The Raja Saab Box Office Collection Day 1: Prabhas’ Horror

January 10, 2026 – In a promising start to the new year, superstar Prabhas‘ latest venture, the horror-comedy The Raja Saab, directed by Maruthi, has made a confident entry at the global box office. Released on January 9, 2026, during the Sankranti festive buildup, the film has grossed an estimated ₹54.15 crore worldwide on its opening day, including ₹9.15 crore from paid previews the previous day.

This performance marks a respectable debut for the genre-bending entertainer, which sees Prabhas stepping into a lighter, more playful avatar after a string of high-stakes action spectacles. Despite divided critical feedback, the Rebel Star’s massive fan following ensured strong turnout, particularly in Telugu-speaking regions, helping the film dethrone recent Hindi releases like Dhurandhar on day one.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the collections, records, comparisons, and key insights from The Raja Saab‘s opening day performance.

Worldwide Day 1 Gross – A Steady & Promising Launch

According to trade estimates from reliable trackers like Sacnilk, The Raja Saab clocked:

• India Net (Day 1): ≈ ₹45 crore (across all languages)
• Paid Previews (Jan 8): ₹9.15 crore
• India Gross (including previews): ≈ ₹53-54 crore
• Overseas Gross: Solid contribution from key diaspora markets (US, Gulf, Australia, etc.)
• Total Worldwide Gross Day 1: ₹54.15 crore

The figure reflects a healthy opening for a horror-comedy, especially considering late advance bookings, regulatory issues in Telangana (no premieres), and the film’s departure from Prabhas’ signature mass-action formula.

India Performance – Telugu Heartland Drives the Momentum

India remains the film’s core strength, with Telugu versions dominating collections.

Language-Wise Highlights (Approximate Day 1 Net):

• Telugu: Bulk of the share, strong in AP/TG
• Hindi: ₹5.5–6 crore (decent for dubbed version)
• Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam: Modest figures

Key Regional Insights:

• Andhra Pradesh + Telangana: Highest occupancy and footfalls – the major contributor
• Other Southern states: Steady support
• Hindi belts & North India: Moderate pickup, improving in evening/night shows

Morning shows started slow in non-Telugu areas, but Prabhas’ charisma pulled crowds later, resulting in good occupancy spikes.

Overseas Markets – Diaspora Loyalty Shines

Prabhas’ global appeal once again delivered overseas:

• North America (US/Canada): Leading with strong pre-sales and #1 debut reports
• Gulf countries: Robust turnout from Telugu communities
• Australia, UK, Europe: Healthy additions

The overseas segment added meaningfully to the worldwide total, reinforcing Prabhas’ status as a pan-global draw.

Major Records & Milestones on Day 1

The Raja Saab achieved several notable feats:

• Strongest opening for a horror-comedy in recent Indian cinema
• Surpassed Dhurandhar‘s recent dominance (dethroned the Ranveer Singh film on day 1)
• Outperformed several mid-tier releases from late 2025
• Biggest day 1 for director Maruthi to date

While not matching the monster starts of Prabhas’ Salaar (₹90+ crore) or Kalki 2898 AD (₹95+ crore), it comfortably beats lower performers like Radhe Shyam and sets a solid base for Sankranti.

Comparison with Prabhas’ Previous Openings (Worldwide Day 1 Gross)

The numbers highlight Prabhas’ consistent opening power, even in experimental genres.

Advance Bookings & Pre-Release Factors

Advance sales were impacted by delays and missing premieres in Telangana, but walk-ins and spot bookings surged on release day. Previews proved strategic, adding crucial momentum.

Plot, Cast & Production Highlights

The Raja Saab is a fantasy horror-comedy blending chills, laughs, romance, and family drama. Prabhas plays a rebellious heir uncovering supernatural secrets in his ancestral property. Sanjay Dutt delivers intensity as the antagonist, while Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, Boman Irani, and Zarina Wahab round out the ensemble.

Directed by Maruthi, with music by Thaman S and grand production values (reported budget ₹300+ crore), the film emphasizes Prabhas’ transformation into a fun, eerie persona.

Critical & Audience Reception – Polarized but Star-Driven

Reviews are mixed:

• Positives: Prabhas’ comic timing, screen presence, and fresh look
• Negatives: Script called uneven, stretched, or genre-mismatched by some

Audience talk is divided – mass fans and Telugu audiences are enjoying the entertainment, while multiplex crowds offer more reserved feedback. Social media highlights Prabhas as the biggest strength.

Factors Behind the Solid Opening

• Prabhas’ unbeatable star pull
• Festive Sankranti mood boosting family turnout
• Strategic previews and lack of direct competition
• Strong regional support in Telugu markets

Weekend Outlook & Lifetime Potential

With a full weekend ahead, positive hold in Telugu belts and family audiences could push the film toward ₹200+ crore in the opening week. Lifetime prospects range from ₹400-500+ crore worldwide if word-of-mouth stabilizes – blockbuster potential remains alive.

The Raja Saab reaffirms Prabhas’ box-office dominance while introducing a new flavor to his filmography. As Sankranti celebrations unfold, all eyes are on its trajectory.