The Raja Saab Movie Review and Reception: Prabhas Starrer Opens to Mixed Reactions

The Raja Saab, starring Prabhas, Malavika Mohanan and Nidhhi Agerwal, has arrived in theatres amid high anticipation. Directed by Maruthi, the Telugu-language film released early in January 2026, aiming to deliver a mix of drama, action and mass entertainment. With a high-profile cast and notable production values, expectations were naturally elevated — but early reactions point to a mixed reception at best.

Release and Opening Day Buzz

The film opened across multiplexes and single screens, drawing large crowds on its opening day due to Prabhas’ massive fan base. Early box office reports suggest that initial footfall was strong in key Telugu-speaking markets, with noticeable interest in regions with established Prabhas fandom.

Promotional activity preceding the release included media interactions, social events and online campaigns highlighting the film’s scale, music and ensemble cast. The presence of Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt in a pivotal role and striking visuals also added to pre-release curiosity.

Plot Overview (Spoiler-Free)

The Raja Saab revolves around a charismatic protagonist (played by Prabhas) known for his larger-than-life personality and complex relationships. The narrative attempts to blend romance, family drama and high-octane sequences, all while navigating emotional arcs and conflicts. While the premise has familiar tropes in commercial cinema, the film’s tone aims to bridge mass appeal with character-driven moments.

Critical and Audience Reception: Mixed to Negative Trends

Critical reviews and social media feedback, especially from early audiences and reviewers, have leaned toward mixed and increasingly negative impressions:

• Some reviewers appreciated Prabhas’ screen presence, acknowledging his effort and charisma even when the material felt conventional.
• Critics pointed out issues with the screenplay and pacing, noting that the story struggles in parts to maintain momentum.
• Several audience members expressed disappointment, calling the narrative “predictable” or “derivative” compared with recent benchmark films in the genre.

On social media, a wave of viewers labeled the film an “ultra disaster”, especially on platforms with rapid sharing of opinions. Keywords trending in social timelines included disappointment about the script, dialogue and narrative coherence.

While some segments of the audience highlighted moments of entertainment and praised individual performances, the overall sentiment tilted toward underwhelming compared with expectations.

Performance of Supporting Cast

The supporting cast — including Malavika Mohanan and Nidhhi Agerwal — garnered mixed opinions:

• Their performances were often appreciated for effort and screen presence.
• However, critics noted that the character writing did not always give enough depth or meaningful arcs, limiting impact.
• Sanjay Dutt’s cameo or extended role (depending on version) drew attention as a star-value addition, but did not universally sway audience sentiments.

Box Office and Early Business Trends

Early box office crunches painted a moderately strong opening day, driven largely by fan turnout. However, trade analysts caution that sustained performance will depend heavily on word-of-mouth, which so far shows a mixed trajectory.

Strong opening weekend collections can still be expected in select markets where Prabhas’ films historically perform well, but the overall earning pace may face headwinds if public perception continues on a lukewarm or negative path.

Fan Communities and Social Media Response

The reaction across social platforms is varied:

• Die-hard Prabhas fans defended the film, emphasising its entertainment value and defending it against harsh early criticism.
• Other users, including neutral viewers, echoed dissatisfaction with the narrative structure and tone.
• Memes and remixes related to the film’s trailer, sequences and dialogues began circulating soon after release, feeding into broader online debate.

Some reviewers and audience groups also pointed to the film’s music and production design as redeeming features, even if other elements disappointed.

Industry Context and Expectations

Given Prabhas’ standing as a pan-Indian star following the Baahubali franchise and other successes, expectations for The Raja Saab were especially high. Films with similar commercial DNA in recent years have reaped rewards when scripts balanced spectacle with a compelling story.

In contrast, The Raja Saab seems to be facing headwinds at a time when audiences are increasingly vocal about narrative quality, even in mass-market cinema.

Conclusion: A Film With Mixed Impact

The Raja Saab opened with strong visibility, star power and anticipation, but early reviews and audience reactions suggest that it may struggle to achieve universal acclaim. While Prabhas’ presence and certain production elements are praised, criticisms around screenplay, pacing and predictability are dominating online discussions.

As the film completes its first weekend in theatres, its long-term performance will depend on sustained word-of-mouth responses. For fans of Prabhas and Telugu commercial cinema, the film still offers memorable moments, but overall, it appears to fall short of being a critical or cultural high point.