Prabhas returns to the big screen with Sankranti release ‘Raaja Saab’

Telugu superstar Prabhas made a grand return to cinemas this Sankranti with Raaja Saab , a commercial entertainer that has emerged as one of the most talked-about festive releases despite mixed early reactions. Directed by Maruthi, the film entered theatres amid stiff competition from other Sankranti releases such as Anaganaga Oka Raju , Mana Shankara Vara Prasad and Nari Nari Naduma Murari , yet managed to draw strong initial crowds.

Raaja Saab features Prabhas in a mass-appeal role, supported by an ensemble cast including Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan and Sanjay Dutt. The film blends elements of horror, comedy and action, a combination aimed squarely at festival audiences. Backed by lavish production values, the film also banks heavily on Prabhas’ star power and Maruthi’s trademark humour.

The film opened on a strong note overseas, with North American premieres grossing approximately $1.03 million from 37,546 tickets across 526 locations. It topped the box office charts there, finishing ahead of Hollywood release Avatar: Fire and Ash . Globally, advance bookings for Day 1 reportedly touched around ₹70 crore, underlining the anticipation surrounding the film.

Critical response has been divided so far. While some reviewers pointed to a sluggish first half and uneven visual effects, others praised the film’s second half, particularly its climactic portions. Prabhas’ screen presence, his energetic performance and the background score by music director S. Thaman have received consistent appreciation. Fans, especially, have described the finale as “trance-like”, hailing Raaja Saab as a full-fledged festival blockbuster.

With the crucial Sankranti holiday window ahead, trade analysts say the film’s box-office trajectory will depend on word of mouth over the next few days. For now, Raaja Saab has reaffirmed Prabhas’ ability to command openings and dominate the festive box office, even amid mixed reviews and intense competition.