The Raja Saab Movie Review: Prabhas returns to the big screen with The Raja Saab, a horror-fantasy drama that attempts to blend family emotion with supernatural thrills. Directed by Maruthi, the film released today to mixed reactions from audiences and critics alike, with many praising the star’s commitment while questioning the execution.
The Raja Saab Movie Review
What Is The Raja Saab About?
The Raja Saab tells the story of Raju, played by Prabhas, a devoted grandson caring for his beloved grandmother Gangamma, portrayed by veteran actress Zarina Wahab. Gangamma suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and harbors an unfulfilled longing to reunite with her missing husband, Kanakaraju.
Determined to bring peace to his grandmother’s final days, Raju embarks on a mysterious quest that leads him deep into a secluded forest. There, he discovers a haunted mansion where supernatural forces guard dark secrets of greed, betrayal, and revenge. The film weaves between emotional family drama and horror-fantasy elements as Raju uncovers the truth about his grandfather’s disappearance.
Prabhas Shines Despite Weak Material
The film’s brightest spot remains Prabhas himself. Critics note that the pan-Indian star brings his signature charisma and style to the role, with his emotional scenes alongside Zarina Wahab creating genuine moments of connection. His attempts at comedy, while not always landing, show sincerity and effort.
Sanjay Dutt makes a notable appearance as Kanakaraju, delivering an intense performance that adds gravitas to the film’s climactic sequences. The emotional core built around the grandmother-grandson relationship provides the movie’s strongest foundation.
Where The Raja Saab Disappoints
Despite its promising premise, The Raja Saab struggles with several fundamental issues that prevent it from achieving its potential:
- Horror That Doesn’t Horrify: The supernatural elements fail to generate genuine scares. Critics repeatedly mention that the horror sequences lack the tension and atmosphere needed to engage audiences seeking thrills.
- Comedy Timing Issues: The film’s comedic moments suffer from poor timing and placement, disrupting the narrative flow rather than enhancing it. What could have been lighthearted relief often feels forced or misplaced.
- Excessive Runtime: At three hours, the movie tests audience patience with unnecessary filler content. The pacing drags considerably, particularly in the second half, making the experience feel longer than it should.
- Tonal Inconsistency: The film struggles to balance its multiple genres, shifting awkwardly between family drama, horror, comedy, and fantasy without creating a cohesive whole.
- Technical Shortcomings: Visual effects appear dated and inconsistent, while the background score fails to elevate key moments. Several songs interrupt the narrative momentum rather than adding value.
Critical Reception and Ratings
Early reviews paint a picture of a film with unrealized potential:
- Telugu360 awarded 2.25 out of 5 stars, calling it a below-average effort with weak execution
- 123Telugu gave it 2.75 out of 5, noting that while some portions work, the overall product feels incoherent
- Gulte criticized the outdated writing and subpar visual effects
- Audience reactions on platforms like Reddit hover around 2.5 out of 5, with many describing it as “mid to decent”
The consensus suggests that while individual elements show promise, the film fails to come together as a satisfying whole.
Does The Climax Redeem It?
Critics acknowledge that the film gains momentum in its final act. The climax introduces intriguing mind games and spectacle that showcase what the movie could have been throughout. However, this late surge proves insufficient to compensate for the sluggish journey preceding it.
Should You Watch The Raja Saab?
The Raja Saab will likely appeal to die-hard Prabhas fans eager to see their favorite star in a different genre. The emotional scenes between Prabhas and Zarina Wahab offer genuine moments worth experiencing, and Sanjay Dutt’s presence adds weight to the proceedings.
However, those seeking a genuinely scary horror film or a tightly-paced fantasy adventure may leave disappointed. The three-hour runtime demands commitment, and the film’s tonal shifts require patience.
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Final Verdict
The Raja Saab represents a missed opportunity. With a compelling emotional foundation built around family, love, and loss, the film had the ingredients for something special. Unfortunately, weak horror execution, inconsistent comedy, technical limitations, and excessive length prevent it from reaching its potential.
Prabhas delivers what’s asked of him, bringing star power and emotional sincerity to the role. The supporting cast, particularly Zarina Wahab and Sanjay Dutt, provides solid performances. Yet without a tighter script, better pacing, and more effective genre execution, these elements cannot save the overall experience.
For Prabhas fans, it’s worth a watch for the star’s performance and select emotional moments. For general audiences, temper expectations and prepare for an uneven journey that tests patience as much as it entertains.
Rating: 2.5/5 stars
- Release Date: January 9, 2026
Director: Maruthi
Cast: Prabhas, Sanjay Dutt, Zarina Wahab
Genre: Horror, Fantasy
Language: Telugu
Runtime: 3 hours
The Raja Saab is now playing in theaters worldwide.
The Raja Saab Movie Public Review
Chaitan Limkar is a tech and entertainment writer passionate about innovation, media, and the stories shaping the digital world.
