After months of anticipation and online chatter, The Raja Saab is finally ready to arrive on the big screen.
The film, headlined by Prabhas, is scheduled for a theatrical release on January 9, 2026, perfectly timed to capitalise on the festive Sankranti season, when family audiences traditionally flock to cinemas.
Amid the buzz, early reactions have begun surfacing online. One user shared an early take on X, writing:
“#TheRajaSaabReview : First Half #TheRajaSaab finds its rhythm as it moves toward the interval, with the pre-interval stretch standing out as a clear plus. The film shines during #SanjayDutt’s backstory, particularly the sequences depicting his transformation and rise through tantrik powers. Backed by effective VFX, these moments form the strongest segment before the interval, which also sets up intriguing prospects for the second half. The opening portions are more relaxed in pace, focusing on establishing the premise — #Prabhas on a quest to find his missing grandfather, Kanaka Raju (Sanjay Dutt). Overall, the first half is handled well, and a strong second half is crucial to elevate the film further. Fingers crossed.”
#TheRajaSaabReview : First Half #TheRajaSaab finds its rhythm as it moves toward the interval, with the pre-interval stretch standing out as a clear plus 👍. The film shines during #SanjayDutt’s backstory, particularly the sequences depicting his transformation and rise…— CHITRAMBHALARE (@chitrambhalareI) January 8, 2026
Directed by Maruthi Dasari, The Raja Saab marks a significant shift in tone for the filmmaker, who is best known for light-hearted entertainers and commercial comedies.
With this project, Maruthi steps into the world of horror-fantasy for the first time, attempting a large-scale genre blend that combines spectacle, emotion and supernatural elements.
Another viewer reacted enthusiastically, posting, “PRE INTERVAL MADDDDNEDSSS RIDEEEEEEEGooosseeebumppsss stuff”, while a third wrote:
“Good 1st half Grand Mother scenes baaga vachhayi Prabhas anna sentiment scene baaga vachhayi
Fights ,songs Fans ki feast”
Good 1st half Grand Mother scenes baaga vachhayi Prabhas anna sentiment scene baaga vachhayi Fights ,songs Fans ki feast #TheRajaSaab — S (@UrsShareef) January 8, 2026
The makers have rolled out a wide Pan-India release strategy, targeting both metropolitan centres and smaller towns across India and overseas markets such as the UAE and Dubai.
This approach mirrors previous Prabhas-led releases, aiming to maximise footfall across regions during the holiday window. Ever since the trailer dropped, The Raja Saab has been trending on social media, with fans dissecting every frame and speculating about its genre twists.
Not all reactions were glowing, however. One user offered a more critical view, stating:
“#TheRajaSaab Below Par 1st Half! Prabhas’s energy is the only mainstay so far. The rest is filled with outdated commercial elements that do not work. Some VFX shots, especially of Prabhas, look poor. It gets somewhat interesting only from the pre-interval. Needs a big 2nd half!”
#TheRajaSaab Below Par 1st Half! Prabhas’s energy is the only mainstay so far. The rest is filled with outdated commercial elements that do not work. Some VFX shots, especially of Prabhas, look poor. It gets somewhat interesting only from the pre-interval. Needs a big 2nd half!— Venky Reviews (@venkyreviews) January 8, 2026
Reportedly, The Raja Saab follows the story of a greedy young man who plans to sell his grandfather’s ancestral mansion, only to uncover dark supernatural secrets hidden within.
Also Read: Prabhas’ The Raja Saab hits Rs 3.5 Crore in advance bookings ahead of release
With mixed early reactions and high expectations riding on Prabhas, much now rests on how the second half unfolds once audiences step into theatres.
The film stars an ensemble cast that includes Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar and Zarina Wahab, with Malavika Mohanan making her Telugu debut through this project.
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