- By Swati Singh
- Fri, 09 Jan 2026 10:01 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Raja Saab hit the theatres on January 9, 2026 and received negative reviews from fans and critics alike. Written and directed by Maruthi, the film is produced by People Media Factory in association with IVY Entertainment. It features Prabhas in the lead role, supported by an ensemble cast that includes Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan—making her Telugu film debut—along with Riddhi Kumar and veteran actor Zarina Wahab. The story revolves around a man’s quest to find his missing grandfather, a journey that leads him to an eerie mansion haunted by a dark and mysterious presence.
If you are planning to watch The Raja Saab in theatres, here are five things that you need to know before booking your tickets:
1. The film suffers from a weak and poorly written script. They say the story is hard to follow, with scenes jumping around without a clear direction, which makes it confusing and less engaging, even though the idea behind the movie had potential.
2. Several members of the supporting cast, including some well-known actors, were underused in the film. Their characters lacked depth and had minimal impact on the overall story, making their presence feel largely wasted.
3. Netizens have called the film a 'confused mess', criticising its outdated storytelling and poor execution. Many expressed disappointment, especially given the high expectations associated with a Prabhas film.
4. Several viewers have pointed out that the VFX often looks subpar or artificial, undermining the cinematic experience, especially for a film with a reportedly big budget.
5. Although marketed as a fantasy horror comedy, many feel the film doesn’t balance these elements well. The horror aspect is said to be forced or ineffective.
Although the project was officially announced in January 2024, filming had already commenced earlier in October 2022. The film brings together a strong technical team, with music composed by Thaman S, cinematography handled by Karthik Palani, and editing by Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao. With its blend of fantasy, horror and comedy, The RajaSaab is positioned as a distinctive addition to Telugu cinema and one of Prabhas’ most intriguing upcoming projects.