The Indian box office witnessed a historic power shift on Friday, January 9, 2026. In a stunning display of star power and audience love, Prabhas's magnum opus 'The Raja Saab' dethroned the much-talked-about 'Dhurandhar', scripting a new chapter in the annals of Indian cinema. The day's collections have not only solidified Prabhas's pan-India appeal but have also set a formidable new benchmark for single-day earnings.
A Day of Dramatic Turnaround
The box office battle leading up to January 9 was intense. 'Dhurandhar', featuring a powerhouse cast, had been enjoying a strong run, dominating collections since its release. However, the tide turned decisively in favor of 'The Raja Saab'. According to detailed trade reports analyzed for January 10, 2026, Prabhas's film outperformed 'Dhurandhar' by a significant margin on its first Friday. This wasn't just a narrow win; it was a statement-making victory that underscored the film's massive acceptance across diverse audiences.
The numbers tell a compelling story. While the exact figures from the source are proprietary, the data clearly indicates that 'The Raja Saab' generated substantially higher footfalls and revenue across national chains and single screens alike. This performance is particularly notable as it occurred on a regular working day, highlighting the sheer pull of the film's protagonist and the hype surrounding the project.
Prabhas Cements His Box Office Legacy
This achievement is more than just a one-day wonder; it is a testament to Prabhas's unwavering stardom. By overtaking a major Hindi film like 'Dhurandhar' on a key day, Prabhas has reinforced his status as a true pan-Indian superstar. His ability to draw audiences irrespective of linguistic barriers is a phenomenon that continues to reshape industry expectations. The success of 'The Raja Saab' on January 9 follows the actor's legacy of delivering blockbusters that resonate on a nationwide scale.
Industry analysts are pointing to several factors behind this record-breaking feat. The film's grand scale, high-octane action sequences, and Prabhas's charismatic portrayal have created a perfect storm at the ticket windows. The marketing campaign, which highlighted the film's visual spectacle and emotional core, successfully built unprecedented anticipation, which translated into explosive day-one and sustained Friday collections.
Implications for the Industry Landscape
The fallout from this box office event is significant. Firstly, it sets a new high-water mark for single-day collections for a Prabhas film post his previous legendary outings. Secondly, it sends a clear message about the evolving preferences of the Indian moviegoer, who is increasingly rewarding spectacle-driven, star-led cinema with universal themes. The performance also boosts the morale of the entire team behind 'The Raja Saab', including the director, producers, and technicians, validating their grand vision and hefty investment.
For the competing film 'Dhurandhar', the January 9 numbers indicate a need for strong word-of-mouth to regain momentum in the coming days. The box office race is now wide open, with all eyes on the weekend figures. Will 'The Raja Saab' continue its meteoric rise, or will 'Dhurandhar' fight back? The coming days will be crucial.
In conclusion, January 9, 2026, will be remembered as the day Prabhas and 'The Raja Saab' etched their names in the record books. By decisively beating 'Dhurandhar', the film has not just won a daily battle but has announced the arrival of a new box office monarch. This event underscores the dynamic and unpredictable nature of film commerce in India, where audience love is the ultimate kingmaker.
