The long-awaited The Raja Saab, starring Prabhas, finally hit cinemas on January 9, 2026, timed with the Sankranthi festival, and has sparked lively reactions from audiences and critics alike. Directed by Maruthi, the film marks a bold shift for Prabhas into a fantasy horror-comedy — a genre blend that hasn’t always clicked smoothly on screen.
Premise & Expectations
Set against a mysterious haunted mansion backdrop, The Raja Saab promises an engaging mix of scares, laughs, romance, and supernatural fun. With a star-studded ensemble including Sanjay Dutt, Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Boman Irani, expectations were sky-high, especially with Prabhas returning to a lighter and more entertainer-driven role after his mass action films.
Box Office Launch & Audience Buzz
The film opened in packed houses and managed to dethrone Dhurandhar from the top box office spot, despite a slower start in some language versions. Early ticket sale numbers showed strong interest, with impressive pre-sales and sold-out shows in several regions.
However, fan enthusiasm was mixed — with passionate supporters making headlines even before first screenings, including reports of excited crowds at preview shows.
Mixed Reactions Online
Once the film reached audiences, reactions quickly diverged across social platforms:
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Positive responses highlighted Prabhas’ screen presence, particularly in the second half and emotional climax, suggesting his performance helped lift parts of the story.
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Others criticized the film’s execution, calling it confusing with weak comedy, muddled horror elements, and uninspired writing. Many viewers felt the screenplay couldn’t deliver enough thrills or genuine laughs, and some pointed out disjointed scenes that affected the film’s pacing.
What Worked and What Didn’t
While the premise of blending fantasy and comedy had potential, reviewers and fans alike pointed to shallow character development outside the lead role and an inconsistent narrative flow. The horror aspects often felt undercut by forced comic moments, and certain technical elements — like VFX quality and editing — received mixed feedback.
Final Thoughts
The Raja Saab isn’t a clear win. It’s a film with ambitious genre fusion and star power, but its uneven execution leaves audiences divided. Prabhas’ performance remains the film’s strongest asset, while the overall storytelling and comedy fall short of expectations. Whether it becomes a festival favorite or a contender for future sequels will depend heavily on word-of-mouth in the coming weeks.