Prabhas kicked off 2026 with the release of his much-anticipated film, The Raja Saab. Marketed as a pan-Indian horror comedy, it was anticipated to be a blockbuster. Unfortunately, the movie fell short of expectations, receiving negative reviews that contributed to its decline at the box office shortly after a strong opening.
Three months after the release, director Maruthi took to social media to connect with fans. He announced plans for his next film while addressing the response to The Raja Saab, which has sparked discussions about its performance in comparison to Prabhas’ previous works.
On the occasion of Rama Navami, Maruthi shared a photo in front of idols at his home, alongside the script for his upcoming project, adorned with marigold flowers. He expressed gratitude, stating, “Every journey is a learning experience. On this auspicious occasion of #SriRamaNavami, I’m grateful to be giving final touches to my next script with His blessings.”
In his post, Maruthi thanked the audience, well-wishers, and media for their unwavering support and feedback. He pledged to give his best efforts and earn their appreciation with future projects, although he did not disclose further details about the cast or storyline of his new film.
The Raja Saab was produced with a significant budget of ₹400 crore. Prior to its release, Maruthi emphasized the film’s appeal to the Telugu audience while also aiming to capture the interest of a broader national audience, suggesting it presented a fresh take on Prabhas. Despite its opening day gross of ₹100 crore, the film’s revenues quickly declined. Eventually, it managed to earn around ₹200 crore, resulting in a notable box office loss estimated between ₹160 and ₹170 crore.
The film featured a talented cast, including Niddhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, and Riddhi Kumar, and premiered theatrically on January 9. Its disappointing performance has led to significant industry conversations, particularly about Prabhas’ career trajectory following the release.