In the ever-evolving landscape of Telugu cinema, where pan-Indian spectacles dominate the box office, *The RajaSaab* emerges as a tantalizing fusion of genres. Directed by the versatile Maruthi Dasari, this upcoming romantic horror comedy promises to marry the grandeur of royal intrigue with spine-chilling supernatural elements and heartfelt romance.
Starring the indomitable Prabhas in a dual role, the film is poised to redefine the horror-comedy trope while leveraging Prabhas’s star power to captivate audiences across languages. As of November 14, 2025, with its release slated for January 9, 2026, *The RajaSaab* has already generated buzz through teaser glimpses and behind-the-scenes revelations. This review delves into its cast and crew, while speculating on its narrative potential based on available insights, trailers, and Maruthi’s signature style.
The Stellar Cast: Prabhas Leads a Power-Packed Ensemble
At the heart of *The RajaSaab* is Prabhas, the “Rebel Star” whose larger-than-life persona has propelled blockbusters like *Baahubali* and *Salaar* to global acclaim. Here, Prabhas essays dual roles, embodying both a young, rebellious heir to a royal legacy and, intriguingly, a spectral or ancestral figure tied to the horror elements.
His vintage look in the teaser – donning sherwanis, sporting a mustache, and exuding old-world charm – harks back to his early romantic roles in films like *Darling*, but infused with a majestic swagger. Fans have raved about this “Vintage Prabhas,” predicting it could be his most experimental outing yet, blending vulnerability with unyielding power. Prabhas’s ability to toggle between intense action sequences and comedic timing will be pivotal, especially in a genre mash-up that demands emotional depth amid the scares.
Supporting Prabhas is a diverse ensemble that elevates the film’s pan-Indian appeal. Sanjay Dutt, the Bollywood icon known for his brooding intensity in *KGF: Chapter 2*, takes on a pivotal antagonistic or mentor-like role, rumored to be a ghostly overlord clashing with Prabhas’s heir.
Dutt’s gravelly voice and commanding presence add gravitas to the supernatural threads, promising explosive confrontations laced with dark humor. Nidhhi Agerwal, fresh from *Most Eligible Bachelor*, plays one of the female leads, bringing bubbly energy and romantic flair. Her chemistry with Prabhas could spark the film’s emotional core, navigating love amid hauntings.
Malavika Mohanan marks her Telugu debut as the other leading lady, a casting coup that bridges South and North Indian cinema. Fresh off *Master* and *Christy*, Malavika’s poised elegance and nuanced performances make her ideal for a character entangled in the royal curse – perhaps a modern woman uncovering ancestral secrets.
Riddhi Kumar, seen in *Jab Harry Met Sejal*, rounds out the romantic quartet, infusing youthful zest and potential comic relief. Veteran comic Brahmanandam, a Telugu comedy legend, is also on board, ensuring laugh-out-loud moments amid the thrills. Rumors swirl of cameos by Boman Irani, adding quirky wisdom to the proceedings. This cast not only boasts star wattage but also a balance of dramatic heft and levity, setting the stage for multifaceted character arcs.
The Crew: Maruthi’s Vision Backed by Technical Mastery
Behind the lens is writer-director Maruthi Dasari, whose track record with horror-comedies like *Prema Ishq Kadhal* and *Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada* makes him a genre maestro. Maruthi describes *The RajaSaab* as his “most ambitious project,” blending romance with horror in a way that echoes Hollywood’s *Beetlejuice* but rooted in Telugu folklore.
His script, a People Media Factory and IVY Entertainment production, weaves a tale of a young heir embracing his royal heritage while battling rebellious spirits – literal and figurative – to establish “unprecedented rules” in his reign. The narrative teases rebellion in the blood, supernatural vendettas, and redemptive love, all unfolding in opulent palaces and eerie ancestral havelis.
The production faced grueling schedules, with the technical crew logging 16-18-hour days over 120+ days from July to December 2024, crafting intricate sets that evoke vintage royalty fused with gothic horror. Cinematographer Richard Prasad, known for *Kantara*, is expected to deliver visually stunning frames – think moonlit corridors haunted by shadows and lavish dance sequences under chandeliers.
Music composer Ajaneesh Loknath (*Kantara* fame) helms the score, promising a haunting yet rhythmic soundtrack that mixes folk melodies with pulse-pounding electronic beats. The VFX team, handling the horror elements, draws from international standards to create seamless ghostly apparitions and transformative dual-role sequences for Prabhas.
Review: A Promising Spectacle with High Stakes
While *The RajaSaab* hasn’t hit screens yet, early teasers and industry whispers paint a picture of a film that’s equal parts exhilarating and endearing. The trailer, unveiled in late 2024, clocks in at 3:28 minutes of pure adrenaline: Prabhas’s baritone narration sets a tone of majestic defiance, intercut with jump scares, romantic glances, and comedic bumbles. Maruthi’s direction shines in balancing tones – the horror feels visceral yet not gratuitous, the comedy organic rather than slapstick, and the romance palpably electric.
Strengths abound: Prabhas’s dual portrayal could be career-defining, showcasing his range beyond action-hero molds. The ensemble’s synergy, especially the Prabhas-Malavika-Nidhhi triangle, hints at layered dynamics that explore legacy, love, and liberation. Technically, it’s a feast – grand sets rival *RRR*, VFX promise *Brahmastra*-level immersion, and Loknath’s music already has hooks stuck in heads. As a pan-Indian release in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, it eyes a 500-crore opening, capitalizing on Prabhas’s post-*Kalki 2898 AD* fervor.
Potential pitfalls? Maruthi’s lighter touch might dilute the horror for purists, and the dual-role trope risks predictability if not innovated. Pacing in a 2.5-hour runtime will be key to sustaining the genre cocktail without fatigue. Yet, if it delivers on the teaser’s “powerful and majestic reign,” *The RajaSaab* could be 2026’s first mega-hit, blending heart, horror, and hilarity into a royal romp. Rating anticipation: 3.5/5 – a crowd-pleaser with substance, waiting to crown Prabhas’s throne.
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