The much-anticipated movie “The Raja Saab,” starring pan-Indian superstar Prabhas, is set to release in theaters worldwide on January 9, coinciding with the Sankranti festival. Directed by Maruthi, this romantic horror fantasy comedy has generated considerable buzz, thanks in part to the release of two trailers and several songs that have only heightened expectations among fans.
This film marks Prabhas’s first foray into the horror fantasy comedy genre, a notable shift from his previous action-heavy roles in blockbuster films like “Baahubali,” “Salaar,” and “Kalki.” Fans can expect a vintage look from Prabhas as he embraces a new character. Additionally, “The Raja Saab” features three leading ladies—Malavika Mohanan, Nidhi Agarwal, and Riddhi Kumar—sharing the screen with the star for the first time.
In a significant achievement for the film, a lavish set designed in Hyderabad’s Azeez Nagar spans approximately 40,000 square feet, making it the largest set ever constructed for a horror film in India. Art director Suresh Nair has created a Hollywood-level design for this set, which is expected to host the majority of the film’s shooting.
With a runtime of 189 minutes, “The Raja Saab” promises to be an engaging experience for viewers. The Censor Board has awarded the film a UA certificate, indicating that only two cuts were suggested, one involving a beheading scene and another featuring excessive blood on the ground.
Producers have incorporated impressive visual effects, making this film more than just a comedy; it’s designed to thrill audiences with elements of fantasy. Producer T.G. Vishwaprasad has expressed confidence that the fantasy elements will captivate viewers and enhance the overall viewing experience.
One of the most expensive scenes in the film features Prabhas in a fight with a crocodile, reportedly costing around ₹23 crores to produce. Actress Malavika Mohanan, who appears in this scene, described the grueling experience of spending ten hours in water, battling the elements while trying to portray the fear of a crocodile attack.
The film’s budget stands at an impressive ₹450 crores, with a significant portion allocated to actor salaries. Interestingly, Prabhas accepted a lower fee for this film, reportedly charging ₹100 crores, compared to his usual ₹120-150 crores per project. The other cast members, such as Sanjay Dutt, who plays the villain, earned around ₹6 crores, while director Maruthi received ₹18 crores. The female leads’ fees varied, with Malavika earning ₹2 crores, Nidhi ₹1.5 crores, and Riddhi ₹3 crores.
<p”The Raja Saab” tells a unique story of a grandmother and grandson, with Prabhas revealing the plot during a pre-release event. The titular character finds himself in a dilapidated palace under unexpected circumstances. Several titles were considered before finalizing “The Raja Saab,” with the official announcement made in January 2024.
Adding to the film’s allure, Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt plays the ghost of Prabhas’s grandfather, with their clash scenes expected to be a highlight. Music for the film has been composed by the popular S.S. Thaman, whose energetic tracks have already gone viral on social media, while the background score promises to elevate the cinematic experience further.
<p”The Raja Saab” will be released in multiple languages including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, with advance bookings already showing strong demand overseas. In India, paid premieres are scheduled for January 8, with ticket prices reportedly soaring to ₹1000 in Andhra Pradesh, reflecting the film’s immense popularity ahead of its release.
