2025 is turning out to be a thrilling year for Indian cinema, with two massive films grabbing the spotlight — Prabhas’ The Raja Saab and Dhanush–Nagarjuna’s Kuberaa. Both belong to completely different genres, yet both have managed to ignite massive buzz among audiences. So, which film has the edge? Let’s dive deep into this epic comparison.
1. Story and Genre
The Raja Saab is a romantic horror–comedy, directed by Maruthi. The film features Prabhas in a double role — one as a theater owner and the other as a ghost. The plot revolves around his ancestral property, an old cinema theater, which forms the eerie yet entertaining backdrop of the story. With a heavy dose of visual effects (VFX) and masala elements, this one is clearly designed to entertain the masses.
In contrast, Kuberaa is a hard-hitting social thriller, helmed by Shekhar Kammula. The film is centered around a ₹10,000 crore scam and features Dhanush as Deva, a beggar who undergoes a shocking transformation. Nagarjuna plays a powerful government officer, and their cat-and-mouse chase forms the core of the film. It’s gritty, raw, and designed to appeal to viewers who love realistic and impactful storytelling.
2. Star Cast and Performances
The Raja Saab boasts a star cast led by Prabhas, who returns in a dual role after a long time. Joining him are Malavika Mohanan, Nidhi Agarwal, and Riddhi Kumar. Malavika’s Telugu debut adds freshness to the film, and Prabhas’ loyal fan base is already hyped for his massy avatar.
On the other hand, Kuberaa brings together two powerhouses — Dhanush and Nagarjuna. Dhanush’s performance in the trailer is already being praised for its intensity and range, and Nagarjuna’s strong screen presence enhances the thrill. Rashmika Mandanna also plays a key role, adding a twist to the narrative. Supporting actors like Jim Sarbh and Dilip Tahil raise expectations further.
3. Direction and Technical Aspects
The Raja Saab is directed by Maruthi, known for his flair in blending horror with comedy. The film is expected to be visually extravagant, especially with its climax being shot at Ramoji Film City. With Thaman S composing the music and Karthik Palani handling cinematography, the film promises a grand theatrical experience.
In contrast, Kuberaa leans heavily into realism and emotion. Directed by Shekhar Kammula, known for his nuanced storytelling, the film has been shot in Mumbai’s Dharavi slums and dumpyards to maintain authenticity. Niketh Bommireddy’s cinematography and Devi Sri Prasad’s (DSP) impactful background score already shine in the trailer, giving the film a raw and grounded vibe.
4. Hype and Audience Appeal
When it comes to pre-release hype, Kuberaa is currently leading. The film has clocked 172.1K interests on BookMyShow, indicating strong anticipation, especially among South and pan-India audiences. Social media is buzzing with terms like “blockbuster loading”, pointing toward positive reception.
The Raja Saab, on the other hand, enjoys solid traction due to Prabhas’ mass appeal. However, the film has also faced some trolling online, with a section of fans labeling it “B-grade.” Still, its solo release on 5th December 2025 could work in its favor, giving it an open runway at the box office.
Kuberaa is slated to release earlier on 20th June 2025, and it will face stiff competition from Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par. Despite this, the strong trailer response and star power of Dhanush and Nagarjuna might help it sail through.
Conclusion: Mass vs Class
To sum up:
- The Raja Saab is for fans who love masala, comedy, VFX-heavy action, and larger-than-life storytelling.
- Kuberaa will appeal to audiences who prefer realistic plots, strong performances, and thrilling narratives.
Both films are promising in their own right, targeting different types of viewers. Whether you’re in the mood for a spooky rom-com with a massy hero or a gripping thriller with stellar acting, 2025 has you covered.