The Raja Saab does give fans a dose of comedy and horror, but does the film truly deliver on its promise?
After a long time, Prabhas is back in his comedy era after playing several action-hero roles. The Raja Saab released today, January 9, 2026, in five languages, including Telugu, Hindi, and English, across the country. The film brings together horror, comedy, and a complete package of family drama. But here’s the thing — while the film has its moments, it’s not quite the comeback everyone was hoping for.
What’s the Story About?
The film shows Prabhas’s character hunting for his grandfather’s fortune as he faces financial problems. However, this search comes with a haunting twist. Director Maruthi packs in ghosts, comedy, romance, and action, along with a stellar cast including Sanjay Dutt, Malavika Mohanan, and Boman Irani.
The Good Stuff
Let’s start with what works. Prabhas fans, this one’s for you. He brings back his old-school comic timing that we’ve been missing since his action-packed Baahubali days. Remember the charm he had in Mr. Perfect and Darling? That playful, boy-next-door vibe is back, and it’s refreshing to see. There are some genuinely fun moments, especially in the second half, where he literally faces off with his own shadow — it will make you laugh a lot.
Sanjay Dutt brings the intensity we expect from him, and the emotional scenes between Prabhas and veteran actress Zarina Wahab hit just the right notes. Plus, the film looks gorgeous. The production values are top-notch, and the cinematography makes every frame feel grand and polished.
Where It Falls Short
Now for the not-so-great parts. The film can’t seem to make up its mind about what it wants to be. Is it a horror film? A comedy? A family drama? The constant switching between tones makes it feel a bit all over the place.
The first half drags quite a bit, testing your patience before things finally pick up. The female characters, despite having talented actresses like Malavika Mohanan and Nidhhi Agerwal, don’t get much to do beyond looking pretty and supporting the hero’s journey.
Critics haven’t been too kind either. NDTV gave it just two stars, saying the plot lacks depth. The humour doesn’t always land, the music is unnecessarily loud, and the special effects could have been better given the film’s big budget.
What Are Fans Saying?
Social media can’t stop talking about this. Reactions are all over the map. Some fans are calling it a “royal disaster” (ouch!), criticising the lazy writing and weak storyline. One harsh review even asked Prabhas fans to “forget and forgive” their favourite star for this below-par effort.
But it’s not entirely bad. Plenty of moviegoers are giving it 3.5 out of 5 stars, praising Prabhas’s energy, the climax action sequence, and the overall entertainment value. As one viewer put it, it’s a decent “timepass” watch if you’re looking for visual spectacle and don’t mind a messy plot.
The Verdict
Our Rating: ⭐⭐ (2.5 out of 5)
The Raja Saab is basically that friend who shows up to the party with great intentions but can’t quite get the vibe right. It has all the ingredients for a fun ride — a beloved star, an interesting premise, and good production quality — but the recipe doesn’t come together as well as it should.
If you’re a hardcore Prabhas fan, you’ll probably find enough to enjoy. His charm, some solid action sequences, and a few emotional moments make it worth a watch. But if you’re expecting a well-crafted horror-comedy that keeps you hooked from start to finish, you might walk out feeling a bit underwhelmed.
At the end of the day, The Raja Saab works in parts but never quite becomes the royal feast it promises to be. It’s more like a buffet where some dishes are delicious while others are just… there.
The Raja Saab is now playing in theatres nationwide in Telugu, Hindi, and English.
