Get ready for Sankranti 2026’s biggest cinematic extravaganza! The Raja Saab, starring pan-India superstar Prabhas, is set to redefine the horror-comedy genre with its grand scale, star-studded cast, and India’s largest indoor film set. Directed by Maruthi, this fantasy horror comedy releases January 9, 2026, promising three hours of thrilling entertainment.
Table of Contents
The Raja Saab: Quick Information Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Lead Actor | Prabhas (Dual Role) |
| Director | Maruthi Dasari |
| Genre | Fantasy Horror Comedy |
| Release Date | January 9, 2026 (Sankranti) |
| Runtime | 3 hours 9 minutes (189 mins) |
| Censor Certificate | U/A 16+ (December 24, 2025) |
| Music | Thaman S |
| Production | People Media Factory, IVY Entertainment |
| Cinematography | Karthik Palani |
| Set Size | 41,256 sq ft (Largest in India) |
Star-Studded Cast Ensemble
The film boasts an impressive lineup with Prabhas reportedly playing dual roles as both grandson and grandfather. The ensemble includes Bollywood heavyweights Sanjay Dutt and Boman Irani, alongside leading ladies Malavika Mohanan (Telugu debut), Nidhhi Agerwal, and Riddhi Kumar. Comedy legends Brahmanandam and Yogi Babu add humor, while veteran actress Zarina Wahab brings depth to the narrative.
The Plot: Ancestral Mystery Meets Horror
The story follows a young man desperately seeking easy schemes to accumulate wealth and overcome financial troubles. His search leads him to his ancestral mansion, where he investigates his missing grandfather’s disappearance. What unfolds is a spine-chilling yet hilarious journey through a haunted haveli inhabited by sinister supernatural forces. The backdrop includes an old cinema theatre, adding nostalgic charm to the horror elements.
Censor Certificate & Runtime Details
After completing certification on December 24, 2025, The Raja Saab received a U/A 16+ certificate with minor modifications including a beheading scene reduced by 4 seconds and blood visuals converted to black and white. Notably, all romantic scenes and dialogues remained untouched. With a runtime of 3 hours and 9 minutes, it’s one of 2026’s longest theatrical experiences.
Record-Breaking Production Scale
The film was shot on India’s largest indoor film set spanning 41,256 square feet, designed by art director Rajeevan Nambiar, with over 1,200 workers completing the massive haveli set in four months. The production included nearly 300 days of VFX work, with songs filmed in Greece and climax sequences shot entirely on this monumental set.
Box Office Buzz & Advance Bookings
The Raja Saab has generated tremendous pre-release excitement, with North American advance bookings crossing USD 590,000 ahead of release. The film faces a Sankranti clash with Thalapathy Vijay’s Jana Nayagan, setting up an epic box office battle between two of South Indian cinema’s biggest stars.
For more updates on South Indian cinema’s biggest releases and box office battles, visit our Telugu cinema coverage and pan-India film analysis.
Want to explore more about Prabhas’ upcoming projects? Check out our detailed coverage of Prabhas’ filmography and his journey from regional star to pan-India phenomenon on Wikipedia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the censor rating and runtime of The Raja Saab?
The Raja Saab received a U/A 16+ certificate from CBFC with a runtime of 3 hours and 9 minutes (189 minutes), making it suitable for audiences aged 16 and above.
Is The Raja Saab based on a real story or remake?
No, The Raja Saab is an original horror-comedy script written by director Maruthi specifically for Prabhas, featuring a fictional story about ancestral property and supernatural mysteries.
