Prabhas’ latest release The Raja Saab has sold over 5 lakh tickets in advance bookings, amassing more than ₹50 crore globally. While impressive, the numbers are just one-third of Kalki 2898 AD and half of Salaar. The romantic horror-comedy marks Prabhas’ return to family entertainers, releasing January 9, 2026.
The Raja Saab: Advance Booking Snapshot
Prabhas, one of India’s biggest pan-India stars, is back with The Raja Saab, a romantic horror-comedy directed by Maruthi Dasari. The film has generated strong buzz, especially in Telugu states, though its advance booking numbers show a more modest start compared to Prabhas’ recent blockbusters.
Key Highlights:
-
Ticket Sales: Over 5,62,911 tickets sold in advance bookings, translating to ₹50 crore+ in global pre-sales.
-
Comparisons: Numbers are one-third of Kalki 2898 AD and half of Salaar, both of which had record-breaking openings.
-
Overseas Market: Strong traction overseas, contributing nearly ₹22 crore from Day 1 premiere sales.
-
Regional Strength: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana drive bookings, with Telugu versions leading demand.
-
Genre Shift: Marks Prabhas’ return to family-oriented entertainment after years of mass-action films, blending romance, comedy, and horror.
-
Competition: Releases during Sankranti festival, clashing with Thalapathy Vijay’s Jana Nayagan, making it a high-stakes box office battle.
-
Audience Sentiment: While not record-breaking, the film’s genre novelty and Prabhas’ star power are expected to ensure a strong opening weekend.
Context and Outlook
The advance booking trajectory of The Raja Saab reflects both Prabhas’ enduring popularity and the challenges of sustaining pan-India momentum across genres. Unlike the futuristic spectacle of Kalki 2898 AD or the high-octane action of Salaar, The Raja Saab banks on family appeal and festive timing. Analysts suggest that while the film may not match his biggest blockbusters in scale, it could carve out a niche success by attracting diverse audiences during Sankranti.
With over half a million tickets already sold, The Raja Saab is poised for a solid, if not record-breaking, debut, reaffirming Prabhas’ versatility and ability to draw crowds across genres.
Sources: News18, Moneycontrol, Indian Express, Hindustan Times, Outlook India