- By Swati Singh
- Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:10 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Prabhas-starrer The Raja Saab crashed at the box office. The expectations surrounding the film were high after the blockbuter success Salaar Part 1, which grossed Rs 617-618 crore worldwide against the budget of Rs 200-270 crore. The failure of The Raja Saab has led to utmost disappointment among fans of Prabhas. Director Maruthi defended the film by suggesting that the 'festive mood' of the audience prevented them from connecting with its 'deeper layers', a statement that drew further mockery online. But, what didn't work in favour of The Raja Saab?
Massive Budget vs. Poor Recovery: The film was made on a reported budget of Rs 350–450 crore. After 11 days, it earned roughly Rs 141 crore net in India, leading to estimated losses of around Rs 160–200 crore for distributors.
Weak Script and Direction: Critics and audiences criticised the film for its senseless story, weak screenplay and shabby direction by Maruthi. The attempts at horror and comedy were described as logic-defying and "trash" by some viewers.
Poor Quality and VFX: The film was hit with backlash regarding its poor VFX and the excessive use of body doubles for Prabhas, which disappointed fans looking for a high-quality cinematic experience.
Negative Word of Mouth: Following the opening, negative reviews spread quickly, leading to a steep decline in theatre occupancy, particularly in North India.
Stiff Competition: The film's performance was further impacted by the release of other major films during the Pongal/Sankranti season, such as Chiranjeevi's Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, which outperformed it.
About The Raja Saab: 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.