The much-anticipated Prabhas starrer, 'The Raja Saab', directed by Maruthi, has stormed the box office following its release on January 9. Despite receiving a mixed bag of reviews on social media platforms, the film has registered a powerful commercial opening, proving its mass appeal.
Box Office Success and Industry Praise
According to data from trade analyst Sacnilk, the film has made an impressive collection of over Rs 90 crore within just two days of its release in India. The global earnings are even more staggering, crossing the Rs 138 crore mark worldwide. This strong performance was celebrated with a success party held by the makers on Saturday, January 10.
At the event, director Maruthi revealed the overwhelming support he received from the film fraternity. He shared that he had been receiving numerous congratulatory calls from fellow directors and producers. In a special mention, Maruthi disclosed that Allu Arjun, the superstar of 'Pushpa' fame, personally called him to discuss and appreciate the film.
"My friend Bunny babu (Allu Arjun) called me yesterday morning to talk about the film. So please don't think that I am feeling sad over anything. We have made something new with this film and we are very happy with the response," Maruthi stated, addressing the varied critical reception.
A Festival for Fans and an Unfortunate Incident
Maruthi passionately described 'The Raja Saab' as a heartfelt gift from the entire team to their loyal audience. He urged fans to celebrate the movie's release like a festival, emphasizing the hard work invested in the project. "We worked really hard on 'The Raja Saab' so it means a lot to all of us. Thank you so much," the director added.
However, the celebrations were marred by an alarming incident reported from Odisha. During a screening, a fire broke out in a theatre. As per a post by journalist and social activist Siraj Noorani, over-enthusiastic fans had carried out an 'aarti' with a plate of lamps and even burst fire arrows in front of the screen during Prabhas' entry scene, which likely triggered the blaze.
Star-Studded Cast and Solid Opening
'The Raja Saab' boasts a formidable ensemble cast that includes Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, and Zarina Wahab alongside lead actor Prabhas. The film's ability to draw massive crowds and generate substantial revenue from its first day demonstrates Prabhas' enduring star power and the audience's curiosity for the director-actor combination, even in the face of tepid online reviews.
The film's journey highlights a recurring theme in Indian cinema where audience turnout and box office numbers can sometimes tell a different story than initial critical reactions on digital platforms. With a worldwide gross already touching Rs 138 crore, 'The Raja Saab' has firmly established itself as a major commercial player in the early days of 2024.
