The Raja Saab, starring pan-India superstar Prabhas, is gearing up for a grand theatrical release on January 9, 2026.
Directed by Maruthi, the fantasy horror-comedy promises an engaging blend of supernatural elements, humour, emotion, and high-voltage drama.
As anticipation builds around the Sankranti release, reports suggest that Prabhas made a significant financial sacrifice for the film, which is reportedly being made on a massive budget of around â¹500 crore.
Prabhas, who is known to charge close to â¹150 crore per film, is said to have accepted a reduced remuneration of â¹100 crore for The Raja Saab.
While the exact reason behind the pay cut remains unclear, the film continues to enjoy strong buzz and high expectations.
Among the supporting cast, Sanjay Dutt—who plays a menacing ghost—is reportedly paid â¹5–6 crore. The leading ladies have also commanded notable fees: Malavika Mohanan is said to have received â¹2 crore, Nidhhi Agerwal around â¹1.2–1.5 crore, while Riddhi Kumar reportedly earned â¹3 crore for her pivotal role.
Director Maruthi is said to have been paid â¹18 crore for helming the project.
The story revolves around Prabhas’ character battling dark forces to protect his family, blending fantasy with strong emotional undertones.
The film has already generated substantial excitement, securing a U/A certificate with a runtime of over three hours.
Music by SS Thaman plays a key role in elevating the film’s scale and mood. Songs like Sahana Sahana have gone viral, amassing millions of views.
Veteran actress Zarina Wahab also plays an important role in the film. Prabhas fondly referred to her as “Nannamma” at the recent pre-release event in Hyderabad and highlighted her significance, even calling her the heroine of the film. However, details about her remuneration have not yet been disclosed.
With its grand visuals, impressive VFX, strong performances, and Thaman’s powerful soundtrack showcased in the trailer, The Raja Saab is shaping up to be one of the most eagerly awaited Sankranti blockbusters of 2026.