Fauzi Teaser: Prabhas’ Film Faces Backlash For Its Portrayal Of Historical Figures, Fans Ask 'Why Netaji Is Praising Hero'

On the occassion of Prabhas’ birthday on October 23, the makers of his upcoming film Fauzi released a glimpse that brought cheer to fans of the Rebel Star. However, the video has not received a positive response from everyone. Some viewers have questioned the portrayal of historical figures, particularly Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who is shown praising Prabhas’ character while speaking with Adolf Hitler. They feel that using a respected freedom fighter to elevate the film’s protagonist is not right. The glimpse has since got criticism online. Here's a look at what fans are saying about Fauzi teaser.

The video featuring Prabhas in Fauzi, shows Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose speaking with Adolf Hitler and elevating Prabhas’ character. Some social media users feel that presenting a historical personality in a role that appears to praise the protagonist is inappropriate. They have questioned whether the sequence gives due importance to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's historical significance or uses him to build up the film’s lead character.

Another demanded that a criminal case be filed against the makers for using Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose to elevate and glorify Prabhas’ character. They also called for an immediate public apology and the removal of the video. A user felt that Hitler’s portrayal in the teaser lacked confidence and failed to do justice to the historical significance of his meeting with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, which could have been handled with greater dignity and historical sensitivity.

Some fans have defended the makers, pointing out that Fauzi is a fictionalised story based on real characters, much like SS Rajamouli’s RRR. The makers have not yet responded to the criticism or issued a statement.

Prabhas shared the video on Instagram, describing it as the declassified File No. 25. It opens with black-and-white visuals of wartime vehicles moving through a snow-covered street, with the text establishing the setting as Berlin on May 29, 1942.

The video refers to the meeting between Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Adolf Hitler during World War II. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose sought international support for India’s independence from British rule. However, the makers have not revealed how the historical encounter connects to Prabhas’ character or the film’s storyline.

Directed by Hanu Raghavapudi of Sita Ramam fame, Fauzi stars Prabhas alongside Imanvi, Mithun Chakraborty, Jaya Prada and Anupam Kher. Backed by Mythri Movie Makers and presented by T-Series Films, the period drama features music by Vishal Chandrasekhar. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on March 19, 2027, in multiple languages, including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Bengali.