Introduction
The trailer for The Raja Saab, starring Prabhas, dropped recently, and it’s already set the internet ablaze with reactions. This horror-comedy, directed by Maruthi, promises a mix of romance, laughs, and supernatural thrills. But is it a grand comeback for the Baahubali star, or are the shaky VFX and boycott calls threatening its hype? In this detailed review, we break down the trailer’s highs and lows, cast details, direction, public reactions, and the controversy brewing online. Let’s dive in!
The Story and Crew: What’s The Raja Saab About?
The trailer introduces us to a royal tale with a twist. Prabhas plays a charming yet timid prince who stumbles into a haunted ancestral mansion, setting the stage for a rollercoaster of horror, comedy, and romance. The vibe? A spooky haveli, ghostly encounters, and a love triangle that keeps you hooked
.Director: Maruthi Dasari, known for Telugu comedy hits like Srinivasa Kalyanam, takes the helm. He’s teased this as “king-sized entertainment” [Citation: 15]. But can his signature humor blend with horror?
Cast:
Prabhas: The heartthrob leads with his trademark swagger, balancing action, comedy, and romance.
Malavika Mohanan & Nidhhi Agerwal: The leading ladies bring glamour and chemistry with Prabhas.
Sanjay Dutt: Plays a menacing tantric/antagonist, adding a dark edge.
Brahmanandam & Riddhi Kumar: The comedy relief, with Brahmanandam stealing moments.
Music: Thaman S crafts a suspenseful yet slightly overpowering BGM.
Release Date: January 9, 2026, in Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil.
Producers: People Media Factory.
The trailer has moments that shine brighter than a royal crown:
Prabhas’ Charm: Prabhas is the undisputed star, delivering action, humor, and romance with ease. Fans on X are raving, with one user saying, “Prabhas in comedy is a vibe! Post-Baahubali, this fresh look is a win”. His chemistry with Malavika and Nidhhi is a highlight.
Comedy-Horror Balance: The trailer nails the mix of spooky thrills and light-hearted laughs. Brahmanandam’s natural comedic timing feels refreshing, not forced.
Visual Flair: Certain supernatural scenes, like the ghostly haveli shots, pop with eerie vibes. Critics noted, “The trailer balances spine-chilling horror with humor”. Thaman’s BGM amplifies the suspense effectively in key moments.
Fans on X are buzzing with comments like, “Excellent trailer, top-notch vibes!” though much of the love is for Prabhas’ star power
The Bad: VFX, Voice, and Boycott Drama.
Not everything is royal about this trailer. Here’s where it stumbles:
VFX Woes: The biggest letdown is the visual effects. The CGI looks unfinished, artificial, and, frankly, cheap in parts. Critics are harsh, comparing it to “Adipurush 2.0” X users trolled it mercilessly: “VFX is garbage, green screen screams low budget!” Some even called out the double standards, as films like Stree 2 get a pass for similar issues.
Voice and Dubbing: The Hindi version’s voiceovers, especially Sanjay Dutt’s, feel mismatched and lack punch Comedy dialogues also miss the mark at times, feeling forced.
Public Reaction: What’s the Internet Saying?
The trailer has split audiences down the middle, based on web and X searches:
Positive (30%): Fans are hyped for Prabhas, with posts like, “He steals the show, action scenes are fire!” garnering 500+ likes on X [Citation: 7]. His charisma is the trailer’s saving grace.
Negative (70%): The VFX criticism dominates, with comments like “Disappointing, smells like a flop” [Citation: 2, 18]. YouTube reviews label it a “middling mix,” and foreign reaction videos praise Prabhas but slam the VFX
Overall Sentiment: The trailer has a 6.5/10 rating on IMDb (unofficial). On X, #TheRajaSaabTrailer has over 10K mentions, but negative reactions outweigh the positives. Fans advise, “Keep expectations low, story will decide”
Final Verdict: Hit or Miss?
The Raja Saab trailer is a mixed bag. Prabhas’ star power, paired with a fun horror-comedy vibe, gives it blockbuster potential. However, the subpar VFX, weak dubbing, and boycott noise are major red flags. Fans are ready to forgive the flaws for their darling star, but critics and casual viewers might not be as kind. The film’s fate hinges on its story and execution when it hits theaters on January 9, 2026
