The Raja Saab Movie Review: Prabhas Shines in a Messy Horror-Comedy
Prabhas returns to the big screen with The Raja Saab, a high-budget horror-comedy directed by Maruthi. Released today, January 9, 2026, the film marks a significant departure for the “Rebel Star,” shifting from larger-than-life action epics like Kalki 2898 AD and Salaar to a genre defined by timing, wit, and spookiness.
While the film has opened to massive numbers at the box office, the critical consensus suggests that this “royal” experiment is a mixed bag, primarily designed to please die-hard fans of the superstar.
If you are a die-hard Prabhas fan, this film has moments to cheer for. For neutral audiences, however, The Raja Saab turns out to be a mixed — and often exhausting — experience.
Story & Screenplay: A Haunted Legacy
The story follows Raju (Prabhas), a young man with a rebellious spirit and impeccable comic timing. He lives with his grandmother, Gangamma (Zarina Wahab), an Alzheimer’s patient who clings to the memory of her husband, Pekamedala Kanakaraju (Sanjay Dutt).
Raju’s quest to find his grandfather leads him to a mysterious, haunted mansion. He soon discovers that Kanakaraju is long dead and has returned as a vengeful spirit. To reclaim his family’s lost wealth and legacy, Raju must enter a battle of wits and hypnosis inside the mansion, guided by a paranormal expert, Dr. Padmabhushan (Boman Irani).
The story of The Raja Saab revolves around a royal backdrop blended with supernatural and comic elements. While the premise sounds intriguing on paper, the screenplay struggles with consistency. The first half takes its time to establish the setup, but the narrative often feels stretched, relying heavily on Prabhas’ entry scenes and elevation moments.
The second half introduces the core conflict, yet predictable twists and an uneven pace dilute the impact. The film tries to juggle fantasy, horror, romance, and mass action, but ends up not fully excelling in any single genre.
A “Rebel Star” One-Man Show
The biggest takeaway from The Raja Saab is the vintage, playful version of Prabhas. After years of playing intense, brooding characters, he finally returns to the “Darling” persona that fans loved in films like Bujjigadu.
The Highlights
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Prabhas’ Energy: His ease with comedy and romantic banter (even when the script is thin) is the film’s saving grace. His “dual shades” and stylish screen presence are designed for the galleries.
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The Climax: The final 40 minutes, particularly the sequences inside the haunted theatre, provide a much-needed adrenaline boost. The psychological mind games between the grandson and the grandfather add some late-stage intrigue.
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Emotional Core: The scenes between Prabhas and Zarina Wahab offer the film its only true emotional heartbeat.
The Support Cast
Sanjay Dutt brings a menacing intensity as the antagonist, though his character design feels under-utilised. Comedian Satya and VTV Ganesh provide some genuine laughs, but the three female leads—Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Riddhi Kumar—are largely restricted to underwritten, ornamental roles.
Final Verdict: Only for Prabhas Fans
⭐ Rating: 2.5/5
The Raja Saab is not a film for everyone. It is crafted primarily as a fan celebration of Prabhas, filled with mass moments and visual grandeur. If you enjoy larger-than-life presentations and are emotionally invested in the star, you will find moments to enjoy.
For general moviegoers seeking strong storytelling, engaging horror, or fresh entertainment, The Raja Saab may feel underwhelming.
👉 Watch it only if you’re a Prabhas fan.
