Prabhas has done it again, turning heads with a massive day one splash at the box office. His latest horror comedy, The Raja Saab, raked in Rs 54 crore worldwide on its opening day, January 9, 2026, despite mixed reviews and some negative buzz. This strong start not only beat out rivals like Dhurandhar and Chhaava but also raises questions about how far the film can go in a crowded Sankranti season.
Opening Day Triumph Amid High Expectations
The Raja Saab hit theaters with huge hype, thanks to Prabhas’ star power after hits like Baahubali and Kalki 2898 AD. Directed by Maruthi, this romantic horror comedy promised thrills, laughs, and big-screen spectacle on a Rs 350 crore budget.
Early estimates from tracking site Sacnilk show the film collected Rs 54.15 crore gross worldwide on day one. That includes solid earnings from paid premieres, which alone brought in Rs 9.15 crore in Telugu states where ticket prices got a boost.
Fans packed theaters, especially in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, proving Prabhas’ pull remains unbeatable. The movie even crossed the opening day figures of Dhurandhar (Rs 28 crore) and Chhaava (Rs 31 crore), marking it as a top performer in recent releases.
This opening adds to Prabhas’ streak of strong debuts, with four back-to-back films crossing Rs 100 crore on day one in the past. Yet, the real test lies ahead as word spreads.
Regional Breakdown Reveals Strengths and Gaps
Diving into the numbers, The Raja Saab shone brightest in its home turf. Telugu collections dominated with Rs 47.4 crore, fueled by high occupancy in morning and afternoon shows.
Hindi markets added Rs 6.15 crore, showing Prabhas’ growing pan-India appeal. But the film struggled in Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam regions, pulling in less than Rs 30 lakhs combined. Experts point to weak promotion outside Telugu-speaking areas as a key reason.
Overseas, the movie held its own, with North America leading the charge. Advance sales there hit around $478K, contributing to a global push that helped reach the Rs 54 crore mark.
Here’s a quick look at the day one split:
- Telugu: Rs 47.4 crore
- Hindi: Rs 6.15 crore
- Other South Indian languages: Under Rs 0.3 crore
- Overseas: Estimated Rs 10-12 crore
These figures highlight how regional loyalty drove the success, even as broader marketing fell short.
The film’s runtime of over three hours drew some complaints, with audiences noting it felt dragged out in parts. Still, the opening proves that star-driven projects can overcome early hurdles.
Challenges from Mixed Reviews and Competition
Not everything went smoothly for The Raja Saab. Negative word of mouth started spreading by afternoon, leading to a dip in evening show occupancy. Critics called out the silly narrative, over-the-top comedy, and bloated length as major flaws.
One review described it as “bloated, illogical, and lengthy,” which might scare off casual viewers. Maruthi, known for lighter fares, faced backlash for not delivering a tighter story despite the massive scale.
Adding to the pressure, the Sankranti 2026 lineup is packed. Films like Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu are set to release on January 12, potentially splitting audiences. With four more movies in the pipeline, The Raja Saab needs positive momentum to sustain its run.
Industry insiders estimate that while digital rights have recovered a big chunk of the budget, theatrical performance will decide if it turns a profit. The horror comedy genre is tricky, and bad buzz could limit its legs at the box office.
Prabhas, playing the lead with co-stars Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Riddhi Kumar, brings his charisma, but the script’s weaknesses might hold it back.
Future Prospects and Streaming Outlook
Looking ahead, the film’s total so far stands at Rs 63 crore including premieres. If it holds steady over the weekend, it could aim for a Rs 100 crore-plus first weekend, building on Prabhas’ record of five films hitting that mark.
However, with mixed reactions, predictions vary. Some fans on social media are optimistic, citing the star’s draw, while others worry about a quick drop-off.
On the bright side, JioHotstar snapped up the digital rights for a hefty sum, planning to stream it by late January 2026. This could give it a second life online, where horror comedies often find new fans.
To break even, The Raja Saab needs to push past Rs 350 crore globally, a tall order but possible with holiday crowds.
In the end, Prabhas’ The Raja Saab kicked off 2026 with a bang, proving his box office muscle despite flaws in the film. This opening not only outpaced competitors but also reminds us of the unpredictable thrill in cinema, where star power can defy critics. What do you think, will it soar higher or fizzle out? Share your thoughts with friends on social media. And since #TheRajaSaab is trending hot on X right now, join the conversation and tag our article to keep the buzz going.
