Rating: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)
Cast: Prabhas, Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Riddhi Kumar, and Brahmanandam
Director: Maruthi
Music: Thaman S
Producer: TG Vishwa Prasad (People Media Factory)
Genre: Fantasy Horror-Comedy
Release Date: January 9, 2026
Prabhas, the "Rebel Star," returns to the silver screen this Sankranti with The Raja Saab. After a series of high-octane actioners like Salaar and Kalki 2898 AD, director Maruthi attempts to bring back the "vintage Prabhas"—the charming, witty, and flamboyant hero we loved in films like Darling and Bujjigadu. But does this horror-comedy blend hit the bullseye? Let’s find out.
The Plot: Royalty, Ghosts, and Inheritance
The story follows Raja Saab (Prabhas), a carefree and stylish young man who lives for the moment. His life takes a sharp turn when he discovers he is the rightful heir to a massive, sprawling ancestral estate. However, the property isn't just filled with gold and legacy; it’s haunted by the past—literally.
As Raja tries to navigate the disputes over the property and the eerie occurrences within the mansion, he must face off against dark secrets and his own family's history. The narrative attempts to blend a royal rivalry with supernatural elements, all while keeping a comedic tone.
Performance: The Prabhas Show
The biggest highlight of The Raja Saab is undoubtedly Prabhas. He looks refreshed and energetic, embracing a lighter character with ease. His screen presence and comedic timing are the film's saving grace. Fans will particularly enjoy the "Old Man" avatar, which was added back into theaters after the initial release due to public demand.
The female leads—Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Riddhi Kumar—look glamorous and perform their parts well, though their character arcs feel somewhat thin. Sanjay Dutt and Boman Irani bring much-needed gravitas to the film, but the screenplay doesn't fully utilize their legendary status. Veteran comedian Brahmanandam provides a few laughs, though some of the humor feels dated.
Technical Aspects
Direction & Screenplay: Director Maruthi’s vision for a grand fantasy-comedy is evident, but the execution falters. The transition between horror and comedy is often jarring, and the second half suffers from pacing issues.
Music: Thaman S delivers a decent background score that amplifies the "mass" moments. The remix song "Nache Nache" is a visual treat.
Visuals: The production design is grand. The haunted mansion sets are impressively eerie, and the cinematography captures the "Royal" vibe perfectly. However, the VFX in certain horror sequences feels inconsistent.
The Good
* Prabhas’ energetic performance and stylish looks.
* Grand production values and sets.
* A few genuine laugh-out-loud moments in the first half.
* The surprise "Old Avatar" and rooftop action sequence.
The Bad
* Weak and predictable screenplay.
* Overstretched runtime (over 3 hours).
* Forced romantic tracks that slow down the narrative.
* Inconsistent tone (shifts too abruptly between horror and comedy).
Final Verdict
The Raja Saab is a visual spectacle that succeeds in showcasing Prabhas in a fun, vintage light but fails to deliver a cohesive story. It is a treat for die-hard Prabhas fans who want to see their favorite star enjoying himself on screen. However, for the general audience, the thin plot and long runtime might make it a one-time watch.