Prabhas returns to the big screen with “The Raja Saab,” a fantasy horror comedy directed by Maruthi. Released on January 9, 2026, this highly anticipated film promised a fresh avatar for the Baahubali star. But does it deliver? Here’s our honest take.
Table of Contents
The Raja Saab: Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Maruthi |
| Lead Actor | Prabhas |
| Supporting Cast | Sanjay Dutt, Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, Boman Irani |
| Genre | Fantasy Horror Comedy |
| Release Date | January 9, 2026 |
| Runtime | 3 hours |
| Rating | ⭐⭐ (1.5/5) |
| Music | Thaman S |
The Plot That Promises More Than It Delivers
The story follows Raja, a young man living with his Alzheimer-affected grandmother Gangamma. When Raja discovers clues about his mysteriously missing grandfather Kanakaraju, he’s drawn to a haunted mansion that holds dark secrets.
According to Pinkvilla’s review, the film struggles with execution despite having an interesting premise. The mix of mysticism and fantasy in a VFX-heavy world fails to create the intended impact.
What Works: Prabhas Steals the Show
In an otherwise disappointing outing, Prabhas remains the film’s saving grace. The actor takes a complete 180-degree turn from his larger-than-life action roles, delivering a charming and softer performance reminiscent of his early career days.
His comic timing and charisma shine through, proving once again why he’s one of Telugu cinema’s biggest stars. Thaman S’s music also deserves appreciation, offering several memorable tracks despite feeling unnecessary to the screenplay.
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Where It All Falls Apart
The film’s problems are multifaceted. According to IMDb, despite boasting an ensemble cast, the execution lets everyone down. The screenplay moves at an inconsistent pace with obvious plot holes that leave viewers disengaged.
Neither the horror nor the comedy works effectively. The fantasy elements appear amateurish with tacky VFX that fails to create the immersive experience audiences expect from a big-budget production.
The three-hour runtime feels unnecessarily stretched, with incomplete subplots abandoned mid-way to introduce new ones. Director Maruthi’s vision doesn’t translate well on screen, hampered further by poor editing from Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao.
Cast Performances: Wasted Potential
While Prabhas delivers his best, legendary actors like Sanjay Dutt and Boman Irani are underutilized. The female leads—Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, and Riddhi Kumar—are reduced to mere props, appearing primarily in song sequences without substantial character development.
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The Final Verdict
“The Raja Saab” is a crass, unfunny horror comedy that works only because of Prabhas’ undeniable star power. The film lacks soul, resulting in a dull viewing experience that even hardcore Prabhas fans might find challenging to sit through.
If you’re planning to watch it, lower your expectations significantly and go purely for Prabhas’ performance—because that’s genuinely the only highlight worth your time and money.
FAQs
Is The Raja Saab worth watching in theaters?
Only hardcore Prabhas fans should consider it—the film disappoints with poor execution, tacky VFX, and a dragging three-hour runtime.
What is the main problem with The Raja Saab?
The film suffers from poor direction, amateurish VFX, weak screenplay with plot holes, and failure to balance horror-comedy elements effectively.
