The Raja Saab is more than just a horror comedy or a larger-than-life ode to the stardom of the leading man. It’s a film that also talks about family bonds and the battle with mental illness
Cast: Prabhas, Sanjay Dutt, Zarina Wahab, Malvika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal
Director: Maruthi Dasari
Language: Telugu
Back in 1998, during the promotions of his films China Gate, filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi said sometimes your own good work becomes your own enemy. Paresh Rawal also said how Hera Pheri, despite the cult it enjoys, limited his acting opportunities. So before we talk about the new horror comedy in called The Raja Saab, we first need to talk about its leading man Prabhas, who immortalized his iconic character in the iconic Baahubali movies by SS Rajamouli. And now, he has made a laudable attempt to change his turf and trajectory by jumping into this extravagant and exciting world created by director Maruthi Dasari. This horror comedy allows the giant leading man to give his fans a new shade and dimension to his oeuvre.
What is the film about?
If you have seen the trailer,
Prabhas is a laidback oaf who cruises along the unpredictability of life with dollops of nonchalance. He’s someone who doesn’t believe in the idea of taking life seriously. It’s his affection for his grandmother called Gangamma (played by Zarina Wahab) that create the film’s most tender moments. The story digs deeper as the narrative moves forward and we get to the introduction of Kanakraju (Sanjay Dutt having fun yet again after
_Dhurandhar_). It all comes down to the grandmother’s necklace and how Prabhas uncovers and discovers the identity of the thief.
Anything beyond this would be a spoiler as the film is laced with a few twists that leave you completely by surprise. The leading man has two distinct looks in the film as you may have seen in the posters and promo, and he submits himself to both the worlds with conviction. Dutt, who seems to be signing films faster than the speed of light, gets the menacing avatar right too. In merely a year, he has been seen in Dhurandhar, Baaghi 4, Housefull 5, The Bhootnii, and now The Raja Saab. And this shall be followed by KD.
_The Raja Saab_ is more than just a horror comedy or a larger-than-life ode to the stardom of the leading man. It’s a film that also talks about family bonds and the battle with mental illness. All these scenes have been captured with sincerity and grace. And at its heart is Prabhas, who successfully encapsulates multiple emotions and conflicts into one character and juxtaposes them with the horror and comedy the film has to offer. As stated, this is a new trajectory for the actor and he anchors the towering responsibilities with elan.
Malvika Mohanan brings a certain sense of ferocity and mystique to her smoldering demeanour that sets the screen ablaze. This is an actress who allows her eyes to do the talking. She did the same in Thangalaan and she does the same in The Raja Saab. There is something very commenting about the actress. And veteran actress Zarina Wahab injects the film with the kind of emotional pulse that’s mostly missing in films today, especially in horror comedies that are content with the gags that are plastered on the screen.
The extended climax, powered by impressive VFX and sweeping visuals, delivers a decisive big-screen payoff. The production values are rich without feeling indulgent—music and VFX amplify tension and emotion quietly, without front-loading hype. The horror-fantasy framework builds patiently, impresses steadily, and closes with conviction.
The Raja Saab doesn’t rush to impress—it earns trust, scene by scene, powered by confidence-led execution rather than front-loaded hype. Even in spectacle, Prabhas remains the film’s emotional gravity, enabling steady footfalls and strong repeat value. It appeals beyond core fans, making it a festive theatrical watch designed for sustained audience engagement.
Rating: 3 (out of 5 stars)
The Raja Saab is now playing in cinemas
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