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What is the story about?
The Raja Saab arrives with the promise of fantasy, horror, and comedy, but what it ultimately delivers is a muddled spectacle that struggles to be any one thing convincingly. The film centres on a man searching for his missing grandfather, a quest that leads him to a mysterious mansion inhabited by a sinister presence. Elements of the supernatural, fantasy, horror, and comedy collide within the walls of the cursed estate.
Written and directed by Maruthi, the film sets out to be a genre-blender, but instead becomes a confused concoction that tests both patience and goodwill. There’s a whiff of Harry Potteresque elements — grand mansions, secret histories, a looming sinister presence, and hypnotic delusions. But the film never commits enough to its own mythology for it to feel immersive.
Prabhas could have been the film’s saving grace, but the writing gives him next to nothing to work with. Despite that, he still manages to leave a mark, proof of why he continues to be regarded as a bona fide action star. If The Raja Saab is even remotely watchable, it’s largely because of its cast. Credit where it’s due: they make this mess bearable.
With decades of craft behind him, Sanjay Dutt does exactly what one expects — solid, dependable, and effective. But it’s Zarina Wahab who truly shines, delivering a performance that cuts through the chaos with surprising grace and impact. Boman Irani’s character is a familiar archetype, performed competently, but one that adds to the déjà vu rather than freshness. And the arc is better not even spoken about, it’s that underwritten.
Also Read: Madras HC directs CBFC to issue censor certificate to Vijay starrer 'Jana Nayagan'
One of the film’s biggest letdowns is its treatment of female characters. They feel entirely ornamental, contributing little to nothing to the storyline. In fact, the film might have lost very little — perhaps even gained some narrative focus — had these characters not existed at all. Their presence neither moves the plot forward nor deepens the emotional stakes. They just exist for the sake of it.
As a horror-comedy, the film unfortunately fails on both counts. It neither scares nor, barring a few countable moments, genuinely amuses. Instead, it often leaves you questioning the life choices that led you to that moment in the theatre.
The film clearly hopes to bank on Prabhas’ popularity, and it probably will succeed. Star power can carry a film only so far, though, and The Raja Saab is a textbook example of how weak writing can do a disservice to even the most bankable of stars.
At best, it’s a one-time watch, and that too solely for the performances. Even within the realm of this genre of cinema, there are far better options to choose from. If you aren’t a Prabhas fan but still want to give it a watch, this is probably best saved for an eventual OTT release.
And yet, despite it all, will I still watch the next part of this franchise? Most likely, yes. Because if nothing else, The Raja Saab leaves you curious, if not hopeful, that the next chapter might finally get it right.
The Raja Saab is running in theatres near you
Also Read: 'Freedom At Midnight' Season 2 Review | A taut political thriller with a beating heart
Written and directed by Maruthi, the film sets out to be a genre-blender, but instead becomes a confused concoction that tests both patience and goodwill. There’s a whiff of Harry Potteresque elements — grand mansions, secret histories, a looming sinister presence, and hypnotic delusions. But the film never commits enough to its own mythology for it to feel immersive.
Prabhas could have been the film’s saving grace, but the writing gives him next to nothing to work with. Despite that, he still manages to leave a mark, proof of why he continues to be regarded as a bona fide action star. If The Raja Saab is even remotely watchable, it’s largely because of its cast. Credit where it’s due: they make this mess bearable.
With decades of craft behind him, Sanjay Dutt does exactly what one expects — solid, dependable, and effective. But it’s Zarina Wahab who truly shines, delivering a performance that cuts through the chaos with surprising grace and impact. Boman Irani’s character is a familiar archetype, performed competently, but one that adds to the déjà vu rather than freshness. And the arc is better not even spoken about, it’s that underwritten.
Also Read: Madras HC directs CBFC to issue censor certificate to Vijay starrer 'Jana Nayagan'
One of the film’s biggest letdowns is its treatment of female characters. They feel entirely ornamental, contributing little to nothing to the storyline. In fact, the film might have lost very little — perhaps even gained some narrative focus — had these characters not existed at all. Their presence neither moves the plot forward nor deepens the emotional stakes. They just exist for the sake of it.
As a horror-comedy, the film unfortunately fails on both counts. It neither scares nor, barring a few countable moments, genuinely amuses. Instead, it often leaves you questioning the life choices that led you to that moment in the theatre.
The film clearly hopes to bank on Prabhas’ popularity, and it probably will succeed. Star power can carry a film only so far, though, and The Raja Saab is a textbook example of how weak writing can do a disservice to even the most bankable of stars.
At best, it’s a one-time watch, and that too solely for the performances. Even within the realm of this genre of cinema, there are far better options to choose from. If you aren’t a Prabhas fan but still want to give it a watch, this is probably best saved for an eventual OTT release.
And yet, despite it all, will I still watch the next part of this franchise? Most likely, yes. Because if nothing else, The Raja Saab leaves you curious, if not hopeful, that the next chapter might finally get it right.
The Raja Saab is running in theatres near you
Also Read: 'Freedom At Midnight' Season 2 Review | A taut political thriller with a beating heart
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