What happens when a pan-India superstar known for titanic action spectacles walks straight into a **horror-fantasy rom-com** set against the colour and chaos of Sankranthi? That clash of genres and star power is exactly what makes **"The Raja Saab"** one of the most talked‑about Telugu releases of 2026.[9]
From the moment the film was announced, the curiosity was sky‑high: Prabhas teaming up with **Maruthi**, a director known for massy humour and family‑friendly entertainers, plus a **horror‑fantasy backdrop**, festival release, and a trio of leading ladies – **Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Riddhi Kumar**.[9] The Times of India live blog has been tracking the release, early reactions, and box‑office trends in real time, underscoring how closely fans and trade are watching this film.[9] ### A new avatar for Prabhas "The Raja Saab" places Prabhas in a space he hasn't fully explored in years: - a **larger‑than‑life, mass hero**, - laced with **broad comedy**, - and woven into an emotional, supernatural conflict.[1][5] Early viewers and X users highlight that Prabhas' **screen presence** and **energy** are among the strongest aspects of the movie, with some even calling it his most engaging performance since his post‑"Baahubali" phase.[1][6] Emotional scenes—especially the much‑talked‑about **hospital episode**—are repeatedly singled out as high points, both for the acting and **Thaman's** background score.[1][6] ### Horror, fantasy, comedy – and a festival vibe The film blends: - **Horror-fantasy elements** – spirits, supernatural stakes, and an emotional family backstory.[2][5] - **Maruthi‑style comedy**, powered by Prabhas and a strong comic support cast.[5][8] - **Festival‑ready songs and grandeur**, with lavish set pieces and glam numbers featuring all three heroines.[5][8] Live updates describe "The Raja Saab" as a **genre experiment** for Prabhas, leaning into everything that makes a big-screen festival watch: scale, music, mass dialogues, and crowd‑pleasing stretches designed for theatrical viewing.[9] ### Mixed talk, strong curiosity While fan reactions on social platforms praise the **second half**, **climax portions**, and VFX in select stretches,[1] some critics and reviewers point out issues with: - uneven screenplay and pacing,[2][3][5][6] - tonal imbalance between horror and comedy,[2][5] - and underwritten female characters.[2][5] Yet, even in mixed reviews, Prabhas is consistently credited for **carrying the film**, with his comic timing and emotional beats getting particular appreciation.[1][2][6] That dichotomy—**star performance vs. patchy writing**—is exactly what's fueling conversations tracked through the live review and box‑office blog.[9] ### Box-office stakes and fan expectations Coming after big‑ticket projects and releasing in the competitive Sankranthi window, "The Raja Saab" arrives with: - massive **pre‑release hype**, - high **box‑office expectations**, - and intense **social media scrutiny**.[1][6][9] The Times of India live blog follows how these factors translate into occupancy, day‑one word of mouth, and longer‑run prospects, making "The Raja Saab" a key test of how far a star‑driven horror‑fantasy can go in today's theatrical market.[9] --- Now over to you: - Have you watched **"The Raja Saab"** yet? - Did the horror‑fantasy experiment with Prabhas work for you, or did the uneven writing hold it back? - Which moment—comedy, emotional, or supernatural—stayed with you after the film? Share your thoughts in the comments, and if you found this breakdown useful, **pass it on** by sharing this post with your fellow movie buffs and Prabhas fans.Citations
1.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/the-raja-saab-twitter-review-prabhas-wins-hearts-again-climax-and-second-half-praised/articleshow/126425300.cms
2.https://www.123telugu.com/reviews/prabhas-the-raja-saab-movie-review-and-rating.html
3.https://www.news18.com/movies/telugu-cinema/the-raja-saab-first-review-prabhas-energy-is-worth-praising-but-film-is-a-waste-of-time-ws-l-9818839.html
4.https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23790696/
5.https://www.gulte.com/moviereviews/390846/the-raja-saab-review
6.https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/regional-cinema/the-raja-saab-x-review-prabhas-first-day-reactions-2026-01-09-1025094
7.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h1OntNEhrE
8.https://www.greatandhra.com/movies/news/tweet-review-the-raja-saab-first-day-first-show-152023
9.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/the-raja-saab-movie-review-release-live-update-prabhas-malavika-mohanan-nidhhi-agerwal-the-raja-saab-review-and-box-office-collection/liveblog/126425216.cms
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