In what promises to be one of the most anticipated releases of early 2026, pan-Indian superstar Prabhas is set to venture into uncharted territory with The Raja Saab, a Telugu romantic horror comedy scheduled for worldwide release on January 9, 2026. For an actor synonymous with epic action spectacles like Baahubali and Kalki 2898 AD, this supernatural entertainer marks a bold departure that has fans buzzing with anticipation.
A Haunted Mansion Mystery
The narrative centers on a young man facing financial difficulties who turns his attention to his ancestral property for a solution, only to discover the mansion is haunted by the vengeful spirit of Raja Saab. Director Maruthi Dasari, known for his skillful blend of humor and genre elements, weaves together romance, comedy, and supernatural horror in what promises to be a uniquely entertaining cinematic experience.
What elevates this premise beyond typical horror fare is Prabhas taking on dual roles: Raja Saab (Raja Thakur), an Indian Administrative Service officer and elder brother, alongside Deva Thakur, the younger brother whose contrasting persona adds narrative depth. This dual performance allows the star to showcase his range while navigating both the earthly and supernatural dimensions of the story.
A Production of Unprecedented Scale
The Raja Saab is not just ambitious in concept but also in execution. The film features what is reportedly the largest indoor film set ever constructed in India, spanning 41,256 square feet. This mammoth set, designed by art director Rajeevan Nambiar, took over 1,200 workers four months to complete, creating a full-scale haveli complete with multiple rooms, drawing room, dining area, library, and custom-designed spaces tailored to the film's horror-comedy narrative.
The production values reflect the film's substantial budget, and the attention to detail extends to the post-production phase as well. The visual effects work alone has encompassed nearly 300 days, ensuring that the supernatural elements are rendered with the technical sophistication audiences have come to expect from big-budget Indian cinema.
Star-Studded Ensemble Cast
Beyond Prabhas's central performance, The Raja Saab boasts an impressive ensemble. The cast includes Malavika Mohanan (making her Telugu debut), Nidhhi Agerwal, and Riddhi Kumar in lead roles, with Bollywood veterans Sanjay Dutt and Boman Irani appearing in supporting roles. This mix of established stars and fresh faces across multiple film industries underscores the project's pan-Indian appeal.
The technical crew is equally formidable, with Thaman S. composing what is expected to be a thunderous, atmospheric score, Karthik Palani handling cinematography, and Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao managing the editing. With such seasoned professionals behind the camera, the film has all the ingredients for a technically polished spectacle.
The Road to Release
The journey to The Raja Saab's release has been anything but straightforward. Though the project was officially announced in January 2024, principal photography actually began much earlier in October 2022. Prabhas, known for his dedication to multiple projects simultaneously, juggled this film while completing work on Salaar and Kalki 2898 AD.
Originally slated for an April 2025 release, then pushed to December 2025, the film has now locked its theatrical debut for January 9, 2026, strategically positioned during the lucrative Sankranti festival season. This timing positions it to capitalize on the holiday window when audiences flock to theaters, though it will face competition from other major releases.
Pan-Indian Release Strategy
True to Prabhas's stature as a pan-Indian phenomenon, The Raja Saab will release simultaneously in multiple languages. The film will debut in Telugu alongside dubbed versions in Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi, with the Tamil version releasing a day later on January 10, 2026. This multi-language strategy reflects the industry's evolution toward creating truly national, if not international, cinematic events.
Why This Film Matters
The Raja Saab represents more than just another star vehicle. It signals Prabhas's willingness to experiment with genre and character, venturing beyond the action-heavy roles that made him a household name. For Telugu cinema, it showcases the industry's growing confidence in tackling diverse genres with big-budget productions and A-list talent.
The horror-comedy hybrid has proven successful in recent Indian cinema, with films like Stree and Bhool Bhulaiyaa series finding both critical and commercial success. Director Maruthi's track record in balancing humor with genre elements suggests The Raja Saab could similarly strike gold by offering audiences a fresh take on familiar tropes.
Final Thoughts
As the January 9, 2026 release date approaches, The Raja Saab stands as one of the most intriguing prospects in Indian cinema. With its blend of horror, comedy, and romance, backed by spectacular production values and headlined by one of India's biggest stars, the film has all the makings of a theatrical event.
Whether it becomes another milestone in Prabhas's illustrious career or opens new creative avenues for big-budget genre experimentation in Telugu cinema, The Raja Saab is already making waves. For audiences eager to see their favorite action hero navigate the supernatural realm with a touch of vintage charm and contemporary spectacle, the wait is almost over.
Mark your calendars. Raja Saab is ready to rule.
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