Hello everyone! As a huge fan of Telugu cinema and Prabhas in particular, I'm thrilled to share this detailed post on The Raja Saab, the much-anticipated film that hit theaters today, January 9, 2026, coinciding with the festive Sankranti season. Directed by the talented Maruthi Dasari, this fantasy horror-comedy marks Prabhas' return to a lighter, more entertaining genre after a string of intense action epics like Salaar and Kalki 2898 AD. With a massive budget, star-studded cast, and a blend of romance, laughs, and chills, the movie has generated immense buzz. In this post, I'll cover everything from a short intro to the story, cast and crew, box office collection, OTT streaming options, and a balanced review. All info is based on reliable sources to ensure accuracy. Let's dive in!
Short Introduction
The Raja Saab is a 2026 Indian Telugu-language fantasy horror-comedy film that promises a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Written and directed by Maruthi Dasari, known for his witty scripts in films like Prati Roju Pandage and Manchi Rojulochaie, this project is produced by TG Vishwa Prasad under People Media Factory and IVY Entertainment. The film stars Prabhas in the lead role, showcasing his versatile side as a charming yet rebellious heir. With a runtime of approximately 3 hours and 3 minutes (183 minutes), it's a grand pan-India release dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, and English.
The story revolves around themes of inheritance, family legacy, and supernatural elements, all wrapped in humor and romance. Shot on elaborate sets, including one of the largest indoor havelis ever built in Hyderabad, the movie boasts high production values with stunning VFX and a foot-tapping soundtrack by Thaman S. Released amid high expectations, it clashed with other Sankranti releases like Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu but has drawn massive crowds thanks to Prabhas' star power. Early reports suggest it's a fun watch for family audiences, though not without its flaws. Now, let's break it down further.
Cast and Crew
One of the film's biggest strengths is its ensemble cast, blending superstar charisma with seasoned performers. Prabhas leads as the titular "Raja Saab" (also referred to as Raju in the story), portraying a young heir who balances royal duties with a rebellious streak. This role allows him to flex his comedic timing, something fans have missed since his pre-Baahubali days. Sanjay Dutt plays Kanakaraju, Raju's grandfather, in a pivotal role that adds depth to the supernatural elements. Boman Irani brings his signature flair to a supporting character, while the female leads—Malavika Mohanan as Bhairavi, Nidhhi Agerwal as Bessy, and Riddhi Kumar as Geeta—form a love triangle that spices up the narrative.
On the crew side, Maruthi Dasari handles direction and writing, infusing the script with his trademark humor. TG Vishwa Prasad produces, ensuring a lavish scale with a budget estimated at ₹350-450 crore. Music composer Thaman S delivers energetic tracks, including hits like the title song that went viral pre-release. Cinematography by Karthik Palani captures the eerie haveli and vibrant village scenes beautifully, while editing by Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao keeps the pace engaging despite the long runtime. The VFX team, led by experts from previous Prabhas films, creates seamless horror sequences.
Here's a detailed table summarizing the key cast and crew:
| Role/Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Lead Actor (Raja Saab/Raju) | Prabhas |
| Director/Writer | Maruthi Dasari |
| Producer | TG Vishwa Prasad |
| Music Composer | Thaman S |
| Cinematographer | Karthik Palani |
| Editor | Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao |
This team ensures The Raja Saab is a visual and performative treat, with Prabhas' stardom elevating the ensemble.
Story
The Raja Saab follows Raju (Prabhas), an orphan living a simple life in a village with his aging grandmother, Ganga Devi (Zarina Wahab). Ganga is plagued by memory loss but clings to the hope of reuniting with her long-lost husband, Kanakaraju (Sanjay Dutt), who vanished years ago on a mysterious mission. When Raju learns Kanakaraju was spotted near Hyderabad's Charminar, he embarks on a journey to the city, hoping to fulfill his grandmother's wish.
In Hyderabad, Raju's life takes a romantic turn as he bumps into the lively Bessy (Nidhhi Agerwal), sparking an instant attraction. He also encounters the enigmatic Bhairavi (Malavika Mohanan) and his village friend Geeta (Riddhi Kumar), both of whom develop feelings for him, leading to a chaotic love triangle filled with humorous misunderstandings. Amid this, Raju is drawn to a foreboding haveli in the forests of Naraspur, an ancestral property he's tempted to sell to resolve financial woes.
Spoiler Warning: The plot twists into horror territory when Raju discovers the haveli is haunted by Kanakaraju's vengeful spirit. Trapped with his friends, Raju must confront his family's dark secrets, embrace his royal heritage, and battle supernatural forces. The story weaves themes of legacy, redemption, and love, with comedy arising from Prabhas' fish-out-of-water antics and the ghost's quirky interactions. The climax involves high-stakes action and emotional revelations, tying back to Ganga's longing. Without giving away more, it's a mix of Bhool Bhulaiyaa-style horror and Baahubali-esque grandeur, but with Maruthi's light touch.
The narrative draws from classic horror-comedy tropes but infuses Telugu folklore, making it relatable yet fresh. Prabhas' dual shades—rebellious yet dutiful—drive the story, supported by strong female characters who aren't mere eye candy.
Box Office Collection
| Day | India Net Collection (estimates) |
| Day 1 | ₹ 54.15 Cr |
| Day 2 | ₹ 14.42 Cr** |
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