The Raja Saab (2025) – Full Movie Review, Cast, Story, Themes, Box Office & More

Introduction

"The Raja Saab" (2025) is a Telugu-language romantic horror-comedy film starring superstar Prabhas in the lead role. Directed by Maruthi Dasari and produced by People Media Factory, this film marks a refreshing shift for Prabhas into lighter, experimental territory after a string of action-heavy blockbusters. Mixing royal grandeur, slapstick humor, spooky moments, and emotional beats, The Raja Saab aims to deliver a genre-blending cinematic experience that appeals to mass audiences and family viewers alike.

Plot Summary

Set in a small royal town in Andhra Pradesh, the story revolves around Raja (Prabhas), a carefree, rebellious man born into a prestigious zamindari lineage. Despite his heritage, Raja prefers the life of a commoner—enjoying street food, playing pranks, and hanging out with his friends.

Everything changes when he inherits a centuries-old palace rumored to be haunted. Raja moves in, hoping to renovate and commercialize it, but begins experiencing strange events. Through unexpected encounters with spirits, particularly one mischievous female ghost (played by Malavika Mohanan), Raja unravels secrets about his family’s past, the tragedy behind the ghost’s presence, and a hidden love story from generations ago.

A subplot involves Raja falling for a strong-willed local journalist (Riddhi Kumar) investigating the palace’s paranormal history. The climax blends horror, humor, and heartfelt revelations as Raja decides to embrace his legacy and restore peace to both the living and the dead.

Cast and Performances

• Prabhas as Raja: Charming, energetic, and effortless in comedy—this is a side of Prabhas we haven’t seen in years. He shines in humorous sequences while also delivering gravitas in emotional moments.

• Malavika Mohanan as Mohini (the ghost): Witty, enigmatic, and expressive, she adds a magnetic presence and comic flair to the story.

• Riddhi Kumar as Anjali: A grounded, smart, and confident performance. Her chemistry with Prabhas adds depth to the romantic angle.

• Sathyaraj as the loyal caretaker: As the bridge between Raja’s past and present, Sathyaraj lends wisdom and emotional weight.

• Vennela Kishore and Brahmaji: Provide solid comic relief throughout.

Direction and Screenplay

Director Maruthi blends supernatural themes with comedy and romance, a signature style he has mastered in films like Bhale Bhale Magadivoy. The screenplay is pacy, with enough twists, laughs, and sentiment to keep audiences engaged. The tone remains light-hearted even in eerie scenes, ensuring it stays accessible to a wide audience.

Cinematography and Visuals

Shot in lush locales across Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, the film’s visuals are a treat. The haunted palace sequences are atmospherically lit without becoming too dark or serious. Bright costumes, rich set designs, and seamless VFX (for ghostly elements) enhance the fairytale-meets-horror-comedy vibe.

Music and Background Score

Thaman S delivers a catchy and emotionally resonant soundtrack. The songs range from upbeat celebratory numbers to romantic ballads and one hauntingly beautiful melody associated with Malavika’s ghost character. The background score builds tension in horror scenes while keeping the tone playful.

Notable Tracks:

• "Chalo Chalo Raja Saab" – Intro song with mass beats.

• "Prema Chitram" – The central love song.

• "Nuvvu Nuvve Ghost" – Quirky, ghost-themed melody.

• "Sannajaaji" – Emotional climax track.

Major Themes

1. Identity vs. Heritage

Raja’s journey is about accepting his past and embracing his royal legacy without losing his individuality.

2. Love Beyond Time

A ghost’s unfulfilled love story from the past influences the present, tying two timelines emotionally.

3. Humor in the Paranormal

Rather than relying on jump scares, the film uses ghostly interactions as comedic devices.

4. Healing Generational Trauma

The palace becomes a metaphor for ancestral wounds—Raja's actions help heal old emotional scars.

Box Office Performance

"The Raja Saab" released theatrically on March 14, 2025, and had a strong opening, especially in Telugu-speaking states. Opening weekend collections:

• Day 1 (India): ₹36 Cr

• Weekend (Worldwide): ₹110 Cr

• First Week: ₹175 Cr

The film is expected to cross ₹300 Cr worldwide, especially with its dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam performing well.

Audience Reception

Family audiences have especially enjoyed the light-hearted horror-comedy mix. Prabhas fans are celebrating the return of his charismatic, massy avatar. Social media has embraced the film’s humor and quotable ghost dialogues.

Trending Hashtags:

• #TheRajaSaab

• #GhostLoveStory

• #PrabhasReturns

Critical Reviews

• Times of India: "Prabhas shines in a role that’s both royal and ridiculous—in the best way possible."

• 123Telugu: "A delightful entertainer that blends horror and humor effortlessly."

• Great Andhra: "Massy, masala, and magical—it’s Prabhas like we missed him."

Average Critic Rating: 3.8/5

Behind-the-Scenes & Trivia

• This is the first time Prabhas has done a horror-comedy.

• The palace set was built over 3 months and occupies over 5 acres.

• Malavika shot most of her scenes using prosthetic effects instead of CGI.

• The climax was inspired by real legends of haunted royal estates in India.

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Final Verdict

"The Raja Saab" is a fun, emotional, and slightly spooky rollercoaster that stands out for its unique mix of genres. With a fantastic lead performance by Prabhas and strong direction from Maruthi, it’s one of the most entertaining Telugu films of 2025.

If you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud ghost story that also tugs at your heart, this one is worth a royal watch.

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Next up: Sniper (2025) – Stay tuned for another blockbuster breakdown!