Bollywood’s beloved ‘Baba’ has transformed into something far more sinister than fans have ever witnessed. As Sanjay Dutt celebrates his 66th birthday, the makers of Prabhas’ upcoming horror-comedy The Raja Saab have unveiled a spine-chilling poster that showcases the veteran actor in an avatar so haunting, it’s guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. This isn’t the Sanjay Dutt we know – this is a mystical, weathered patriarch who seems to hold secrets darker than the cobweb-covered corridors he inhabits.
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The Haunting Revelation: Sanjay Dutt’s Mystical Makeover
When the poster dropped on social media, fans weren’t prepared for what they witnessed. Sanjay Dutt appears in a rugged, eerie look with long grey hair, an intense expression, and surrounded by cracked walls and cobwebs in what looks like a haunted setting, standing against a decaying room that hints at his spine-chilling character in the movie.
The transformation is nothing short of extraordinary. Gone is the polished Bollywood star we’re accustomed to seeing. Instead, we’re introduced to a character that seems to have emerged from the depths of a Gothic nightmare. Sanjay Dutt plays Prabhas’s grandfather in the movie, appearing aged, with fully grown hair and a moustache.
This isn’t just another role for the seasoned actor – it’s a complete metamorphosis that showcases his commitment to character immersion. The weathered face, the penetrating gaze, and the overall aura of mystery surrounding his character suggest that Sanjay Dutt has delved deep into the psychological aspects of portraying a supernatural patriarch.
The Raja Saab: Where Horror Meets Comedy in Cinematic Excellence
Directed by Maruthi, this horror comedy features Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, and Riddhi Kumar as the female leads, and is scheduled to release worldwide on 5 December 2025 in Telugu alongside dubbed versions of Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi languages.
The film represents a fascinating blend of genres that Indian cinema has been experimenting with successfully in recent years. It is reported that the film takes place at the backdrop of an old cinema theatre, with Prabhas reportedly playing dual roles as the owner of a theatre and another as a ghost, playing both grandson and grandfather.
This multi-layered narrative structure provides the perfect backdrop for Sanjay Dutt’s character to weave in and out of the storyline, potentially serving as the connecting thread between the past and present. His grandfather role isn’t just a family connection – it’s the key to understanding the supernatural elements that drive the film’s horror-comedy dynamic.
The Cinematic Craftsmanship Behind the Character
The attention to detail in Sanjay Dutt’s character design speaks volumes about the film’s production values. Every element, from his disheveled grey locks to the haunting backdrop, has been meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere of dread mixed with intrigue. The poster doesn’t just reveal a character; it unveils an entire world where the supernatural and the comedic collide.
The visual storytelling evident in this single poster suggests that The Raja Saab will push boundaries in terms of makeup, set design, and character development. Sanjay Dutt’s willingness to embrace such a radical transformation demonstrates his evolution as an actor who refuses to be typecast, even at this stage of his illustrious career.
Star-Studded Ensemble and Production Excellence
The film also stars Prabhas Sreenu, Boman Irani, VTV Ganesh, Sapthagiri, Samuthirakani, and others, produced on a grand scale by People Media Factory. The music is composed by Thaman.
This ensemble cast brings together talent from across Indian cinema, creating a melting pot of acting prowess that complements the film’s ambitious scope. With Prabhas leading the charge and Sanjay Dutt anchoring the supernatural elements, the film promises to deliver entertainment that transcends regional boundaries.
The involvement of People Media Factory as producers indicates significant investment in the project’s visual and technical aspects. When combined with Thaman’s musical expertise, The Raja Saab appears positioned to become a landmark film in the horror-comedy genre.
The Genre-Defying Appeal
What makes Sanjay Dutt’s role particularly intriguing is how it fits into the horror-comedy framework. His character seems to embody the horror elements while potentially providing moments of dark humor – a delicate balance that requires exceptional acting skills. The poster suggests that his character might serve as both the source of fear and the catalyst for comedic situations.
This dual nature aligns perfectly with the film’s genre-blending approach. This marks a notable shift in genre for the pan-India star, who’s known more for epic action dramas and mythological blockbusters than quirky, ghost-filled rom-coms.
Fan Reactions and Industry Buzz
The unveiling of Sanjay Dutt’s look has generated unprecedented excitement across social media platforms. Fans have been sharing the poster with comments ranging from amazement at his transformation to genuine excitement about seeing him in such an unconventional role. The timing of the reveal – on his birthday – has amplified the impact, creating a gift-like moment for his admirers.
Industry insiders have praised the bold choice of casting and character design, noting that it demonstrates the film’s commitment to authentic storytelling rather than relying solely on star power. This approach suggests that The Raja Saab will prioritize narrative integrity alongside commercial appeal.
Technical Brilliance Behind the Transformation
The makeup and prosthetics work evident in Sanjay Dutt’s transformation deserves special recognition. Creating a believable aged character requires more than just adding grey hair and wrinkles – it demands understanding the physicality and psychology of the character’s life experiences. The result showcased in the poster suggests meticulous attention to these details.
The cinematography choices, from lighting to composition, enhance the character’s mystique. The way shadows play across his weathered features, combined with the haunting background elements, creates a visual narrative that speaks volumes before he utters a single line of dialogue.
The Anticipation Builds
As December 2025 approaches, The Raja Saab continues to generate buzz through strategic reveals like this character poster. Sanjay Dutt’s transformation represents just one element of what promises to be a comprehensive cinematic experience that challenges conventional genre boundaries.
The film’s success will largely depend on how well it balances its horror and comedy elements while maintaining the emotional depth that characters like Sanjay Dutt’s grandfather figure require. Early indications suggest that the team has invested significantly in achieving this balance.
Cast and Crew Information
| Role | Artist |
|---|---|
| Lead Actor | Prabhas |
| Grandfather Character | Sanjay Dutt |
| Female Leads | Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar |
| Director | Maruthi |
| Music Director | Thaman |
| Producer | People Media Factory |
| Release Date | December 5, 2025 |
Technical Specifications
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Horror-Comedy |
| Languages | Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada |
| Setting | Old Cinema Theatre |
| Character Type | Dual Roles (Prabhas), Grandfather Figure (Sanjay Dutt) |
| Production Scale | Grand Scale Production |
| Music | Thaman |
| Expected Rating | Family Entertainment |
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FAQs
What role does Sanjay Dutt play in The Raja Saab?
Sanjay Dutt plays Prabhas’s grandfather in the horror-comedy film, appearing in a rugged, aged avatar with long grey hair and a mystical appearance that hints at supernatural elements in the story.
When is The Raja Saab releasing?
The Raja Saab is scheduled for worldwide theatrical release on December 5, 2025, in multiple languages including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada.
Who is directing The Raja Saab?
The film is directed by Maruthi, known for his expertise in blending comedy with other genres, making him an ideal choice for this horror-comedy project.
What genre is The Raja Saab?
The Raja Saab is a horror-comedy film that reportedly takes place against the backdrop of an old cinema theatre, with Prabhas playing dual roles as both grandson and grandfather characters.
Who are the female leads in The Raja Saab?
The film features Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, and Riddhi Kumar as the female leads, alongside a stellar supporting cast including Boman Irani and Samuthirakani.
