Prabhas-starrer The Raja Saab, directed by Maruthi, has made a blockbuster start at the box office, crossing ₹112 crore in worldwide collections on its opening day, January 10, 2026. Despite receiving mixed to negative reviews from critics and audiences, the horror-comedy has demonstrated strong audience pull, particularly in Telugu-speaking states, North India, and overseas markets. The film's massive opening has reaffirmed Prabhas' enduring star power and box-office draw, even as debates continue over its artistic merits.
The milestone was celebrated with a special press conference attended by the cast and crew on Saturday. Speaking at the event, director Maruthi expressed his delight at the film's commercial success and shared a heartwarming anecdote: superstar Allu Arjun had personally called him to extend congratulations on the blockbuster opening. Maruthi highlighted the gesture as a mark of the strong camaraderie and mutual respect among top stars in Telugu cinema, noting how such support means a great deal in an industry known for its intense competition.
The Raja Saab marks Prabhas' first major theatrical release since his record-breaking Kalki 2898 AD and features a blend of horror, comedy, and romance, with supporting roles by Sanjay Dutt, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Malavika Mohanan. The film’s pre-release hype, coupled with Prabhas' massive fan following, contributed significantly to its explosive Day 1 performance. Trade analysts attribute the strong numbers to high occupancy in single screens, robust advance bookings, and enthusiastic turnout from family audiences despite the divided critical reception.
Also Read: The Raja Saab Day 1 Box Office: Prabhas Scores Rs 63 Crore Opener
The success of The Raja Saab comes at a pivotal time for Prabhas, who continues to dominate the pan-Indian film landscape. The film's ability to cross the ₹100-crore mark on opening day, even amid mixed reviews, underscores the actor's unparalleled pull at the box office and the audience's willingness to embrace his larger-than-life persona. For director Maruthi, known for his hit comedies, this marks a major commercial triumph and a shift toward bigger-budget spectacles.
As collections continue to roll in, The Raja Saab is expected to maintain strong momentum over the weekend, potentially setting new benchmarks for horror-comedy films in India. The celebratory mood among the team, amplified by industry peers like Allu Arjun reaching out, reflects the spirit of unity and shared success that defines Telugu cinema's biggest moments.
Also Read: The Raja Saab Day 1 Box Office: Prabhas Film Targets Rs 15-20 Crore Opening