After Baahubali, Prabhas largely stayed away from light-hearted entertainers and focused on serious, pan-India subjects. With The Raja Saab, he attempts a refreshing shift by stepping into a fantasy horror comedy directed by Maruthi. The film’s teaser and trailer created strong buzz, especially among fans eager to see Prabhas in a fun-filled role again. But does The Raja Saab truly deliver the entertainment it promises? Here’s a detailed review.
Plot Overview
Raju, popularly known as Raja Saab (Prabhas), shares a deep emotional bond with his grandmother Ganga Devi (Zarina Wahab). He lives with her and takes care of her needs. Although she suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, she never forgets her husband Kanakaraju (Sanjay Dutt). She repeatedly urges her grandson to bring her husband back.
After noticing Kanakaraju in an old photograph, Raja Saab travels to Hyderabad in search of him. Unexpectedly, Kanakaraju uses his mystical powers to bring both the grandson and grandmother to his eerie mansion in the Narsapur forest. Shockingly, he even tries to kill them.
This sets up several intriguing questions. Who is Raja Saab in reality? Why does Kanakaraju want to eliminate him and Ganga Devi? What is Ganga Devi’s link to a royal lineage? Why does Raja Saab fall in love with three women—Bhairavi (Malavika Mohanan), Blessy (Nidhhi Agerwal), and Anita (Riddhi Kumar)? The answers unfold as the story progresses.
Story and Direction
Director Maruthi blends horror, fantasy, comedy, and romance to create a mass entertainer. While the idea sounds interesting, the execution lacks sharpness. The first half moves at a decent pace and offers a few entertaining moments. However, the second half drags and often feels confusing.
The narrative struggles with clarity, especially when dealing with occult elements and mystical powers. Instead of adding thrill, these portions create unnecessary complexity. Many scenes feel repetitive and familiar, reducing the overall impact. The emotional core, particularly the bond between the grandmother and grandson, fails to leave a lasting impression.
Although Sanjay Dutt’s character has a potentially powerful backstory, the film does not explore it in depth. The horror elements also fail to generate genuine fear or suspense.
Performances
Prabhas brings energy and charm to the role of Raja Saab. His comic timing works well, and his stylish look stands out. Fans will enjoy seeing him in a lighter, humorous avatar after a long gap.
Malavika Mohanan looks glamorous and performs confidently in both romantic and action sequences. Nidhhi Agerwal and Riddhi Kumar add visual appeal, especially in the songs. Zarina Wahab delivers a graceful performance as the grandmother.
Sanjay Dutt, despite his strong screen presence, gets limited scope to showcase his acting range. Supporting actors Boman Irani and Samuthirakani perform their roles convincingly. Comedians Prabhas Sreenu, Saptagiri, and VTV Ganesh provide occasional laughs.
Technical Aspects
Thaman’s background score feels loud and often overwhelms the scenes. In contrast, Karthik Palani’s cinematography enhances the film’s visual appeal. The production values are rich, and the budget is clearly visible on screen. The visual effects are decent but fail to elevate the storytelling due to weak content.
Final Verdict
The Raja Saab is a fantasy horror comedy that works in parts but falls short as a complete entertainer. Prabhas’ performance and production quality stand out, but a routine storyline and weak execution limit the film’s impact. The ending hints at a sequel titled Raja Saab Circus, aiming to spark curiosity for the next chapter.
Overall, The Raja Saab may appeal to die-hard Prabhas fans but leaves others wishing for a tighter script and stronger storytelling.
