Pan-India star Prabhas remains a major theatrical draw, not just for his fan base but also for mainstream audiences. After reaffirming his box-office pull with ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ in 2024, the actor stayed
away from releases through 2025, building anticipation for his next big-screen appearance. That wait ends with ‘The RajaSaab’, which arrives as a Sankranti release and marks Prabhas’ return to cinemas.
Directed by Maruthi, ‘The RajaSaab’ stands out as a departure from Prabhas’ recent action-heavy roles. The film attempts a blend of horror, fantasy and comedy—genres the actor is exploring for the first time. With early premieres already completed, the key question is whether this experiment delivers the festive entertainer audiences expect.
Spoiler Alert Ahead
The film follows Raja, also known as Rajasab, the last heir of a once-wealthy zamindar family who has lost its fortune. He lives a modest life with his grandmother Gangamma, who suffers from Alzheimer’s and continues to wait for her missing husband Kanaka Raju, who disappeared decades ago while retrieving family jewellery.
An unexpected turn forces Raja to travel to Hyderabad in search of his grandfather and long-buried family secrets. Along the way, he meets Blessy and develops feelings for her, even as he grows closer to Bhairavi under unusual circumstances.
At the heart of the narrative lies a mystery surrounding Kanaka Raju, his obsession with wealth, and his unresolved conflict with another powerful figure, Gangaraju. Whether Raja uncovers the truth and fulfils his grandmother’s long-standing wish forms the emotional core of the film.
The Film Explores Supernatural
Set largely around an eerie fort located in the Narsapur forest region, the film establishes its supernatural elements early. The character of Kanaka Raju is introduced with clear intent—his greed, fixation on hidden treasure, and desire to control his wealth even beyond death add intrigue to the premise.
However, the first half struggles to maintain momentum. While there are attempts at humour, the comedy does not consistently land, and the narrative unfolds at a leisurely pace that tests patience. The film finds better footing in the second half, particularly once the confrontation between Raja and Kanaka Raju takes centre stage. The psychological mind games between the two characters bring energy to the plot, and the tonal shift works in the film’s favour.
That said, the screenplay occasionally feels weighed down by scenes seemingly designed to serve star image expectations rather than story progression. These moments dilute the central conflict and weaken the overall grip of the narrative.
Performances And Technical Aspects
Prabhas delivers a refreshing performance, presenting a more playful and emotionally grounded version of himself. His portrayal of a grandson willing to go to great lengths for his grandmother stands out, and his comic timing, especially in scenes involving romantic confusion, adds novelty. His look, body language, and dialogue delivery feel deliberately different from his recent roles.
The supporting cast complements the lead well. Malavika Mohanan, Nidhi Agarwal, and Riddhi Kumar fit comfortably into their respective roles, while Satya provides occasional comic relief. VTV Ganesh and Prabhas Sreenu add to the humour track, though not all jokes hit the mark. Samuthirakani makes a brief but impactful appearance, while Zarina Wahab delivers a touching performance as the ageing grandmother.
Sanjay Dutt dominates the screen as Kanaka Raju, bringing intensity and presence that elevate key sequences. His character emerges as one of the film’s strongest elements.
On the technical front, music works more effectively in the background score than in the songs, which are serviceable but not particularly memorable. The cinematography enhances the film’s visual scale, and the VFX are competent for the genre. Editing, however, could have been sharper, particularly in the first half. The art direction deserves praise for creating an atmospheric setting that supports the supernatural tone.
Verdict
The ‘RajaSaab’ is an ambitious attempt that showcases Prabhas in a new space and offers moments of entertainment, particularly in its latter half. While the film scores on visuals, performances, and concept, inconsistent pacing and uneven humour prevent it from fully delivering on its promise. As a festive release, it offers something different, but stronger storytelling could have elevated the experience significantly.
