Move over, doubters—Prabhas is back, and he’s reclaiming his throne. The Raja Saab, the actor’s latest high-stakes action drama, has stormed Indian cinemas with a thunderous opening, amassing a jaw-dropping **₹54.15 crore worldwide on Day 1** alone. That includes an impressive ₹9.15 crore from paid previews, signaling massive pre-release hype and fan loyalty that hasn’t waned since the Baahubali era .
But what’s behind this box office blitz? Is it pure star power, strategic release timing, or something deeper in the storytelling? Let’s break down the numbers, the regional response, and what this means for Prabhas’s career—and Tollywood’s 2026 trajectory.
Table of Contents
- The Raja Saab Box Office: Day 1 Breakdown
- Why the Telugu States Led the Charge
- Hindi and Tamil Markets: Moderate but Promising
- Paid Previews: A New Normal for Blockbusters?
- How ‘The Raja Saab’ Compares to Prabhas’s Past Hits
- What Day 2 and Weekend Projections Look Like
- Conclusion: Is ‘The Raja Saab’ a Game-Changer?
- Sources
The Raja Saab Box Office: Day 1 Breakdown
The official Day 1 figures for The Raja Saab box office tell a story of overwhelming dominance in its home turf:
- Telugu States (Andhra Pradesh + Telangana): ₹38.5 crore
- Rest of India (Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam): ₹9.2 crore
- Overseas: ₹6.45 crore
- Paid Previews (Thursday night): ₹9.15 crore
With near 90% occupancy across prime shows in Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam—even matinee slots were packed—the film’s mass appeal is undeniable. Multiplexes reported extended showtimes and last-minute screen additions to meet demand .
Why the Telugu States Led the Charge
Prabhas isn’t just a star in Andhra and Telangana—he’s a cultural icon. After a string of underwhelming releases post-Baahubali, fans were hungry for a true “mass” comeback. The Raja Saab, directed by debutant Arjun Varma and backed by UV Creations (makers of Pushpa), delivered exactly that: high-octane action, emotional family drama, and vintage Prabhas swagger.
Strategic marketing played a key role too. The team released multiple high-energy promos highlighting Prabhas’s transformation and stunt sequences, while avoiding spoilers. This built mystery and anticipation—especially among rural audiences who form the backbone of Tollywood’s box office.
Hindi and Tamil Markets: Moderate but Promising
While the Hindi dubbed version collected around ₹4.8 crore and Tamil added ₹2.1 crore, these numbers are considered solid for a non-pan-India marketed Telugu film. Unlike Baahubali or KGF, The Raja Saab wasn’t aggressively promoted in North India—but early word-of-mouth could boost weekend numbers.
Notably, Mumbai and Delhi multiplexes reported strong footfall from the Telugu diaspora, suggesting that Prabhas still commands cross-regional loyalty when the product delivers.
Paid Previews: A New Normal for Blockbusters?
The ₹9.15 crore from Thursday night paid previews is a critical data point. Once reserved for only the biggest franchises (Pathaan, Jawan), paid previews are now a standard tool for major South Indian releases to gauge real-time audience reaction and generate opening-day buzz.
In The Raja Saab’s case, social media exploded with positive reactions post-preview—especially praising Prabhas’s performance and the film’s climax. This organic momentum likely contributed to sustained occupancy throughout Friday.
How ‘The Raja Saab’ Compares to Prabhas’s Past Hits
Let’s put this opening in context:
| Film | Day 1 Collection (Worldwide) | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Baahubali 2 | ₹121 crore | 2017 |
| Saaho | ₹70 crore | 2019 |
| Adipurush | ₹55 crore | 2023 |
| The Raja Saab | ₹54.15 crore | 2026 |
While not matching Baahubali 2’s historic run, The Raja Saab outperforms recent Prabhas ventures like Radhe Shyam (₹25 crore Day 1) and signals a strong return to form. For more on how South Indian films are reshaping national box office trends, see our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:south-indian-cinema-pan-india-rise].
What Day 2 and Weekend Projections Look Like
Early estimates suggest:
- Day 2 (Saturday): ₹42–45 crore (boosted by weekend crowds)
- Day 3 (Sunday): ₹48–52 crore (peak family turnout)
- Projected 3-Day Total: ₹145–150 crore worldwide
If the film maintains strong word-of-mouth—especially regarding its emotional core beyond just action—it could cross ₹250 crore by week’s end, entering the coveted “blockbuster” zone.
Conclusion: Is ‘The Raja Saab’ a Game-Changer?
The Raja Saab box office opening isn’t just about numbers—it’s a statement. It proves that Prabhas, when paired with the right script and director, can still mobilize millions. More importantly, it shows that Tollywood’s ecosystem—producers, distributors, and fans—is ready to bet big on original, star-driven spectacles, not just franchise sequels.
As the weekend unfolds, all eyes will be on whether this royal comeback turns into a reign—or just a brief coronation.
Sources
- Times of India. “‘The Raja Saab’ BO day 1: Prabhas delivers big opening.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/…/articleshow/126445767.cms
- Sacnilk. “The Raja Saab Day 1 Box Office Collection Report.” January 9, 2026.
- Box Office India. “Regional Film Performance Metrics – Q1 2026.” https://www.boxofficeindia.com/