New Delhi: Prabhas’ hot new horror comedy The Raja Saab promised big laughs and scares ahead of Sankranti, but trouble hit just 24 hours after its Friday
release.
A shocking video shows a US restaurant screening a pirated copy on TV, sparking outrage online. As cybercrime cops hunt pirates, fans fume: will this piracy plague dent the film’s 13Rs 138 crore worldwide opening?
Piracy hits The Raja Saab Fast
Maruthi’s The Raja Saab, starring Prabhas, hit theatres worldwide on Friday, January 9, 2026, with premiere shows a day earlier in the US and Telugu states. Just one day later, the full film leaked online in HD format. Hyderabad cybercrime police swung into action, targeting pirate platforms that shared the illegal print.
US restaurant caught red-handed
A viral video from an Instagram page for NRIs—now deleted—exposed a North Indian restaurant in Dublin, Ohio, USA, playing the pirated version on its TV screens. The page captioned it, “Too much ra (folded hands emojis),” highlighting customers watching the film openly during dining hours. This bold public screening left fans and industry watchers stunned, as it violates copyright laws in a commercial space.
Box office triumph amid chaos
Despite the leak, The Raja Saab roared at the box office. US distributor Prathyangira Cinemas announced the film crossed $2 million gross in two days there. Worldwide, it raked in Rs 138.30 crore, proving Prabhas’ pull even with negative reviews in some quarters. Recent busts, like the arrest of Ravi linked to the iBomma piracy site, had raised hopes, but this incident reignites fears.
Fan fury and calls for action
Social media exploded with anger over the restaurant stunt. Netizens questioned how the management got the pirated print so quickly, calling it a “serious offence” that disrespects filmmakers’ hard work. Many demanded strict legal action against the Ohio eatery to deter future violations. As the film gears up for Sankranti glory, producers urge fans to support theatres and shun piracy.
This piracy blow underscores the ongoing war hurting Telugu cinema’s big releases, but The Raja Saab’s strong start shows resilience.
