The much-anticipated Telugu fantasy horror-comedy The Raja Saab hit theaters on January 9, 2026, amid the festive Sankranti season, but early reactions have painted a divided picture. Starring pan-India superstar Prabhas in a lighter, more playful role, the film aimed to blend scares, laughs, and romance. However, while some praised its ambitious setup and star power, others criticized its execution, leading to a buzz that's more murmur than roar. Directed by Maruthi, known for his quirky storytelling, this project marked a departure for Prabhas from his high-octane action epics. Let's dive into the premiere feedback, the cast's contributions, and the surrounding hype.

A Rocky Start: Mixed Audience and Critic Responses

From the get-go, The Raja Saab has elicited a spectrum of opinions. Critics like those from The Indian Express gave it a lukewarm 2 out of 5 stars, calling it a "giant, spiraling mess" that squanders a promising concept with outdated tropes and sloppy pacing. Similarly, India Today rated it 1.5/5, slamming the screenplay as "muddled" and lacking cohesion, despite Prabhas' occasional comic flair. On the flip side, early social media buzz, including Reddit threads, highlighted positives such as Prabhas' energetic entry and a thrilling face-off with Sanjay Dutt. One viewer described it as a "terrific entertainer" where Maruthi "cooked a perfect blend," though others felt the horror elements fell flat, turning into unintended boredom over its lengthy 189-minute runtime.

The film's attempt to juggle genres—rom-com vibes, magical adventures, and mystical thrills—has been both lauded for its boldness and critiqued for feeling disjointed. U.S. premiere reports noted a weak first half that barely recovered, underscoring the challenges of catering to a massive fanbase while experimenting.

Fans' Outcry: Where's Prabhas' Iconic Old-Man Look?

A major sore point among Prabhas' loyal followers has been the absence of his much-teased "old-man" appearance from promotional materials. Trailers and glimpses showcased the actor in a grizzled, aged-up avatar that promised depth and intrigue, fueling excitement. Yet, the theatrical cut omitted it entirely, leaving fans feeling shortchanged. Online forums erupted with disappointment, with many speculating it was cut for pacing or creative reasons. "The gap between promotions and the final product is frustrating," one fan tweeted, echoing a common sentiment that the missing element diluted the film's fantasy appeal.

This backlash highlights a broader issue in big-budget cinema: the pressure to deliver on hype without alienating core audiences.

Stellar Cast and Maruthi's Vision

At the helm is director Maruthi, who brings his signature humor to this horror-fantasy mix. Prabhas leads as a carefree heir entangled in a haunted palace saga, supported by a strong ensemble. Malavika Mohanan shines as Bhairavi, adding mystery and romance, while Nidhhi Agerwal's role, though stylish, has been called awkward by some. Sanjay Dutt's antagonistic presence steals scenes, with Prabhas himself praising how the veteran "consumes the screen." Rounding out the cast are Boman Irani, Riddhi Kumar, and others, contributing to the film's chaotic charm.

Produced by TG Vishwa Prasad under People Media Factory and IVY Entertainment, the project boasts Thaman S's upbeat score, which has garnered moderate praise.

Producer's Quick Fix: The 5-Minute Footage Boost

In a surprising move, producer TG Vishwa Prasad announced the addition of a 5-minute footage segment post-premiere, potentially addressing fan grievances. Speculation abounds that this could reintroduce Prabhas' old-man look, restoring some of the promoted essence. Fans have actively campaigned for its inclusion, urging a swift rollout to theaters. This responsive strategy could salvage perceptions and boost word-of-mouth, especially given the film's U/A certification after minor violence tweaks.

Sankranti Festivities: Buzz Amid Competition

Released during the Sankranti 2026 celebrations, The Raja Saab aimed to capitalize on holiday crowds with its multi-language rollout in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. Advance bookings in North America hovered around half a million, signaling steady but not explosive interest. While the trailer 2.0 teased high-stakes drama, the overall buzz has been tempered by stiff competition from other releases. Still, Prabhas' star pull and the film's festive timing could drive collections, with predictions eyeing a strong opening despite the mixed start.

In conclusion, The Raja Saab embodies the highs and lows of ambitious filmmaking—Prabhas' affable energy clashes with narrative hiccups, leaving room for growth via updates. Whether it becomes a Sankranti hit or a learning curve remains to be seen, but the fan-driven discourse ensures it's far from forgettable.

Read Also: Samantha Ruth Prabhu's 'Maa Inti Bangaaram' Teaser Trailer: A Bold Mix of Family Drama and High-Octane Action

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