Director Maruthi is reportedly planning a strong comeback for the next Sankranti season after facing criticism for his recent film The Raja Saab, which starred Prabhas and aimed for a pan-India release. The film, made in a fantasy horror genre that was a departure from Maruthi’s usual style, did not meet expectations at the box office and received mixed to negative responses from sections of audiences and fans. The setback has prompted the director to rethink his next move and return to the genre he is best known for.
Industry buzz suggests that Maruthi is now working on a new script that is expected to be a full-fledged entertainer with his trademark comedy and family-friendly elements. The film is said to be tentatively titled Hey Pongal, a name that clearly hints at a festive release during the Sankranti season. After targeting Sankranti with The Raja Saab, Maruthi is believed to be keen on reclaiming the festive slot and delivering a crowd-pleasing commercial film that reconnects him with the mass audience.
Sources from Film Nagar say the upcoming project will move away from experimental genres and return to light-hearted entertainment, which has brought Maruthi consistent success in the past. The director reportedly wants to bounce back quickly and “settle the score” at the box office by delivering a clean entertainer that works well with family audiences during the holiday season. The script work is said to be in progress, and an official announcement is expected once the casting and production details are finalised.
There is also growing curiosity about who will headline Maruthi’s next film. While no official confirmation has been made, industry circles are abuzz with speculation about a possible collaboration with a hero from the Mega family. Maruthi is known to share a good rapport with the Mega camp, and in the past, there were discussions about a potential project with Chiranjeevi, though the senior star’s current commitments make that unlikely at present. Attention has now shifted to Varun Tej, who is said to be in talks for a new entertainer. However, Varun Tej already has projects in the pipeline, including one backed by Niharika Konidela, which makes his availability for Hey Pongal uncertain.
With The Raja Saab failing to live up to the hype it generated as a pan-India release, Maruthi’s next film is being closely watched by trade analysts and fans alike. The director’s decision to return to a festive release window and focus on comedy and entertainment is seen as a strategic move to regain audience confidence. If the project materialises as planned, Hey Pongal could become Maruthi’s key attempt to stage a box office comeback and re-establish his winning formula with Sankranti audiences.