The Raja Saab Twitter Review: Prabhas’ Film Opens to Mixed Early Reactions

After months of anticipation, speculation, and steady online buzz, The Raja Saab has finally begun its journey on the big screen, with early reactions from audiences already surfacing across social media.

Headlined by Prabhas, the film is scheduled for a grand theatrical release on January 9, 2026, strategically timed to coincide with the lucrative Sankranti festival window, a period traditionally known for strong box office turnout among family audiences.

As the first shows roll out, viewers have started sharing their immediate impressions, resulting in a wave of mixed early responses.

What Early Viewers Are Saying

One early viewer praised the film’s buildup toward the interval, noting that the pre-interval stretch stands out as a major strength. According to the post, the film finds its rhythm as it moves closer to the break, with particular appreciation for Sanjay Dutt’s backstory, especially the transformation sequences driven by supernatural elements and supported by visual effects.

The same reaction highlighted that the opening portions progress at a measured pace, focusing on establishing the premise, which follows Prabhas’ character on a quest to locate his missing grandfather, Kanaka Raju, portrayed by Sanjay Dutt. The post concluded that while the first half is handled competently, the second half will be decisive in determining the film’s overall impact.

Another viewer reacted more enthusiastically, describing the pre-interval portion as an intense and thrilling ride filled with goosebump-inducing moments.

A third viewer highlighted the emotional elements, praising the grandmother scenes, the sentiment involving Prabhas’ character, and calling the action sequences and songs a treat for fans.

However, not all reactions were positive. One critical response described the first half as below expectations, stating that Prabhas’ screen presence remains the film’s primary strength, while some of the commercial elements felt outdated. The viewer also pointed out that a few visual effects shots, particularly those involving Prabhas, appeared weak, adding that the narrative only became engaging closer to the interval and would require a strong second half to recover.

A New Genre Turn for Director Maruthi

Directed by Maruthi Dasari, The Raja Saab represents a notable shift in the filmmaker’s career. Known largely for light-hearted entertainers and commercial comedies, Maruthi ventures into horror-fantasy for the first time with this project.

The film blends supernatural themes with emotional storytelling and large-scale spectacle, marking an ambitious attempt at genre expansion.

Story and Cast

The Raja Saab reportedly revolves around a greedy young man who intends to sell his grandfather’s ancestral mansion, only to uncover dark supernatural secrets hidden within its walls.

The film features a strong ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar, and Zarina Wahab, with Malavika Mohanan making her Telugu debut through this project.

Pan-India Strategy and Audience Expectations

The makers have implemented a broad Pan-India release strategy, covering major metropolitan centres, smaller towns, and overseas markets such as the UAE and Dubai. This mirrors the rollout pattern of previous Prabhas-led blockbusters, aiming to maximize footfall during the festive season.

With early reactions divided and expectations riding high, the true verdict of The Raja Saab will depend heavily on how the second half unfolds once mass audiences step into theatres over the coming days.