Mounted as a big-budget horror fantasy
Vishwa Prasad’s assessment is noteworthy, given that Sankranthi is traditionally a lucrative window for commercial entertainers. Mounted on a reported budget of over Rs 300 crore, The Raja Saab was positioned as one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious horror-fantasy productions.
Directed by Maruthi Dasari, the film also starred Malavika Mohanan and Nidhhi Agerwal. After repeated postponements through 2025, it finally reached theatres during a crowded Sankranthi window that included Chiranjeevi’s Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu and two other releases. While festival weekends can draw large audiences, competing releases also divide screens and audience attention. According to the producer, the timing may have worked against the film.
The film’s reception had already raised concerns among sections of the trade. Some Prabhas fans had expressed reservations about the promotional material, while its songs did not appear to generate the kind of widespread buzz that might have helped build anticipation ahead of release.
Looking ahead: A packed Prabhas slate
Despite the setback, the association between Prabhas and People Media Factory appears set to continue. Vishwa Prasad has revealed plans for another large-scale project with the actor, saying that the collaboration “will be firmed up in 2028”. The proposed film would mark their fourth collaboration. The producer’s association with Prabhas also includes the distribution of Adipurush, while People Media Factory is set to release Spirit in Telugu.
Prabhas, meanwhile, has Fauzi and Spirit among his key upcoming projects, both reportedly slated for 2027. The actor also has Kalki 2 and Salaar 2 on the horizon, keeping his upcoming slate firmly in the spotlight.
Also Read: Reports: Sai Pallavi to Join The Sets of Prabhas’ Kalki 2?
