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Entertainment Movie Review

The Raja Saab review: Prabhas and Sanjay Dutt stir cheers, criticism and conversation

The Raja Saab, starring Prabhas and Sanjay Dutt, opens strong at the box office but divides audiences online, with praise for performances and criticism of its story.

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Nitesh Kumar Sahoo
The Raja Saab review: Prabhas and Sanjay Dutt stir cheers, criticism and conversation

Prabhas and Sanjay Dutt In The Raja Saab Photograph: (Instagram/Prabhas)

Few films arrive without expectations when Prabhas is involved, and The Raja Saab, featuring Sanjay Dutt in a pivotal role, is no exception. Mounted as a horror-comedy with fantasy elements, the film opened amid massive buzz, packed shows and loud fanfare.

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Yet, once the audience stepped out of theatres, social media quickly revealed a sharply divided verdict, one that swings between appreciation for star performances and disappointment with the film’s storytelling choices. 

Related Story: The Raja Saab craze: Fans bring ‘crocodiles’ to theaters after Prabhas’ fierce reptile face-off, watch

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Day 1 Box Office: A Promising Opening

Despite the mixed chatter, The Raja Saab enjoyed a healthy start at the box office. The film reportedly collected around ₹15 crore on its opening day in India, a figure driven largely by Prabhas’s loyal fan base and strong advance bookings. The festive Sankranti window further boosted footfalls, proving once again that star power can ensure a solid opening, even before word-of-mouth settles.

A Genre Cocktail That Divides Viewers

Blending horror, fantasy and comedy, The Raja Saab revolves around a young man entangled in supernatural secrets hidden within his ancestral palace. On paper, the premise promises intrigue and thrills. On screen, reactions suggest uneven execution.

While Prabhas’s charisma and screen presence are widely acknowledged as the film’s backbone, many viewers felt the screenplay struggles with pacing and tonal balance. Sanjay Dutt’s portions, especially those tied to the backstory and climax, have sparked conversation. Several fans praised his commanding presence and emotional weight, calling his scenes among the film’s stronger moments.

Social Media Verdict: Split Down the Middle

The Criticism

A loud section of social media users did not hold back. Posts on X described the film as an “absolute disaster,” blaming weak writing, inconsistent tone and a lack of effective horror or comedy. Another widely shared reaction called it a “royal mess of scares and confusion,” pointing fingers at pacing issues and underwhelming visual effects.

On Reddit, some users went further, suggesting the film reflects a worrying pattern in Prabhas’s recent filmography and urging better script selection.

The Praise

At the same time, positive voices are equally present. Many fans applauded Prabhas for carrying the film with sheer screen presence, noting that his performance keeps the narrative afloat when it falters. The second half and extended climax, particularly the confrontational and emotional sequences, earned appreciation for delivering impactful moments. Sanjay Dutt, too, received praise for adding gravitas to the story.

Mixed Responses of Audience

One user wrote, “Below-par outing overall… the horror doesn’t land, and the story feels flat.” (sic)

Another wrote, “Prabhas brings life to the film… great moments in the climax.” (sic)

A third user wrote, “Prabhas’s blind fanbase protects mediocrity, needs better films.” (sic)

“One-time watch… worth it mainly for Prabhas fans… mid movie overall,” wrote another user. (sic)

Must Check: Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit: Gritty first glimpse drops, Prabhas and Triptii Dimri ignite a storm of expectations

The Raja Saab: A Classic Mixed-Reaction Film!

The Raja Saab ultimately stands as a classic mixed-reaction film, ambitious in genre, strong in star presence, but inconsistent in execution. While Prabhas and Sanjay Dutt deliver moments that resonate, shortcomings in storytelling prevent the film from fully capitalising on its potential.

With divided audience opinions and a respectable opening day, The Raja Saab has firmly secured its place as one of the most debated releases of the year.

Sanjay Dutt Prabhas review
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