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Prabhas, best known for his role in Baahubali, made his horror film debut in The Raja Saab, which was widely expected to be one of the year's most anticipated releases in Pongal. Fans eagerly anticipated seeing the actor in a new role, and the film undoubtedly exceeded their expectations. Many viewers, however, felt let down and deceived by the film's final outcome. Many viewers were unhappy with the writing, which they said was badly written and unintentionally humorous, and with the heavy usage of body doubles in even the most basic shots.
The box office rejects The Rajasaab
The film bombed at the box office despite its pan-India release (in many languages) and timing (around the Pogal/Makar Sankranti festivities). Competition from other Sankranthi releases, like Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, starring Chiranjeevi, has been stronger than this one. Despite the setback, Prabhas's admirers are still holding out hope that he will soon stage a spectacular comeback. The Raja Saab grossed a total of Rs 120 crore (about $63 million) in India in its first five days of release. But thereafter, collections started to fall sharply. With a rumored budget of over 400 million rupees, many expected The Raja Saab to dominate the box office. In fact, the picture quickly lost screens to new movies featuring Chiranjeevi, Ravi Teja, and Naveen Polishetty as a result of its lacklustre performance—though even those films are allegedly having trouble making money.
Why The Rajasaab fails to work on the screen
The Raja Saab, written and directed by Maruthi, is an attempt to transport viewers back in time to a period before Baahubali, when the actor was at his best in comedic and lighthearted roles, such as Darling and Mr Perfect. The actor appears eager to embrace this unique blend of romance, fantasy, humour, and horror. However, what started as a fascinating premise ultimately gets wasted in the film's confusing hodgepodge. At 189 minutes, the film devolves into an endurance test, concealing occasional entertaining moments beneath a tedious and rambling story.
The atmosphere is set for spine-tingling terror, as Prabhas is ensnared in this terrifying mansion with no apparent means of escape, accompanied by Malavika Mohanan, VTV Ganesh, Satya, Nidhhi Agerwal, Saptagiri, and, eventually, Riddhi Kumar. Rather, the suspense never builds, except for a few jump scares and an action scene featuring a CGI crocodile. Everyone acts as if they are going on an exciting adventure weekend, and not a single one seems scared. Aside from casual discussion of sunscreen and moisturizers, there is an explanation that the leading ladies casually cite regarding a magical wardrobe to explain their impeccable style.
The central plot point of Zarina Wahab's character is around events that occurred in her youth. This chapter gives us a sneak peek into Sanjay Dutt's role, and it looks like they're planning something really terrifying. However, the screenplay fails to deliver on its promise of continuous creepiness and emotionally gripping drama.
An engaging showdown, fought mostly as a contest of intellects, unfolds at the conclusion, which clocks in at more than 30 minutes. But by then it's too late to save a film that feels sloppy in both writing and production. To further emotionally distance the spectator, it appears that some sequences were shot using green screens and substantially enhanced using visual effects.
Prabhas fans- there's still hope!
Prabhaas fans should not give up faith just because The Raja Saab let them down. This year, the actor has another film coming out called Fauzi. Two sections will make their theatrical debut with Hanu Raghavapudi's highly awaited flick. The film is supposedly finished shooting and aiming for an Independence Day 2026 release. The creators are anticipated to make an official announcement shortly.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit, starring Prabhas and Triptii Dimri, will premiere on March 5, 2027, kicking off the new year on a strong note. The actor's partnership with the famed filmmaker makes this film one of his most anticipated undertakings. Apart from this, Prabhas is also getting ready for the sequels to Salaar and Kalki. The producers of the movie have also assured audiences that a sequel will be released after the actor's original work.