Prabhas steps into horror comedy with ‘The Raja Saab’, showing a lighter and more playful side that fans haven’t seen in a while. While weak writing and forced humour slow the film down, a grand, VFX-heavy climax gives it a memorable finish.
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The Raja Saab Review: ‘The Raja Saab’ starring Prabhas and Sanjay Dutt has hit theatres. Originally, the film was set to clash with Thalapathy Vijay’s much-anticipated ‘Jana Nayagan’. However, with ‘Jana Nayagan’ postponed, all eyes have now turned to ‘The Raja Saab’. This horror comedy gives you a mix of laughs and thrills.
When Prabhas first signed on, audiences were both curious and skeptical. Could the ‘Baahubali’ star pull off a horror comedy convincingly? He dedicatedly poured his energy into showcasing a softer, humorous side. And, under the guidance of director Maruthi Dasari, who has focused on timing and comedic delivery, Prabhas brings some kind of charm to the screen, even if it isn’t enough to elevate the movie to blockbuster status.
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Unfortunately, the film struggles in storytelling. ‘The Raja Saab’ feels more like a series of ideas loosely tied together especially around the theme of hypnotism. The writing lacks cohesion, and the screenplay leaves much to be desired. Scenes often jump abruptly. Characters are introduced hastily and that too without proper narrative flow.
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The film’s budget of Rs. 400 crores is evident in its grandeur. But the VFX sometimes feels disconnected. And, there are instances where actors often tend to overact to compensate for weak script.
The comedy, though frequent, often veers into cringe territory. Performances by Malvika Mohan, Riddhi Kumar, Nithya Agarwal, Yogi Babu feel forced… as if their roles were added just for comic relief.
Another noticeable issue is the hero’s entry. In South Indian films, the protagonist’s grand entrance usually triggers excitement. But in ‘The Raja Saab’ Prabhas’s entry falls flat. This makes the opening feel slightly off. The cinematography doesn’t help either. Lighting appears awkward in several scenes which honestly is distracting at times.
That said, the film does have its moments, no lying. It stays true to its genre. It manages to offer some laugh-out-loud scenes even if some feel forced. The music is enjoyable and definitely adds energy to the film.
While first half struggles with pacing and narrative clarity, the climax is where ‘The Raja Saab’ redeems itself. The final sequence is grand. The visuals are impressive. Well-executed VFX is top-notch. Thrilling effects involving sand, water, crocodiles, giant monster add to the thrill. A surprising plot twist near the end gives the story a punch.
For Prabhas’s fans, ‘The Raja Saab’ is likely a one-time watch for pure entertainment. The songs are catchy. Prabhas delivers his signature charm. Climax provides the larger-than-life spectacle that viewers (and his fans) expect from him.
The journey to the climax can feel uneven. But the payoff is quite satisfying.
In the end, ‘The Raja Saab’ is a mixed bag. The film has its share of cringe moments. There are uneven storytelling and shaky visuals. But there is also fun and thrills.
Prabhas can explore new genres. He has that lighter, comedic side while staying true to his screen presence.
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