Film: Raja Saab
Director: Maruthi
Cast: Prabhas, Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, Zarina Wahab and others
Producers: TG Vishwa Prasad, Krithi Prasad
Music Director: Thaman S
Cinematographer: Karthik Palani
Editor: Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao
Release Date: Jan 09, 2026
Rating: 2/5
Prabhas starrer The Raja Saab is one of the latest films in Telugu. Directed by Maruthi, the film is bankrolled by the Peoples Media Factory banner. The film was released today, with paid premieres last night. The Raja Saab blends comedy, horror, and fantasy, marking a lighter turn in Prabhas’ filmography after a long gap. Check out the review of the movie here if the film lived upto the expectations.
Story:
The story follows Raju, who lives with and cares for his dementia-affected grandmother Janaki Devi, whose past is deeply tied to the mysterious Kanaka Raju. As the narrative unfolds, the film travels between the present and the past, revealing emotional bonds, unresolved waits, and an intense attachment to ancestral property. At some point, Raju finds out that the man he is searching for is dead and has been pulled into his eerie mansion. What happens then? Did Raju achieve his mission? What happens in the end? Forms the story of the movie.
Performances:
Prabhas shoulders the film almost entirely, delivering a vintage-flavored performance that his fans have been craving. His comic timing works well, and his emotional scenes—especially those involving his grandmother—stand out, peaking strongly in the climax. However, the rest all disappoint. The romantic and fun tracks with Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, and Malavika Mohanan are unpleasant. Zarina Wahab brings warmth and emotional weight to her role, handling the dementia shades convincingly. Sanjay Dutt makes an impact with a restrained yet authoritative presence, while Samuthirakani and Boman Irani lend solid support. Overall, the cast performs well within the limitations of the script.
Technical Aspects:
The film scores well in production values, with grand sets and detailed production design, particularly in the haunted house interiors and ghost concepts. But the bad execution makes the film skippable. Cinematography by Karthik Palani offers appealing frames and maintains a rich visual tone. But Prabhas does not look good in many frames. Thaman’s music works on the surface, but the background score lacks sharpness and punch, often sounding flat and loud despite decent sound setups. Editing by Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao could have been tighter, especially in the first half. Visual effects are inconsistent, while the climax also feels stretched.
Plus Points:
Prabhas’ presence
Minus Points:
Story
Screenplay
Direction
Final Review
The Raja Saab ultimately feels like a Prabhas-centric entertainer designed primarily to please his fan base. But the purpose is not served. Prabhas is the only strength of the film, and he was not utilised properly throughout the movie. However, weak writing, a sluggish first half, and uneven elevations prevent the film from reaching its full potential. While the horror-comedy elements work in parts, the emotional and narrative payoff arrives too late. This is not a flawless comeback vehicle, but it does offer moments of vintage Prabhas charm. With modest expectations and some patience, the film can serve as a passable festive watch rather than a standout cinematic experience.
Final Verdict: Boring Saab…
