Superstar Prabhas is gearing up for a significant departure from his recent filmography with the upcoming release of The Raja Saab. The film, a romantic horror-comedy, marks his first attempt in this genre in over a decade, a sharp shift from the large-scale action spectacles he has been associated with since the monumental success of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion.
North America Advance Sales: A Slow Start
With 19 days still to go for its premiere, the film's advance booking data from North America presents a mixed picture. The total premiere advance sales for The Raja Saab have reached USD 140,500. A deeper look reveals that the United States alone has contributed over USD 136,000 from nearly 320 locations and more than 950 shows.
While these numbers are substantial, industry observers note that this start appears less promising compared to the advance booking trends of Prabhas's previous blockbusters like Kalki 2898 AD or Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire. This has led to discussions about the film's pre-release buzz in key overseas markets.
A Genre Experiment and Star-Studded Cast
Directed by Maruthi, The Raja Saab is a bold experiment for the pan-India star. Adding to the audience's curiosity is the confirmation that Prabhas will be seen in a dual role, a factor expected to be a major highlight once the film's trailer is unveiled.
The project boasts a diverse and high-profile ensemble cast, including:
- Nidhhi Agerwal
- Malavika Mohanan, making her Telugu film debut
- Riddhi Kumar
- Sanjay Dutt
- Boman Irani
The Pongal Box Office Battle Heats Up
The Raja Saab faces its biggest challenge from its release date. The film is slated for a worldwide release on January 9, 2025, on the occasion of Pongal. This pits it in a direct box office clash with Jana Nayagan, the final film of superstar Vijay.
The emotional pull of Vijay's swan song is already evident. Jana Nayagan has generated strong buzz, collecting a notable USD 41,000 from its US premiere shows in just two days. This fan-driven demand underscores the intense competition awaiting Prabhas's film, especially in the crucial overseas circuits which are typically dominated by Telugu and Hindi films.
With nearly three weeks left for promotions, The Raja Saab has a crucial window to ramp up its marketing efforts and scale its advance bookings significantly. The current North American pre-sales trend suggests that the promotional machinery needs to shift into a higher gear, or else Vijay's farewell venture might take a commanding lead as the Pongal festivities begin.
