The wait is over. Prabhas, the pan-India superstar, has returned to the big screen today (January 9, 2026) with the horror-comedy The Raja Saab.
Directed by Maruthi and marketed as a fun, “vintage Prabhas” entertainer, the film carried massive expectations. Fans were eager to see their “Darling” shed the serious persona of Salaar and Kalki for a lighter, romantic, and spooky avatar.
However, does the movie live up to the hype? While the box office is on fire thanks to Prabhas’s stardom, the content itself is a mixed bag of high moments and frustrating lows.
The Plot: A Haunted Legacy
The story revolves around Raju (Prabhas), a carefree man who visits his ancestral mansion to care for his grandmother (Zarina Wahab), who suffers from Alzheimer’s.
- The Twist: The mansion isn’t just old; it holds a dark secret involving a stolen goddess necklace and an evil spirit named Kankaraaju (played by Sanjay Dutt).
- The Conflict: As paranormal events escalate, Raju finds himself battling not just ghosts but a psychological war to save his family’s legacy.
- The Hook: The film attempts to blend the “horror-comedy” tropes (think Chandramukhi meets Bhool Bhulaiyaa) with mass commercial elements.
What Works: The “Prabhas” Factor
The biggest positive of the film is undoubtedly Prabhas.
- Vintage Charm: For the first time in years, we see a relaxed, playful Prabhas. His comic timing, “Darling” swagger, and looks are a treat for fans who missed his Mr. Perfect era.
- The Climax: The last 40 minutes save the film from sinking. The visual effects ramp up, and the showdown with Sanjay Dutt is executed on a grand scale, offering the “high” audiences expect.
- Emotional Core: The scenes between Prabhas and Zarina Wahab are surprisingly touching, grounding the supernatural chaos in real emotion.
What Doesn’t Work: A Script in Crisis
Unfortunately, Director Maruthi seems to have struggled to handle the scale of a Prabhas film.
- Weak Writing: The comedy—Maruthi’s supposed strength—often falls flat. Many jokes feel outdated, and the “horror” elements are more generic than scary.
- Runtime Issues: Clocking in at over 3 hours, the movie feels bloated. The first half meanders aimlessly with forced romantic tracks involving Malavika Mohanan and Nidhhi Agerwal, who are sadly reduced to “flowerpot” roles with little impact.
- Inconsistent VFX & Music: While the climax looks good, the CGI in the horror portions often looks like a video game from 2010. Thaman S’s background score is loud, often overpowering the dialogue rather than enhancing the mood.
Performance Card
- Prabhas: 3.5/5 (Carries the film on his shoulders).
- Sanjay Dutt: 3/5 (Menacing presence, but underutilized).
- Heroines (Malavika, Nidhhi, Riddhi): 2/5 (Minimal scope).
- Supporting Cast: Boman Irani adds some gravitas, while Yogi Babu provides sporadic laughs.
Final Verdict: 2.5/5 (Strictly for Fans)
The Raja Saab is a classic case of “All Gloss, Little Substance.” It is not a disaster, but it is definitely a missed opportunity. If you are a die-hard Prabhas fan, you will enjoy seeing him in a fun avatar after a long time. For the general audience, the weak screenplay and excessive length might make it a tedious watch.
Our Advice: Watch it for the climax and Prabhas’s swag, but keep your expectations in check.
Sequel Alert: The film ends with a massive setup for a sequel titled Raja Saab 2: Circus 1935, hinting at a time-travel or period backstory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is The Raja Saab a hit or flop? While the reviews are mixed to negative, the opening box office is massive due to Prabhas’s stardom. It has already beaten recent Hindi releases in morning occupancy. However, its long-term “Hit” status will depend on how it holds up after the weekend.
2. Is the movie horror or comedy? It is a Horror-Comedy. It mixes jump scares with slapstick humor, though critics argue the balance is uneven.
3. What is the runtime of The Raja Saab? The movie is quite long, with a runtime of approximately 3 hours and 6 minutes.
4. Is there a post-credit scene? Yes, the movie ends with a lead-in to the sequel, Raja Saab 2, set in a 1935 circus backdrop.
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