Director Trivikram Srinivas’ 2010 cult film Khaleja, starring Mahesh Babu, returned to the big screen in 4K on May 30. While fans eagerly flocked to theatres for special premieres held a day earlier, they were dismayed to find that several iconic scenes and songs were missing from the film.
Videos quickly surfaced online showing angry fans confronting theatre staff and projectionists during screenings. Many fans accused the team behind the re-release of failing to inform them about the removed content.
One fan shared a clip of heated arguments inside a theatre, writing, “Orey song cut chesaru ani chepali kadha raa mundhey fans tho aatalu adadhu @KhalejaTheFilm direct adham pagal du manolu cinema api du, Sunday monday song ledhu movie lo.” The translation of the post revealed anger over the absence of the “Sunday Monday” song and disruption caused by it.
Another fan posted a video of a halted screening with fans shouting in protest, stating, “Sunday Monday song ledu. Nalo naku devudu kanipisthunnadu scene ledu. Evadu kodite dhimma thirigi dialogue ledu… inka em chesukodaniki ee re release. Worst planning ra @KhalejaTheFilm #Khaleja4K.”
Orey song cut chesaru ani chepali kadha raa mundhey fans tho aatalu adadhu @KhalejaTheFilm direct adham pagal dengaru manolu cinema api dengaru …
(Sunday monday song ledhu movie lo)
#Khaleja4K pic.twitter.com/kXGFMJZbyG— Koushik Naidu (@M_Koushik1203) May 29, 2025
Online backlash escalates
Social media buzzed with complaints about missing key scenes and iconic dialogues, including “Evadu kodithe dhimma tirigi…”, among others. Fans expressed frustration over the poor planning of the re-release and demanded accountability from the team.
Exhibitors were quick to clarify that the missing content was due to what they received from the content providers. A post on X by a theatre read, “Dear #Maheshbabu fans, Please note that #Khaleja4K will be screened with the content we receive from our VPF providers… So please be aware and do not let us down by creating unnecessary issues. Pls understand.”
Scenes restored after backlash
Following the backlash, the official X handle for the re-release announced the issue had been addressed. “EVERYTHING SORTED. Enjoy Khaleja 4K to the fullest in theatres near you,” the post read.
However, even after the announcement, some fans reported missing scenes during morning shows on Friday. The team responded by saying they were working to resolve the remaining issues.
Khaleja: A cult favourite that didn’t shine on release
Khaleja, which features Anushka Shetty, Prakash Raj, Rao Ramesh, Shafi, Sunil, Ali, and Subbaraju, received positive reviews upon its release but struggled at the box office. Over time, it gained a cult following and is now regarded as one of Mahesh Babu’s most beloved performances.
Despite the initial chaos, the updated screenings have allowed fans to enjoy the film in its entirety—reigniting nostalgia for one of Telugu cinema’s standout films.
