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The Raja Saab: Movie Review and Box Office Collection Live Updates: Prabhas' film opens strong at the domestic market, outpaces Dhurandhar

THE TIMES OF INDIA | Jan 10, 2026, 12:25:01 IST

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The Raja Saab: Movie Review and Box Office Collection Live Updates: Prabhas' film opens strong at the domestic market, outpaces Dhurandhar

'The Raja Saab' is one of the most anticipated theatrical releases of 2026, as Prabhas steps into a genre he has never explored before. Scheduled to hit theatres on January 9 during the Sankranthi festive season, the film marks the star’s foray into horror-comedy on a grand Pan-India scale. Directed by Maruthi, the film promises a completely fresh cinematic experience, powered by a never-seen-before look of Prabhas.

Fueling excitement, the film’s official X handle recently shared a video message from Maruthi, where the director highlighted the uniqueness of Prabhas’ transformation. “Telugu audience has seen the entertaining version of Prabhas. But Pan India has never. After coming out of the theatre, you will remember Prabhas from this film for many years,” he said. Emphasizing the novelty, Maruthi added, “The get-up and everything… it is a great episode… and has never been seen on Indian screen.”

Maruthi further stressed the detailing involved, from “the make-up, hair, the way he talks” to the actor’s “innate swag” and even “the detailing he gave when he sits on the chair.” With Prabhas leading an ensemble cast featuring Sanjay Dutt, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, and Riddhi Kumar, and music composed by Thaman S, The Raja Saab aims to deliver a unique, entertaining spectacle.

08:27 (IST) Jan 09

Twitter review - 'Interesting core plot'

A Twitter review reads, "#TheRajaSaab First Half • Interesting core plot revolves around Ganga Devi & Kanakaraju (Sanjay Dutt) • Prabhas looks are top notch he looks so active & opened up after many years • Thaman BGM worked pat • Screenplay & Narration could be spun well Faceoff Game starts from Intermission Looking forward…!!"

07:43 (IST) Jan 09

#WeStandWithTHALAPATHY trends big; takes over 'The Raja Saab'

#WeStandWithTHALAPATHY started trending strongly. What surprised many was that the hashtag continued to trend even on the release day of Prabhas’ The Raja Saab. Fans posted messages, photos, and emotional notes saying they stand with Vijay no matter what. For them, this was not about one film release.

07:13 (IST) Jan 09

Climax too good - Twitter review

One early review praised the climax of the Prabhas starrer. The review read, "Climax too good Decent 2nd half 2nd half First 20 minutes ,last 20 minutes Too Good Families ki connect ayithe Hittu Bomma."

07:12 (IST) Jan 09

The Raja Saab Twitter review

A Twitter review reads, "Excellent!! #TheRajaSaab works for me more than any other prabhas films in the last 7 years. Maruthi hit it out of the park with Horror fantasy, credit to him for exploring this kind of genre and actually doing a great job. Thaman's music is outstanding. Prabhas one man show!!"

07:03 (IST) Jan 09

Strong love for climax and last 40 minutes

Many viewers spoke about the climax and the last part of the film. One person wrote, "#TheRajaSaab is a master piece . That last 40 minutes from hospital scene is First half beautifully builds for this grandeur The Graphics & VfX is of Hollywood standards. It’s an experience to be felt in cinema Verdict :Outstanding, never before in Indian cinema #Prabhas."

07:02 (IST) Jan 09

Premiere shows and first reactions

The Raja Saab released in theatres worldwide on January 9, 2026, during the Sankranthi festival. Before the full release, special premiere shows were held on January 8 in a few cities. A small group of people got to watch the film early. As soon as the shows ended, viewers shared what they felt on social media. Most reactions came on X, where people post instant thoughts. Since Prabhas is back in a fun horror comedy, fans were very excited. These early reactions quickly started spreading online.

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06:37 (IST) Jan 09

'A young man with a lot of greed'

One Twitter user wrote, "Nothing exciting so far, writing has heavy flaws and illogical moments. Feels very lengthy, second half is the key."

06:36 (IST) Jan 09

The Raja Saab review

One Twitter user wrote, "#TheRajaSaab Review: A promising horror-fantasy premise and an energetic Prabhas after a long tume kept the hopes alive, but a messy screenplay, dated commercial elements, uneven VFX and length of the film dull the impact. Thaman’s music supports, yet the execution falls short."

06:36 (IST) Jan 09

First reviews OUT

The story is about a young man filled with greed who wants to sell his grandfather’s old mansion. Later, he finds out that the house hides supernatural secrets. The film promises mystery, fear, fun, and emotions. Early reactions on social media are mixed. One tweet said, “Nothing exciting so far, writing has heavy flaws and illogical moments. Feels very lengthy, second half is the key.” Another reaction said the idea was good, Prabhas was energetic, and Thaman’s music helped, but the screenplay, VFX, and length reduced the impact. Still, fans are walking into theatres with hope, waiting to see Prabhas in this new and different avatar.

06:35 (IST) Jan 09

About the film and its journey

The Raja Saab is written and directed by Maruthi. The film was officially announced in January 2024, even though shooting began in 2022. The release was delayed many times. First, it was planned for April, then December, and now finally January 9. The film is releasing during Sankranthi and is clashing with several Telugu and Tamil films. The cast includes Prabhas, Sanjay Dutt, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar, Boman Irani, and Zarina Wahab. Music is composed by Thaman S.

06:35 (IST) Jan 09

Fans wait for Prabhas in a new shade

The Raja Saab is one of the most awaited films of 2026. Fans have been waiting for a long time to see Prabhas back on screen in a fresh film and in a new genre. The movie releases in theatres on January 9. This time, Prabhas is coming in a horror-comedy film, which has already made people curious. The film is releasing during Sankranthi, which makes the excitement even bigger. Many fans feel this film will show a fun and entertaining side of Prabhas that they have missed for years.

Written and directed by Maruthi, The Raja Saab is a horror-comedy that blends supernatural elements with humour, style, and star power. Officially announced in January 2024, though filmed since 2022, the film has undergone multiple release delays before finally locking January 9 as its theatrical release date. Positioned as a Sankranthi entertainer, the film will clash with several Telugu and Tamil releases, underlining the makers’ confidence in its mass appeal.

At the heart of the film is Prabhas in a role designed to redefine his on-screen persona. According to Maruthi, “In this horror-comedy genre, everyone has gone to their extent to give a new experience. Since Prabhas is here in this film, it has to be unique and entertaining. It has to be new.” The director has teased a performance layered with meticulous detailing, from physical appearance to body language. “The make-up, hair, the way he talks…There is this innate swag in him, in the way he sits and stands,” Maruthi revealed.

Backed by Thaman S’s music and a strong supporting cast, The Raja Saab promises a blend of chills, laughs, and memorable moments. As Maruthi puts it, “You will enjoy it very much. Wait and watch.”