Although an official confirmation from the makers is still pending, the industry buzz is growing stronger, leaving fans eager for clarity.
Why Is The Raja Saab Delayed Again?
According to a report from 123Telugu, the release has been delayed due to a combination of production backlogs and strategic release planning. With big competition expected in the box office landscape, the makers are reportedly eyeing the festive Sankranthi season to capitalize on higher footfalls and maximum viewership.
Initially, The Raja Saab was intended as a summer blockbuster for April 2025. However, delays in post-production and remaining shoot schedules—specifically, three songs and a major action sequence—have pushed back the timeline significantly. The filmmakers had later announced December 5, 2025, as the new release date, but that too now appears to be off the table.
Plot Overview: A Spine-Tingling Blend of Horror and Humour
The Raja Saab introduces a refreshing narrative twist for Prabhas, who is known predominantly for action epics and fantasy dramas. This time, the actor takes a detour into horror-comedy—a genre relatively underexplored in mainstream Telugu cinema.
Prabhas plays a light-hearted, carefree man who stumbles upon an opportunity to flip his ancestral mansion for a quick profit. But as he starts his venture, he uncovers a dark and terrifying secret hidden within the haunted Haveli. The story blends supernatural elements with comic timing, promising both chills and chuckles.
Star-Studded Cast & Massive Set Design
Joining Prabhas in The Raja Saab are a trio of talented actresses: Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Ridhi Kumar—each playing pivotal roles that complement the film’s mystical storyline. The film also marks the collaboration of Prabhas with the legendary Sanjay Dutt, who appears in a regal role.
Prabhas recently revealed Sanjay Dutt’s first look on social media, writing: “Wishing the ever-inspiring Sanjay Dutt sir a very happy birthday! Grateful to share the screen with you in #TheRajaSaab.”
The look quickly went viral, adding to the excitement surrounding the film.
One of the most talked-about aspects of The Raja Saab is its grand haunted Haveli set, which spans an astonishing 41,256 square feet. Touted as India’s largest horror film set, this massive construction has raised the bar for production design in the genre.
Box Office Clash on the Horizon
If The Raja Saab indeed releases on January 9, 2026, it won’t be the only big-ticket film hitting the screens. The movie is likely to face stiff competition from Vishal Bhardwaj’s upcoming Bollywood release starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, which is also expected to release on the same date. This sets the stage for an intense box office battle in the Hindi belt.
Despite the clash, industry insiders believe that Prabhas’s pan-India appeal and the novelty of the horror-comedy genre could give The Raja Saab a competitive edge.
Impact on Prabhas’s Other Projects
This postponement could potentially affect Prabhas’s other high-profile projects. Reports indicate that the actor has pending work on multiple films, including:
Spirit – The shoot of this project has been reportedly delayed.
PrabhasHanu – A period drama directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, which is unlikely to wrap up by September 2025.
With such a packed schedule, The Raja Saab is taking longer to complete, but expectations remain sky-high.
Why The Raja Saab Matters for Prabhas's Career
After major films like Baahubali, Saaho, and Adipurush, Prabhas has taken on ambitious and genre-defining roles. The Raja Saab represents a strategic shift—exploring horror-comedy for the first time in his career. It could allow him to showcase a different shade of his acting repertoire and connect with a broader audience segment, especially in North India where horror-comedies like Stree and Bhool Bhulaiyaa have seen success.
This genre shift could help Prabhas rejuvenate his screen image and offer something truly unique for his fans.
Conclusion: Delay Might Just Be a Strategic Masterstroke
While fans may be disappointed by yet another delay, The Raja Saab appears to be gearing up for a grand release that justifies the wait. With an ensemble cast, genre novelty, stunning visuals, and a festive release plan, the film is poised to become one of the biggest cinematic events of 2026.
Stay tuned for official confirmation, trailers, and more sneak peeks as The Raja Saab prepares to haunt theaters this Sankranthi!