After much anticipation, Prabhas’s The Raja Saab premiered on January 9, 2026, but the film failed to live up to expectations. Directed by Maruthi Dasari, the movie opened strongly but soon witnessed a significant decline in ticket sales, making it one of the biggest disappointments of 2026 in Indian cinema.
Box Office Performance
In its first week, The Raja Saab earned Rs 130.25 crore, but the momentum dropped sharply in the second week. On Day 14, the film collected only Rs 51 lakh, bringing the total box office to Rs 142.71 crore, well below industry expectations for a pan-Indian Prabhas film.
The Telugu occupancy rates also reflected dwindling audience interest:
- Morning shows: 15.67%
- Afternoon shows: 12.91%
- Evening shows: 13.61%
- Night shows: 14.33%
Critics and audiences pointed to predictable plotlines, uneven humor, and weak horror elements as key reasons for the film’s underperformance.
What Went Wrong?
The Raja Saab revolved around Raja Saab (Prabhas) trying to reunite his Alzheimer’s-affected grandmother with her husband, blending comedy, emotion, and supernatural twists. Despite a star-studded cast including Sanjay Dutt, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, and Boman Irani, the film failed to engage audiences, especially in competitive markets with multiple releases.
Industry Reactions
Box office analysts have labeled the movie a major setback for Prabhas, highlighting the gap between expectation and performance. While Prabhas remains a top star in India, The Raja Saab serves as a reminder that even big-budget films with strong star power can falter if the script and execution fail to connect.
Next in Line: Spirit
Looking ahead, Prabhas is gearing up for Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, alongside Triptii Dimri. With a release planned for March 5, 2027, in multiple languages, industry insiders hope this project will redeem Prabhas’s box office record.
