The recently released teaser of Prabhas' upcoming film 'Fauzi' has sparked controversy, with Chandra Kumar Bose, the grandnephew of freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, demanding its removal over concerns about the fictional portrayal of historical figures and events.

Chandra Kumar Bose has urged director Hanu Raghavapudi and the film's production team to withdraw the teaser and release a revised version, warning against the distortion of history in the name of cinematic storytelling. His objection comes days after the makers unveiled the teaser, titled 'File No 25', on October 23 to coincide with Prabhas' 47th birthday.

The controversy centres on a sequence set in Berlin in 1942, featuring a fictional exchange between Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Adolf Hitler. The teaser subsequently introduces Prabhas as a superspy involved in the struggle against British colonial rule.

Netaji's grandnephew demands removal of 'Fauzi' teaser

The controversy gained attention after socio-political leader Suparno Satpathy shared the teaser on X, expressing reservations about incorporating historical personalities into a fictional narrative.

While praising the teaser's presentation and extending his wishes to the film's team, Satpathy questioned the creative decision to blend historical events with fiction. 

In his post, he wrote, “Dear @hanurpudi Garu, describing in one word this teaser is ‘goosebumps’ ... Mixing fiction with history isn’t a good idea … Nevertheless, best wishes are for the release on 19 Mar ‘2027 Netaji Zindabad !! Jai Hind !! … SS”

Chandra Kumar Bose subsequently reposted Satpathy's remarks, taking a stronger stand against the teaser and asking the filmmakers to reconsider their depiction of historical events.

“Mixing fiction with history is a crime. I hope @hanurpudi and his team @FauziTheMovie / @MythriOfficial pull down this teaser, put out a new one and make sure that history is not distorted. Hope #Prabhas too gets to read this.”

By tagging Prabhas in his post, Bose also sought to bring the issue to the attention of the film's leading actor.

What sparked the 'Fauzi' teaser controversy?

The objection stems primarily from the teaser's opening sequence, which places Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Adolf Hitler in a fictional conversation in Berlin during the Second World War.

Set in 1942, the scene depicts the two historical figures discussing British rule in India. The narrative then shifts to Prabhas' character, presenting him as a rebel and superspy taking on the British Empire.

Although 'Fauzi' is a fictional period drama, the inclusion of recognisable historical personalities has raised questions about how the film distinguishes creative interpretation from documented history.

Chandra Kumar Bose's remarks have brought the issue into focus, with his demand centred on ensuring that the portrayal does not misrepresent historical events.

About Prabhas' 'Fauzi'

Directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, 'Fauzi' is an upcoming period drama starring Prabhas in the lead role. The film is produced by Mythri Movie Makers and presented by T-Series Films.

Naveen Yerneni, Y Ravi Shankar and Bhushan Kumar are associated with the project as producers.

The film's teaser, 'File No 25', offered audiences an early glimpse of its period setting and Prabhas' character against the backdrop of India's struggle against British rule.

'Fauzi' is scheduled for a theatrical release on March 19, 2027.