All Affable Prabhas Gets Lost in a Spiralling Mess: IE on The Raja Saab

Prabhas needs no introduction. From Baahubali to Salaar and Spirit, he has carved a niche as one of Indian cinema’s most bankable stars. His screen presence alone can elevate a project, rallying fans across India and beyond. So when his latest film The Raja Saab hit theatres during Sankranti 2026, expectations were sky-high. Unfortunately, reality has proven far more complicated for this much-anticipated horror-comedy.

Let’s dive into what went wrong, how audiences have reacted, and what this means for Prabhas as a leading man in 2026.

What The Raja Saab Promised vs. What It Delivered

A Fresh Genre for Prabhas

Fans were excited to see Prabhas take on a horror-comedy, a genre he hasn’t explored deeply before. Directed by Maruthi, the film blends fantasy, humour, mystery, and supernatural elements — all packaged in a grand Sankranti release with a multi-lingual rollout. The premise sounded promising, especially with a strong ensemble cast including Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, and Boman Irani.

Early promotional material and trailer responses suggested that The Raja Saab might emerge as a refreshing experiment for Prabhas. Though compared to films like Bhool Bhulaiyaa, the makers clarified that their approach incorporated more fantasy than grounded realism.

A Spiralling Narrative, According to Critics

Despite the promise, critics and viewers have quickly labeled the film a chaotic experience. The Indian Express review typified this sentiment, stating that the affable presence of Prabhas couldn’t save the movie from becoming a “giant, spiralling mess.”

The storyline appears disjointed, mixing horror, humour, romance, and nostalgia without a cohesive thread. Characters — including the female leads and supporting cast — suffer from underdevelopment, turning potential story arcs into mere afterthoughts. Reviews mention that several key plot elements feel forced or poorly executed, undermining the film’s impact.

Audience Reaction: Polarised and Passionate

Early Reviews Are Mixed

On social media, reactions to The Raja Saab reflect disappointment and division. Many viewers have echoed criticisms about weak screenwriting, outdated storytelling tropes, flat horror elements, and lacklustre VFX. Terms like “royal mess of scares and confusion” and even “ultra disaster” have popped up in trending discussions.

Some audience members highlighted that the movie, despite its length, feels uneven and fails to find a rhythmic flow between genres. Several posts noted missing scenes from the trailer and confusion over character development.

Prabhas Still Pulls Praise

Even amid the critique, Prabhas himself has been widely praised for his energy and charm. Many viewers pointed out that his performance stands out — at times the only aspect that keeps the film watchable. Fans have described his screen presence as relatable, with moments where his comic timing and physicality break through the muddled narrative.

This dichotomy is common with star-led films: even a weak script can’t entirely suppress a magnetic performance from a beloved actor like Prabhas.

Box Office and Initial Business Signals

Domestic and Overseas Performance

The film opened during Sankranti with good visibility, but early box office data suggests mixed traction, especially overseas. In the United States, The Raja Saab managed modest collections compared to competing releases in the same period.

Despite the lukewarm response, the Sankranti festival timing and limited competition initially helped the film secure attention. However, sustained growth will depend on word-of-mouth and critical reevaluation.

Controversy and Online Buzz

Review Removal Allegations

Controversy has swirled as claims emerged that the makers allegedly offered money to a reviewer to retract a negative review. Whether substantiated or not, such allegations can taint a film’s perception and complicate its public narrative.

Social Media Discourse

The discussions on X (formerly Twitter) and fan forums reveal a clash between die-hard supporters and critical viewers. Some laud Prabhas’ performance while others point to what they see as poor direction, dialogues, and execution. This polarized discourse adds a layer of complexity to how the film’s legacy will be viewed in the long run.

Supporting Cast: Underused or Misjudged?

Despite a cast of capable actors, several reviews suggest that the film underutilises many talents. Female leads, including Riddhi Kumar and Nidhhi Agerwal, are described as playing superficial roles. Sanjay Dutt and Boman Irani, despite their screen heft, reportedly don’t get enough narrative space to elevate the story.

This imbalance weakens the ensemble dynamic, making the story feel less like a shared journey and more like a star-centric spectacle without substance.

What This Means for Prabhas

A Mixed Chapter, Not a Career Definition

One underwhelming release — even from a star of Prabhas’ stature — doesn’t define his career. However, it does raise questions about script selection and creative direction. Fans and critics alike agree that while his performance is strong, the material hasn’t been.

Upcoming projects, like Spirit (directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga), are already gaining traction and might reaffirm his versatility and box office pull.

Star Power vs. Storytelling

The Raja Saab highlights a crucial lesson in modern cinema: star appeal only goes so far. Audience expectations have evolved, and even loyal fans now demand coherent narratives, engaging characters, and meaningful arcs. Prabhas delivering charm isn’t always enough if the story doesn’t support it.

Final Thoughts

The Raja Saab may not be the classic Prabhas fans hoped for, but it underscores several truths about the contemporary film landscape:

• Star power remains a draw, but it cannot fully redeem structural flaws.
• Audiences are quick to call out weak scripts, regardless of who stars in them.
• Even mixed reviews can fuel long-term discussions — sometimes benefiting a film’s legacy in unexpected ways.

For now, The Raja Saab stands as a polarising entry in Prabhas’ filmography: a project with big ambitions that didn’t quite land. Its journey from cinema halls to OTT platforms will be interesting to watch, especially as more viewers form their own opinions beyond the opening weekend buzz.

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