Prabhas’ ambitious foray into the horror-comedy genre, The Raja Saab, is facing a steep uphill battle at the box office. After a promising start fueled by massive advance bookings and fan frenzy, the film has witnessed a significant decline in footfalls during its first working week.
As of Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the film’s domestic net collection stands at approximately ₹119.45 crore—a figure that has trade analysts concerned given the movie’s reported ₹300–400 crore budget.
Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown (India Net)
The film’s trajectory shows a “front-loaded” performance, where the initial hype has not translated into sustained weekday momentum.
| Day | Collection (Net) | Highlights |
| Day 0 (Previews) | ₹9.15 Cr | Strong Telugu-state previews. |
| Day 1 (Friday) | ₹53.75 Cr | Explosive opening; ₹47 Cr from Telugu alone. |
| Day 2 (Saturday) | ₹26.00 Cr | 51.6% drop; Negative word-of-mouth begins. |
| Day 3 (Sunday) | ₹19.10 Cr | Moderate Sunday hold; Total reaches ₹100 Cr. |
| Day 4 (Monday) | ₹6.60 Cr | 71% crash; Fails the crucial Monday test. |
| Day 5 (Tuesday) | ₹4.85 Cr | Lowest single-day tally; Weekday fatigue sets in. |
| Total (5 Days) | ₹119.45 Cr | Worldwide Gross: ~₹170–180 Cr |
Why the Slump? Critical and Commercial Challenges
Despite the star power of “Darling” Prabhas, The Raja Saab has encountered several roadblocks:
- The “Missing” Look: Fans were vocal about their disappointment when Prabhas’ “Old Man” avatar, which was a highlight of the trailer, was missing from the initial theatrical prints. Director Maruthi has since clarified that a 4-to-8 minute sequence featuring this look and a rooftop fight was added back to theaters on January 11.
- Mixed Word-of-Mouth: While some praised Prabhas’ comedic timing and “Darling-era” swag, many viewers criticized the “outdated” screenplay and a “forced” romantic angle with the leading ladies.
- The “Intellectual” Gap: In a recent press meet, Director Maruthi defended the film, stating, “Some intellectual audiences liked the film, while others couldn’t connect. You will only understand the depth of the writing if you watch it a second time.”
The Road Ahead: Sankranti to the Rescue?
The makers are pinning their hopes on the Sankranti festive period (starting January 14–15), which typically sees a massive surge in theater-going audiences in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. However, with heavy-weight competition like Thalapathy Vijay’s Jana Nayagan (dominating overseas) and the ongoing run of other regional films, The Raja Saab needs more than just a festive boost to achieve break-even status.
Cast: Prabhas, Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal.
Director: Maruthi
Producer: People Media Factory