Watch: Raj Nidimoru Shields Samantha Ruth Prabhu Amid Massive Fan Frenzy In Tirumala
Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Raj Nidimoru’s Tirumala visit turned into a fan frenzy, with the filmmaker protectively guiding his wife through the massive crowd.
Ahead of the highly anticipated June 19 release of their new film ‘Maa Inti Bangaram’, actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu and her husband, filmmaker Raj Nidimoru visited Tirumala on Thursday to seek blessings. However, what began as a spiritual visit to the Lord Balaji temple quickly escalated into a fan frenzy, leading to a rare, protective moment from Raj Nidimoru that has captured the internet's attention. As the couple finished their darshan and began making their way out of the temple, a massive crowd of devotees gathered around them, eager to catch a glimpse of the superstar.
In a paparazzi video currently making rounds on social media, Raj Nidimoru can be seen holding Samantha close, protectively guiding her through the sea of fans. Their team was visible in the clip, actively trying to push the surging crowd aside so the couple could pass.
This protective gesture immediately stood out to fans, as Raj is famously known for shying away from public displays of affection. He recently made headlines for playfully refusing to tell Samantha he loved her on stage during an event. Yet, his actions in Tirumala proved his protective instincts take over when crowds get overwhelming. The viral clip also captures a sweet moment where one young fan standing near the couple visibly tries to hold back her extreme excitement.
#SamanthaRuthPrabhu and husband #RajNidimoru visit Tirumala together. 😍#Celebs pic.twitter.com/T4NTkBCQ5z
— Filmfare (@filmfare) June 18, 2026
While their exit was chaotic, another video shows the couple had a much easier time heading into the temple. Samantha, looking radiant in a cream kurta set paired with a mustard-and-gold dupatta, was seen happily chatting with other devotees who greeted her and warmly waving at fans.
The power couple was joined by key members of the ‘Maa Inti Bangaram’ team, including director Nandini Reddy, co-star Sreemukhi, and producer Himank Duvvuru from Tralala Moving Pictures. The entire group paused to pose for pictures together after safely making their way out of the temple premises.
Slated for a June 19 release, ‘Maa Inti Bangaram’ marks Samantha's highly awaited return to the silver screen following her 2023 theatrical releases, ‘Shaakunthalam’ and ‘Kushi’. While she starred alongside Varun Dhawan in the 2024 Prime Video web series ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’ and made a cameo in her 2025 production ‘Subham’, this new project places her back in a powerful leading role.
Directed by Nandini Reddy, the film was created by Raj Nidimoru, who also co-wrote the script with Vasanth Maringanti, with an additional screenplay by Prahas Boppudi. Boasting an ensemble cast that includes Gautami, Diganth, and Gulshan Devaiah, promotional materials tease a thrilling plot: an unassuming housewife who is forced to unleash her hidden, violent past when her family's safety is threatened.
At the recent pre-release event for the film, director Nandini Reddy opened up about her special working relationship with Samantha, marking their third collaboration.
“I have done three films with Sam (Jabardasth in 2013, Oh! Baby in 2019, and Maa Inti Bangaram in 2026),” Nandini shared. “Out of those, she brought two of them to me. She brought it with trust in me; I hope I have lived up to it. You will all see the Sam you like, times 10, on June 19. That's a promise.”
