THE RAJA SAAB REVIEW: A SUPERNATURAL FAMILY FEUD POWERED BY EMOTION AND SCALE

Director: Maruthi Dasari

Producer: T. G. Vishwa Prasad

Cast: Prabhas, Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, Zarina Wahab, Samuthirakani

Production House: People Media Factory

Genre: Horror • Fantasy • Comedy

Runtime: 3 Hours 06 Minutes

Certificate: U/ARelease Date: 09 January 2026Rating: 3

Rating:

★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Story

Sounds like a thrilling ride! Raja Saheb shapes up to be an epic tale of love, family, and the supernatural. Prabhas is perfectly cast as Raju, while Zarina Wahab’s portrayal of Gangamma is poised to break hearts.

Once a formidable zamindar, Gangamma now lives in poverty, her fragile mental state anchored to a single belief: that her family’s downfall began with the theft of a sacred necklace belonging to the village deity. Her husband, Kanakraju (Sanjay Dutt), disappeared decades ago while hunting down the thief, leaving behind unanswered questions and a legacy steeped in fear and folklore.

When doctors suggest that reuniting Gangadevi with her long-lost husband may restore her sanity, Raju sets out to find his grandfather—unaware that this search will unearth truths better left buried. What begins as a mission of hope turns into a reckoning that leads to a cursed forest palace, where blood ties and supernatural forces collide in a battle that is as personal as it is otherworldly.

Sanjay Dutt’s character adds an air of mystery, and the story has all the right ingredients—action, drama, and a dash of folklore.

Performances

Prabhas truly brings his A-game to Raja Saheb. His understated performance is ideal for the role, and he remains the emotional core of the film. He delivers a controlled and grounded portrayal—a sight to behold—that never drifts away from its human essence.

Sanjay Dutt’s flashback sequences are particularly engaging. His performances are meticulous, especially in the emotional and eerie segments.

Malavika Mohanan strikes a fine balance as Bhairavi, bringing intrigue without excess. Nidhhi Agarwal adds charm and vibrancy, while Boman Irani leaves a strong impression in his pivotal role as Dr Padmabushan, lending both narrative clarity and gravitas.

Zarina Wahab is deeply affecting, her portrayal giving the film its emotional soul. Samuthirakani and the supporting cast contribute effectively, enhancing the story without distraction.

Direction

Director Maruthi demonstrates notable restraint, carefully balancing horror, fantasy, humour, and sentiment. He avoids over-explaining, allowing atmosphere and visual storytelling to do much of the heavy lifting.

The interval is sharply designed—not merely a pause, but a decisive narrative shift that propels the film into a darker and more intense second half. Despite the genre-heavy structure, the storytelling remains largely coherent and controlled.

Technical Strengths

The film’s climax is ambitious and visually expansive, supported by polished VFX that hold up well on the big screen. The production design and background score complement the narrative rather than overpower it.

While the runtime is lengthy, the technical finesse ensures that the supernatural elements feel immersive and purposeful.

Final Verdict

The Raja Saab chooses patience over instant gratification. It builds its world gradually, allowing emotion and atmosphere to take precedence over loud spectacle. Prabhas’ calm authority grounds the film, giving it repeat-watch value beyond fan service.

Blending supernatural mythology with family drama, The Raja Saab succeeds when it trusts silence, emotion, and conviction. It may not reinvent the genre, but it proves that fantasy works best when rooted in genuine emotional conflict—making it a solid festive theatrical experience.