The much-awaited Telugu big-budget entertainer The Raja Saab, starring superstar Prabhas, has finally stepped into the spotlight with grand overseas premieres and record-breaking advance bookings in India. Even before its official release, the film has become one of the most talked-about movies of the season, thanks to its strong pre-sales, star power, and growing online discussions.
Directed by Maruthi Dasari, The Raja Saab blends horror, comedy, romance, and fantasy, presenting Prabhas in a genre he has not explored in recent years. While early reviews remain mixed, the business numbers tell a powerful story of audience excitement and global curiosity.
What Is The Raja Saab About?
The Raja Saab is a fantasy horror-comedy with emotional layers of royalty, rebellion, and legacy. The story revolves around a royal heir who returns to his ancestral palace, only to uncover dark secrets tied to power, tradition, and the supernatural.
The film balances spooky elements with humor and romance, aiming to appeal to both family audiences and mass viewers. Director Maruthi has described the movie as “a fun entertainer with emotional depth”, rather than a pure horror experience.
The Raja Saab Release Date and Certification
- Release Date: January 9
- Languages: Telugu (dubbed versions expected later)
- Certification: U/A 16+
- Runtime: Nearly 3 hours
The release strategically coincides with the Sankranti festive season, a period known for high box-office footfalls in South India.
The Raja Saab Star Cast and Crew
Apart from Prabhas, the film features a strong ensemble cast:
- Sanjay Dutt
- Malavika Mohanan
- Nidhhi Agerwal
- Riddhi Kumar
- Boman Irani
The film’s music is composed by S Thaman, whose background score and songs have been praised for elevating key moments.
The Raja Saab Budget and Production Scale
According to industry estimates, The Raja Saab budget is believed to be in the range of ₹300–350 crore, making it one of Prabhas’ most ambitious projects after his pan-India action films.
Major cost drivers include:
- High-end VFX for horror and fantasy scenes
- Grand palace sets
- Overseas shooting schedules
- Prabhas’ star remuneration
The producers are reportedly targeting ₹100 crore global collection on Day 1, a benchmark that only a handful of Indian films manage to cross.
The Raja Saab Advance Booking: Hyderabad Leads the Surge
One of the biggest highlights is the explosive advance booking response in Hyderabad’s Nizam region.
Key Advance Booking Numbers:
- ₹48 lakhs collected from paid premieres in Hyderabad
- 90% occupancy across 72 shows
- Massive last-hour booking spikes reported on BookMyShow
The response clearly shows Prabhas’ unmatched pull in his home market, even when audience opinions are divided.
The Raja Saab Overseas Premiere Shows Break Records
The film’s overseas premiere shows have delivered impressive results:
- North America collection: Over $1.1 million
- Total overseas pre-sales: Nearly $1.3 million
- Screened across 526 locations
- Ranked above major international releases in early charts
This performance highlights Prabhas’ consistent popularity among the global Telugu diaspora.
The Raja Saab Tickets Online: Heavy Demand Before Release
The Raja Saab tickets online, The Raja Saab premier show tickets have surged sharply over the past few days. Several multiplex chains reported temporary slowdowns due to high traffic, especially in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Premium formats and premiere shows sold out quickly, forcing theatres to add extra shows wherever possible.
The Raja Saab Trailer: Mixed Reactions, High Reach
The The Raja Saab trailer played a crucial role in building buzz. While many fans appreciated:
- Prabhas’ vintage charm
- Comic timing
- Royal visuals
Others criticized:
- Uneven VFX quality
- Predictable horror tropes
Despite mixed reactions, the trailer achieved massive viewership, keeping the film firmly in trending discussions.
The Raja Saab Movie Review: Early Audience Feedback
Early audience and critic reactions have been divided.
Positive Feedback:
- Prabhas’ screen presence and charisma
- Entertaining climax
- Thaman’s background score
- Family-friendly humor in parts
Critical Points:
- Slow and uneven first half
- Outdated horror-comedy clichés
- Weak visual effects in some scenes
Early Ratings Range:
- 3 to 3.5/5 from viewers who enjoyed the second half
- Around 2.25/5 from those disappointed with pacing and writing
This split response suggests that word-of-mouth will play a crucial role in the film’s long-term performance.
Why The Raja Saab Matters for Prabhas’ Career
After delivering massive action spectacles, The Raja Saab marks Prabhas’ return to lighter entertainment, reminding fans of his early-career charm.
Industry analysts see this film as:
- A test of versatility
- A move to reconnect with family audiences
- A break from intense action-heavy roles
Even with mixed reviews, the opening numbers prove that Prabhas remains a box-office force.
Sankranti Advantage: Can The Raja Saab Win the Festival Race?
The Sankranti holiday window traditionally boosts collections due to:
- Family outings
- Long weekends
- Festive mood
If The Raja Saab maintains decent occupancy over the next few days, it could turn into a profitable venture, even if it does not become a unanimous critical hit.
Buzz, Business, and Uncertainty
The Raja Saab is a classic example of a film where business success and audience opinion do not fully align yet.
- Strong advance bookings
- Impressive overseas premieres
- Mixed reviews
- Huge opening-day expectations
Whether the film becomes a long-term success depends entirely on public word-of-mouth after the first weekend.
One thing is clear: The Raja Saab has arrived with noise, numbers, and nationwide attention.
Related News: The Raja Saab Trailer Out: Prabhas Shines in a Royal Avatar, Cast, Storyline, Music, Release Date & All You Need to Know
