The Raja Saab has made a formidable entry at the global box office, collecting an estimated ₹100.9 crore worldwide on its opening day, January 9, 2026. Directed by Maruthi, the horror-comedy fantasy marks one of the most anticipated Telugu releases of the year and arrives amid heightened expectations driven by star power, aggressive promotions, and strategic Sankranti timing.
The film stars Prabhas alongside Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Sanjay Dutt, combining elements of fantasy, comedy, and commercial spectacle. Early box office data indicates that The Raja Saab has capitalized effectively on its pre-release momentum, translating strong advance bookings into substantial opening-day revenue.
Telugu States Power Domestic Collections
The domestic box office performance was decisively led by the Telugu-speaking markets of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. According to early trade estimates, the film recorded approximately ₹47.4 crore net from Telugu markets on Day 1, including paid premiere shows. High occupancy levels were reported across urban multiplexes as well as single-screen theatres, particularly in major centres such as Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Vizag, Guntur, and Tirupati.
The film’s opening underscores the continued importance of regional dominance for big-budget Telugu cinema. Despite a mixed genre blend, The Raja Saab benefited from Prabhas’ sustained fan base and the festive holiday advantage, which traditionally boosts footfalls during the Sankranti period.
Hindi Belt Shows Moderate Response
In contrast to the strong Telugu performance, the Hindi version of The Raja Saab registered a comparatively modest opening. The film earned an estimated ₹6.15 crore net in Hindi markets on Day 1. Trade analysts attribute this restrained response to limited genre familiarity, competition from ongoing Hindi releases, and cautious audience sentiment following early reviews.
However, industry observers note that the Hindi market’s contribution remains incremental rather than decisive for the film’s overall commercial outcome, given the scale of its southern and overseas earnings.
Overseas Markets Add Significant Strength
One of the key highlights of The Raja Saab’s opening-day performance has been its robust showing in overseas territories. International markets contributed approximately ₹26 crore to the worldwide Day 1 gross, with North America, the Gulf region, Australia, and parts of Europe leading the charge.
North America, in particular, continued its recent trend of strong premiere and opening-day advances for Telugu films. The Raja Saab benefitted from fan-driven pre-sales and extensive premiere screenings, reaffirming the growing importance of overseas revenues in determining opening-day milestones for Indian cinema.
Prabhas Achieves Sixth Consecutive ₹100 Crore-Plus Opener
With The Raja Saab crossing the ₹100 crore global mark on Day 1, Prabhas has achieved a rare and significant industry milestone—six consecutive films opening above ₹100 crore worldwide. This achievement places him in an elite category of Indian actors whose opening-day pull remains consistently strong across genres and markets.
Trade analysts point out that while opening numbers are increasingly influenced by pre-sales and fan-driven bookings, sustaining momentum beyond the first weekend depends heavily on audience reception. Nevertheless, Prabhas’ ability to deliver such openings repeatedly reinforces his standing as one of the most commercially reliable stars in contemporary Indian cinema.
Critical Reception and Audience Response
Early critical responses to The Raja Saab have been mixed. While reviewers have praised the film’s production values, visual scale, and Prabhas’ screen presence, opinions have been divided on the narrative structure and comedic execution. Some critics noted that the screenplay oscillates between genres, potentially impacting narrative cohesion.
Audience reactions on social media platforms have mirrored this mixed sentiment, with fans celebrating the film’s scale and performances while others have expressed reservations about pacing and tonal balance. As a result, word-of-mouth is expected to play a crucial role in determining the film’s box office trajectory over the coming days.
Breakeven Targets and Box Office Sustainability
Industry estimates suggest that The Raja Saab carries a reported breakeven target of approximately ₹410 crore worldwide, factoring in production costs, marketing expenditure, and distribution rights. While the Day 1 opening provides a strong foundation, trade experts caution that weekday holds and second-weekend trends will be critical in assessing the film’s long-term commercial viability.
The Sankranti holiday window is expected to offer short-term support, but sustaining collections beyond the festive period will depend on repeat viewership and broader audience acceptance.
Conclusion: A Strong Start with Challenges Ahead
The Raja Saab’s ₹100.9 crore worldwide opening on Day 1 marks a significant commercial achievement and reinforces the enduring power of star-driven cinema in India. The film’s performance highlights the dominance of Telugu markets, the growing influence of overseas audiences, and Prabhas’ unmatched opening-day consistency.
As the film progresses through its theatrical run, industry attention will shift from opening-day milestones to trend sustainability, audience engagement, and overall profitability. For now, The Raja Saab stands as one of the most notable box office debuts of 2026, setting the stage for an intensely watched theatrical journey.