The Raja Saab Movie Review: The Raja Saab hit theatres on January 9, 2026, and early reactions are already pouring in. The Prabhas and Sanjay Dutt starrer has sparked strong debate online. While some fans are cheering the return of “Vintage Prabhas”, others feel the film struggles to balance horror, comedy and drama.
The film marks a major shift for Prabhas. This is a clear move away from his intense action image seen in Baahubali and Kalki 2898 AD. With The Raja Saab, the actor steps into a horror-comedy space. For many viewers, this experiment feels refreshing. For others, it feels uneven.
The Raja Saab Movie Review: Prabhas Starrer Gets Mixed Response Online
There was huge anticipation ahead of the release. The buzz grew even more because the film was initially expected to clash with Thalapathy Vijay’s final film, Jana Nayagan. That clash did not happen after Vijay’s film was postponed. As a result, all eyes were on The Raja Saab when the first-day, first shows began.
Soon after, social media platform X was flooded with reviews.
Several viewers praised Prabhas’ screen presence but pointed out flaws in the writing. One user shared his The Raja Saab Movie Review and wrote, “Prabhas shines and delivers his best performance post BB2. However, the weak screenplay and storytelling hold the film back. Overall, an average product (sic).”
Another viewer felt the film failed to build fear or excitement. He posted, “It’s okaish. the horror feels forced, drama drags with confusing twists that don’t land, and the narrative loses steam fast. Non-interesting stretches dominate, making it hard to stay hooked despite the star power and occasional VFX highs. A royal attempt that confuses more than it scares.”
Some viewers described The Raja Saab as an uneven mix of genres. One user rated the film 2.5 out of 5 and wrote, “Prabhas’s magnificent screen presence elevates this uneven horror-comedy despite stagnant storytelling (sic).”
Another reaction focused on outdated elements. The post read, “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 The rest is filled with outdated commercial elements that do not work.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!”
Have a look at some more reactions below:
Overall, the word-of-mouth suggests a divided response. Many viewers agree that Prabhas gives his all. However, the film’s pacing, horror treatment, and writing seem to be the biggest concerns.
About The Film
Directed by Maruthi, The Raja Saab is a Telugu fantasy horror-comedy set against a grand backdrop. The story follows a young heir who returns to his ancestral mansion due to financial troubles. Things take a dark turn when he realises the property is haunted by a sinister force. Prabhas reportedly plays a dual role. He appears as both the grandson, a theatre owner, and the ghost of the grandfather.
The film boasts a strong supporting cast. Sanjay Dutt and Boman Irani play key roles. Malavika Mohanan makes her Telugu debut. Nidhhi Agerwal and Riddhi Kumar are the female leads. Brahmanandam, Yogi Babu, and Zarina Wahab add support.
Produced by People Media Factory, the film is mounted on a massive budget of ₹400–450 crore. It is among the most expensive Telugu films of 2026. The runtime is close to three hours, ranging between 175 and 189 minutes.
The end credits also reveal a sequel, titled The Raja Saab 2: Circus 1935. The makers have clarified that the first film stands on its own. The sequel will expand the horror-comedy universe with a fresh story.
