The much-anticipated Prabhas starrer, 'The Raja Saab', finally hit the big screens on Friday, coinciding with the festive occasion of Sankranti. Directed by Maruthi and featuring a cast including Nidhhi Agerwal, Sanjay Dutt, and Boman Irani, the horror-comedy has opened to a wave of mixed reactions from the audience, with early reviews highlighting both its strengths and significant shortcomings.
Audience Verdict: Praise for Prabhas, Criticism for Screenplay
Initial reactions on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) paint a picture of a film divided. A recurring point of praise is Prabhas's energetic performance, with many viewers hailing him as the film's biggest asset. One user noted it was refreshing to see the star in such a vibrant role after a long time.
However, the consensus points towards a clumsy and disjointed screenplay that hampers the film's potential. A detailed review rating the film 2.5 out of 5 stated, "A Horror/Fantasy Drama with an interesting concept and an energetic Prabhas, but a clumsy and disjointed screenplay make it tiresome!" The review criticized the outdated commercial elements and choppy editing that tested the audience's patience.
First Half vs. Second Half: A Tale of Two Extremes
A clear split in the film's narrative quality has emerged from viewer feedback. Many have reported that the first half is entertaining, packed with comedy and good songs. One Telugu viewer summarized, "First half super, super comedy, super songs."
The major disappointment, according to multiple reviews, lies in the second half. Critics say the pacing drops drastically, the story feels dragged, and the climax fails to deliver a convincing payoff. The same viewer added, "Second half daridram — worst ante worst... Overall average cinema." This sentiment suggests the second act significantly let down the promise shown in the first.
VFX and Technical Aspects Under Scrutiny
Another point of contention among early viewers is the film's visual effects. While the music by Thaman has been appreciated for keeping the proceedings afloat, the VFX work has received flak for being inconsistent and poor in several shots, particularly those involving the lead actor. This technical flaw has been cited as a distraction from the overall viewing experience.
The film marks the official Telugu debut of actress Malavika Mohanan. The plot follows a man's search for his missing grandfather, which leads him to a mansion with a sinister presence. Produced by People Media Factory and IVY Entertainment, 'The Raja Saab' aimed to offer a fresh concept but, according to early audience reviews, struggles in its execution.
