to Prabhas. “He looks more like actor Ram Charan,” tweeted one user, while another commented, “Except for the Baahubali armour, it’s not Prabhas at all!” Some even humorously compared the statue to Australian cricketer David Warner.

A fan responded to Yarlagadda’s tweet, arguing that the installation should be seen as a gesture of love and respect for a Telugu actor in Karnataka, and therefore, no permission was needed.

A History of Wax Fame

This is not the first time Prabhas has been immortalised in wax. In 2017, he became the first South Indian actor to have a wax statue at Madame Tussauds in Bangkok. Those pictures had gone viral, setting a high standard for any subsequent wax renditions of the actor.

Legal Implications

The controversy raises questions about intellectual property rights and the ethical considerations surrounding the creation and display of such statues. With the Baahubali team threatening legal action, the museum may have to face consequences for its unauthorized installation.