The Raja Saab, directed by Maruthi, marks Prabhas’ first foray into the horror-fantasy comedy genre, a film that arrived amid high expectations and considerable pre-release buzz. Featuring Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Riddhi Kumar in key roles, the film attempts to blend humour, emotion, and supernatural elements—but struggles to strike the right balance.
The Story
At its core, The Raja Saab is a story about family, memory, and unresolved trauma. Raju (Prabhas) shares a deep bond with his grandmother Gangamma (Zarina Wahab), who suffers from Alzheimer’s. While her memory fades, she remains emotionally attached to her husband Pekamedala Kanakaraju (Sanjay Dutt), a feared exorcist believed to be living in isolation.
When Raju travels to Hyderabad in search of his missing grandfather, he uncovers a chilling truth—Kanakaraju has been dead for years and now exists as a vengeful spirit. What follows is a clash between past and present, with Raju confronting unsettling revelations about his grandfather and the darkness that surrounds him.
What Works
Prabhas in a comic avatar is easily the film’s biggest highlight. The actor makes a sincere attempt to break away from his larger-than-life action persona, embracing physical comedy and lighthearted moments. While the writing limits his potential, a few scenes genuinely land and showcase his timing.
Zarina Wahab delivers a graceful and emotionally grounded performance. Her portrayal of Gangamma brings warmth and depth, and the film’s most affecting moments belong to her scenes with Prabhas.
Sanjay Dutt, though underutilised, adds gravitas. His psychological face-offs—particularly with Prabhas and Boman Irani—briefly elevate the narrative and inject tension where it’s otherwise lacking.
The second half offers scattered moments of promise, including the shadow encounters, psychological mind games, and a hospital sequence that allows Prabhas to display emotional vulnerability.
What Doesn’t Work
The film’s biggest drawback is its confused tone. As a horror-comedy, The Raja Saab neither scares nor consistently entertains. The horror elements feel outdated, relying on familiar tropes, while the comedy often misses its mark.
The screenplay lacks momentum, especially in the first half, and stretches simple plot points far too long. Supporting characters—including the female leads—are poorly developed and largely serve decorative purposes.
The VFX and background score fail to amplify tension, and the horror sequences lack the atmosphere needed to leave an impact. The film also struggles with pacing, making its runtime feel longer than necessary.
Jay- ho Verdict
The Raja Saab is a missed opportunity. While it benefits from Prabhas’ earnest performance and a few emotionally resonant moments, the film is let down by weak writing, tonal inconsistency, and underwhelming execution. Fans of Prabhas may appreciate his comic turn, but for most viewers, the film neither delivers laughs nor chills.
