The much-hyped Telugu fantasy horror comedy 'The Raja Saab', starring superstar Prabhas, has ignited a storm of conflicting reactions following its global theatrical debut on 9 January 2026. While the film enjoyed a powerful opening at the box office, it has been met with a wave of criticism from a significant section of audiences and reviewers, who have pointed fingers at its screenplay, visual effects, and overall execution.
Audience Backlash and Social Media Firestorm
Despite solid initial collections, the narrative online has been largely critical. Social media platforms like X and IMDb are flooded with reviews expressing disappointment. A common thread among the negative reactions is the perceived lack of a coherent plot and logical storytelling.
One viral post called the film a "cinematic crime," sarcastically remarking it looked like footage from a "green screen warehouse." Another user questioned the justification of Prabhas' reported high remuneration, criticising the "messy" screenplay, "cringe" dialogues, and a forced romantic angle.
The debate has extended to broader industry trends, with many netizens suggesting the film's reception signals a shift in audience preference towards strong scripts over mere star power. One comment linked it to future star-led projects, stating, "people r preferring script over stars it seems." Some fans expressed personal disappointment, urging Prabhas to choose his projects more carefully to avoid "downgrading his own stardom."
Box Office: A Story of Two Days
The film's commercial performance tells a tale of contrasts. It began with paid previews (Day 0) collecting ₹9.15 crore. The first full day, Friday (Day 1), saw a massive surge, earning an impressive ₹53.75 crore nationwide, driven predominantly by its Telugu version.
However, early estimates for the first Saturday (Day 2) indicate a steep decline, with collections reportedly falling to around ₹16.11 crore. This brings the total domestic box office tally for the first three days to approximately ₹79.01 crore, highlighting concerns about the film's staying power post the initial fan-driven rush.
Not All Gloom: Defenders and Industry Context
Amid the criticism, a vocal group of supporters has risen to the film's defense. These viewers praised the film as a "fresh experience" that successfully blends horror, comedy, and mass elements. They highlighted Prabhas' screen presence, the performances of actresses Malavika Mohanan and Nidhhi Agerwal, and the film's climax as positive takeaways.
Directed by Maruthi and produced by People Media Factory and IVY Entertainment, 'The Raja Saab' features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, and Zarina Wahab. The plot follows a man's quest to find his missing grandfather, leading him to a haunted mansion.
Mainstream industry reviews have largely echoed the negative audience sentiment, describing the film as an ambitious but narratively disjointed attempt that leans too heavily on spectacle over substance. Despite the divisive talk, the film's box office numbers confirm it remains a major commercial topic, proving that Prabhas' star power alone can generate massive opening-day business, even if the content struggles to sustain it.
