Prabhas on the poster of The Raja Saab.
Credit: People Media Factory
In 2024, Indian cinema has undergone a significant transformation, with the horror-comedy genre capturing the hearts of audiences nationwide. Hopping onto this trend is Prabhas, who is ready to entertain his fans in a completely different role with his forthcoming movie, The Raja Saab. Renowned for his powerful roles in epic films, the pan-India superstar is ready to trade his usual intensity for a lighthearted mix of humor and thrills, diving into a genre that is becoming both successful and beloved.
On Prabhas' birthday, the makers of The Raja Saab dropped an exhilarating 2-minute motion poster that captured everyone’s attention. It began with a haunting "Happy Birthday" tune played on a piano in a dense jungle, setting an eerie mood.
The poster revealed Prabhas in a striking, regal pose — seated on a throne, dressed in black, and holding a cigar. His powerful presence, combined with the majestic palace backdrop, evoked a sense of nostalgia and grandeur.
Prabhas, synonymous with opulence and monumental characters, has always been lauded for his adventurous selections and readiness to break cinematic boundaries. From his iconic role as Baahubali, to the sci-fi spectacle of Kalki 2898 AD and the high-energy action of Salaar, he has continuously embraced different genres. With The Raja Saab, however, the superstar is venturing into new territory.
In The Raja Saab, Prabhas steps away from his usual intense roles to portray a more lighthearted and mischievous character, something that is sure to resonate with a broader audience. His ability to balance humor and horror will be a key highlight, especially as the film explores eerie thrills with a comedic twist.
This year has been remarkable for horror comedies, with films achieving surprising box office victories. Munjya shocked everyone by bringing in Rs 127.95 crore, and the highly successful Stree 2 broke records with a staggering Rs 586 crore. Regional films like the Gujarati Jamkhudi also played a role in this trend, earning Rs 16.5 crore. With Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 anticipated to earn Rs 15 crore on its opening day, the genre is on a winning streak, totaling an impressive ₹745.45 crore so far.
Maruthi, a reputed name in the horror-comedy genre of Telugu cinema, directs this film and is one of the few directors to have introduced this style to Telugu audiences. His earlier success, Prema Katha Chitram, highlights his creative vision and expertise.
Produced by Viswa Prasad under the People Media Factory banner and featuring music by Thaman S, The Raja Saab is set for a grand theatrical release on April 10, 2025, across five languages: Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.