The Sankranthi 2026 box office battle has begun with the grand nationwide release of Prabhas' highly anticipated film, 'The Raja Saab'. Marking the superstar's first foray into the horror-comedy genre, the film opened in theatres globally on January 9, 2026, amidst massive fan excitement and mixed early reactions from premiere shows.
A Long-Awaited Release and Early Buzz
Directed by Maruthi, 'The Raja Saab' has been one of the most awaited Indian films of the year. The project, officially announced in January 2024 but in production since 2022, faced multiple delays before finally locking the Sankranthi festive date. The film sees Prabhas playing a young, greedy man who decides to sell his ancestral mansion, only to uncover its terrifying supernatural secrets.
To build hype, the film's team held special premiere shows on January 8 in select cities. As soon as these shows concluded, social media platform X was flooded with instant reactions from the first viewers, creating a wave of online buzz.
Mixed First Reactions and Viewer Verdicts
The initial reviews from fans and critics present a divided picture. While many praised the film's scale and Prabhas' performance, others pointed out narrative flaws.
Positive reactions highlighted the film's climax and technical prowess. One viewer called it a "masterpiece," specifically praising the last 40 minutes starting from a hospital scene. They noted, "The Graphics & VFX is of Hollywood standards. It's an experience to be felt in cinema."
However, critical tweets pointed towards issues with the screenplay and length. One user stated, "Nothing exciting so far, writing has heavy flaws and illogical moments. Feels very lengthy, second half is the key." Another review acknowledged the "promising horror-fantasy premise" and an "energetic Prabhas" but criticized the "messy screenplay, dated commercial elements, uneven VFX and length of the film."
Director's Vision and Prabhas' Transformation
Director Maruthi has consistently emphasized the unique transformation of Prabhas for this role. In a recent video message, he stated that while the Telugu audience has seen an entertaining version of the star, the pan-India audience has not. "After coming out of the theatre, you will remember Prabhas from this film for many years," Maruthi claimed.
He detailed the meticulous work put into Prabhas' avatar, from the makeup and hair to his mannerisms and inherent swag. "The get-up and everything… it is a great episode… and has never been seen on Indian screen," the director added, promising a completely fresh cinematic experience.
The film boasts a strong ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar, Boman Irani, and Zarina Wahab. The music is composed by Thaman S, whose score has received positive mentions in early feedback.
Releasing during the competitive Sankranthi season, 'The Raja Saab' is clashing with several other Telugu and Tamil releases. Despite the mixed early word-of-mouth, the sheer star power of Prabhas and the novelty of his genre shift are expected to drive a strong opening at the box office. Fans across the country are flocking to theatres, eager to witness their favourite star in this never-seen-before horror-comedy avatar.
