Prabhas returned to family entertainment with The Raja Saab, marking a departure from his recent mass action outings. Released on January 9, 2026, this horror fantasy film has achieved a significant milestone despite receiving mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike.
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, The Raja Saab collected ₹63.30 crore net in India on its opening day. With gross collections reaching ₹74.90 crore domestically and ₹26 crore from overseas markets, the film’s worldwide total touched ₹100.90 crore on day one. However, producers People Media Factory claimed even bigger numbers. Their official announcement stated The Raja Saab earned ₹112 crore+ globally, setting “a new benchmark with KING SIZE BOX OFFICE domination.” They proudly declared it as “the biggest start ever for a horror fantasy film.”
Fan reactions poured in on social media. “What a phenomenal start! 112Cr+ worldwide on Day 1. Well deserved!” wrote one enthusiast. However, some supporters felt the numbers could have been higher: “Just because of your negligence of ticket hike, premieres, nizam booking we missed 130cr+ opening,” a fan commented, pointing to missed revenue opportunities.
While impressive for a horror fantasy genre film, The Raja Saab’s opening remains one of Prabhas’ lowest in recent years. His previous release Kalki 2898 AD demolished records with ₹191 crore on day one. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh had noted Kalki’s nationwide appeal, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 centers where mass pockets contributed substantially. Even Salaar and Adipurish, both released in 2023, registered better first-day collections than The Raja Saab. This indicates that while Prabhas maintains strong box office pull, genre and content quality significantly impact opening numbers.
Directed by Maruthi, The Raja Saab features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, and Zarina Wahab. TG Vishwa Prasad backed this project under People Media Factory banner. Critics weren’t kind to this horror-comedy blend. Live Mint’s review delivered harsh words: “Sensible folk will wait until Scary Movie 6 releases later this year to have fun because this film is a terrible cliche, worse than Brahmāstra.” The review suggested even Bollywood’s much-criticized Brahmāstra had superior music to offer.
Despite lukewarm critical response, The Raja Saab proves Prabhas’ star power transcends content quality. Horror fantasy remains a risky genre in Indian cinema, yet crossing ₹100 crore on opening day showcases audience curiosity for Prabhas in different avatars. Whether The Raja Saab sustains momentum through its theatrical run depends on positive word-of-mouth, something mixed reviews might hinder. However, Pongal holiday season could provide extended legs at the box office, particularly in mass pockets where Prabhas enjoys unwavering support. For now, The Raja Saab stands as another commercial success for Prabhas, even if it doesn’t match his recent blockbusters’ stratospheric heights.