Prabhas, the global superstar known for epic blockbusters like Baahubali and Kalki 2898 AD, returns in 2026 with a bold genre shift in The Raja Saab. This Telugu-language fantasy horror-comedy, released worldwide on January 9, 2026, during the Sankranti festival, marks director Maruthi Dasari’s ambitious attempt at blending romance, laughs, scares, and VFX spectacle. With a massive ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Malavika Mohanan, and more, the film promises a pan-India entertainer. But does it deliver? Here’s a complete guide to the movie, plot, cast, reviews, box office buzz, and more for global fans.
Key Details Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | January 9, 2026 (Sankranti festive release) |
| Director | Maruthi Dasari |
| Genre | Fantasy Horror-Comedy / Romantic Horror |
| Runtime | 189-190 minutes (3 hours approx.) |
| Languages | Telugu (original), dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, English |
| Cast Highlights | Prabhas (Raju / Raja Saab), Sanjay Dutt (Kanakaraju), Malavika Mohanan (Bhairavi), Nidhhi Agerwal (Bessy), Riddhi Kumar (Anitha), Boman Irani, Zarina Wahab (Gangamma) |
| Music | Thaman S |
| Producer | People Media Factory & IVY Entertainment |
| Budget (Reported) | Massive (VFX-heavy, large sets) |
| OTT Plans | Expected post-theatrical (details TBA) |
| Sequel | Confirmed: RajaSaab 2: Circus 1935 |
The film was shot with elaborate sets, including one of the world’s largest indoor haveli recreations in Hyderabad, emphasizing grand visuals.
Plot Overview
The Raja Saab follows Raju (Prabhas), a carefree, rebellious young man living with his grandmother Gangamma (Zarina Wahab), who suffers from Alzheimer’s. She obsessively remembers her long-lost husband Kanakaraju (Sanjay Dutt). When Raju discovers his grandfather is alive in Hyderabad, he embarks on a journey to reunite them—only to uncover supernatural secrets, a haunted ancestral mansion, royal heritage, and eerie forces. The story mixes emotional family bonds, comedy, romance (with multiple female leads), and horror elements, with Prabhas in dual roles blending modern swag and royal legacy.
Early trailers teased chills, laughs, and Prabhas’ charismatic entry, but the narrative expands into a fantasy world with VFX-driven sequences.
Cast and Performances
Prabhas shines in a lighter, playful avatar after years of intense action roles—fans call it a return to his “vintage” charm from films like Darling. Sanjay Dutt brings gravitas as the grandfather, while Zarina Wahab’s emotional portrayal of the grandmother is heartfelt. Malavika Mohanan makes her Telugu debut, Nidhhi Agerwal adds glamour, and Boman Irani provides comic support. However, multiple heroines often feel underutilized.
Reviews and Reception (Mixed to Negative)
The Raja Saab opened to mixed-to-negative reviews on January 9, 2026. Critics praise Prabhas’ energy, entry scenes, and the emotional core but slam the messy screenplay, weak horror-comedy balance, dated humor, uneven VFX, and excessive length.
- Positives: Prabhas’ swag, clap-worthy climax, Thaman’s energetic music, grand scale.
- Negatives: Thin plot, slow pace, lack of genuine scares/laughs, over-stuffed elements.
Social media reactions vary: Fans celebrate the theatrical experience and Prabhas’ performance, while many call it disappointing or “torturous.” Early scores hover around 2-2.5/5 from outlets like The Hindu, Pinkvilla, and Gulte.
Box Office Performance
Despite mixed word-of-mouth, The Raja Saab started strong thanks to Prabhas’ stardom and Sankranti hype. Day 1 collections reportedly neared ₹100 crore worldwide (including strong openings in Andhra Pradesh and overseas). Hindi versions saw modest starts (around ₹5-6 crore). Advance bookings were solid, with packed theaters and fan celebrations. It outperformed some expectations but faces challenges from reviews.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Prabhas’ charismatic, fun performance – a fresh change from action epics.
- Emotional family drama and grandmother-grandson bond.
- Grand VFX and production scale.
- Thaman S’s soundtrack elevates moments.
- Pan-India appeal with multi-language dubs.
- Sequel setup promises more.
Cons
- Messy screenplay and pacing issues (nearly 3 hours).
- Uneven blend of horror, comedy, and fantasy.
- Weak horror elements and dated humor.
- Underdeveloped female characters.
- Over-reliance on Prabhas’ stardom.
Overall, it’s a film for die-hard Prabhas fans enjoying the spectacle, but casual viewers may find it tedious.
FAQs About The Raja Saab
Q: When and where was The Raja Saab released?
A: Worldwide in theaters on January 9, 2026, during Sankranti, in multiple languages.
Q: Is The Raja Saab a horror movie?
A: It’s a fantasy horror-comedy with romance—more comedy and fantasy than pure scares.
Q: How is Prabhas’ performance?
A: Energetic and charismatic; many call it his most fun role in years.
Q: What’s the box office outlook?
A: Strong Day 1 (near ₹100 crore globally), but mixed reviews may impact legs.
Q: Is there a sequel?
A: Yes, RajaSaab 2: Circus 1935 confirmed.
Q: Worth watching in theaters?
A: For Prabhas fans and Sankranti vibes—yes. Others: Wait for OTT or skip if expecting tight horror-comedy.
