Superstar Prabhas has once again proved his unmatched box office power. His latest release, The Raja Saab, opened to a massive ₹54.15 crore worldwide collection on Day 1, setting the tone for a strong theatrical run. The film hit screens globally on Friday, January 9, 2026, and witnessed huge crowds from early morning shows itself.
The opening figures include paid previews, fan shows, and regular screenings, especially across the Telugu states. Despite mixed reviews, audience turnout increased steadily as the day progressed.
Strong Start Driven by Telugu States
The film recorded its strongest performance in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Morning shows opened with packed theatres, while evening and night shows saw even higher occupancy. Single screens reported near-full houses, driven by Prabhas’s loyal fan base.
Multiplexes also performed well, especially in metro cities. The festive mood and weekend timing worked in the film’s favour.
Critics Remain Lukewarm on the Film
While box office numbers impressed trade circles, critics offered a mixed response. Several reviewers described the film as “strictly for Prabhas fans.” The genre blend of horror and comedy failed to impress many critics.
They felt the story relied heavily on Prabhas’s screen presence rather than strong writing. The horror elements lacked impact, and the humour felt stretched in parts. However, most critics still praised the film’s visuals and production scale.
Fans Celebrate, Ignore Reviews
Audience reactions inside theatres tell a very different story. Fans welcomed Prabhas’s return to a lighter, entertaining role after intense action films. Many viewers called the second half and climax the film’s biggest strengths.
Social media remained flooded with celebratory posts, videos, and fan shows. Word-of-mouth among fans stayed strong throughout the day.
Weekend Outlook Looks Promising
With Sankranthi holidays beginning and no major competing releases, trade experts expect the film to grow over the weekend. The recent ticket price hike approval also adds to its revenue potential.
If the current trend continues, The Raja Saab could cross ₹150 crore globally by the end of its first weekend. Hindi and Tamil versions have also started showing gradual improvement.
Stardom Triumphs Over Reviews
Day 1 clearly proves one thing: Prabhas remains a box office force. Even with mixed reviews, his films continue to draw massive crowds. For now, The Raja Saab stands tall as another example of star power driving big openings in Indian cinema.
