The much-anticipated Telugu film The Raja Saab, starring Prabhas in a fresh horror-comedy avatar, hit theaters on January 9, 2026, just in time for the Sankranti festivities. Directed by Maruthi, this pan-India release promised a blend of laughs, scares, and family-friendly entertainment. However, early reviews from audiences and critics paint a picture of a movie that's as polarizing as it is ambitious. While Prabhas' charismatic presence and some lively sequences have won hearts, the film's pacing issues, underdeveloped storyline, and lack of fresh ideas have left many underwhelmed.

A Star-Studded Cast and High Expectations

Featuring a ensemble lineup including Malavika Mohanan as the female lead, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, and Bollywood heavyweight Sanjay Dutt in a pivotal antagonistic role, The Raja Saab explores themes of illusion, revenge, and family bonds with a supernatural twist. Prabhas plays a larger-than-life character navigating hypnosis, greed, and ghostly encounters, marking his first full-fledged foray into horror-fantasy. Boman Irani and Zarina Wahab add emotional depth, particularly through heartfelt grandmother-grandson moments. Produced by People Media Factory, the film boasts grand production values, including VFX-heavy action and Thaman's pulsating background score, aiming to captivate families during the holiday season.

Praise for Prabhas' Spark and Fun Elements

Viewers have been quick to applaud Prabhas' return to a lighter, more energetic role after his intense outings in Salaar and Kalki 2898 AD. His screen presence, comedic timing, and mass appeal shine through, especially in high-octane fights and dance numbers like "Nache Nache." One reviewer noted, "Prabhas delivers a restrained yet powerful performance, relying on pure screen presence. His ENERGY IS ON DIFFERENT LEVEL." The interval block and climax have been called "clap-worthy," with Sanjay Dutt's flashback adding tension. For fans, it's a treat seeing the star in a "massy" vibe, blending action, drama, and humor seamlessly in spots.

Criticisms: Dragging Pace, Weak Plot, and Missed Opportunities

Despite the positives, the consensus leans toward disappointment. The first half often feels sluggish and disjointed, with filler scenes and forced comedy failing to land. Critics point to a "messy screenplay" and "dated elements," where horror lacks chills and comedy misses the mark. Maruthi's direction, while ambitious, is criticized for poor execution—uneven VFX, logical loopholes, and a runtime nearing three hours make it feel like a "waste of time." A social media user lamented, "What a pathetic movie !! Wasted my time on this nonsense." The plot's innovative potential fizzles out, turning what could have been a breezy entertainer into a tedious affair.

Social Media Buzz and Sankranti Family Angle

On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), reactions range from "absolute disaster" to "decent fan service." Posts highlight mixed verdicts: "The Raja Saab is a cinematic nightmare. Zero logic, terrible CGI," versus "A composed, immersive & fun entertainer." As a Sankranti release, it targets family audiences with its festive vibe, emotional core, and holiday timing. No major competition in Telugu states could boost its box office, despite the buzz-kill from reviews. Advance bookings are strong, suggesting Prabhas' stardom might carry it through the long weekend.

In conclusion, The Raja Saab is a mixed bag—Prabhas' vigor and sporadic fun moments offer redemption, but structural flaws and uninspired storytelling hold it back. For die-hard fans, it's worth a watch; others might wait for streaming. As Sankranti celebrations unfold, this horror-comedy serves as a reminder that even big stars can't always salvage a shaky script.

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