The Raja Saab Teaser Review: Prabhas’ Horror-Comedy Gambit Packs a Mixed Punch

The much-hyped teaser for The Raja Saab, starring Prabhas in a dual role, dropped on June 16, 2025, and it’s got Tollywood buzzing. Directed by Maruthi, this romantic horror-comedy promises a fresh avatar for the Baahubali star, but does the teaser live up to the frenzy? Here’s our take at Masala Mirror.

Clocking in at just over two minutes, the teaser is a whirlwind of vibes—spooky, quirky, and dripping with Prabhas’ signature swagger. We see him as a stylish heir, strutting with vintage charm, tossing sunflowers at his own reflection in a bike’s mirror. It’s pure Prabhas panache, and fans will eat up his salt-and-pepper look, complete with a cigar and a smirk. The horror kicks in with glimpses of a haunted theater, eerie shadows, and the leading ladies—Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Riddhi Kumar—gawking in shock. Sanjay Dutt’s brief appearance as the antagonist hints at a larger-than-life clash.

The good? The teaser nails the mood swings, blending chills with cheeky humor. Thaman S’ background score is catchy, though not his best. The old-cinema-theater backdrop feels nostalgic yet creepy, and Prabhas’ dual role tease—grandson and ghostly grandfather—sparks curiosity. Maruthi’s knack for massy one-liners shines through, with Prabhas’ pickup lines landing some chuckles.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. The VFX, touted as a “visual wonder,” looks patchy in spots, especially in the supernatural sequences. Some CGI feels rushed for a film reportedly costing ₹400 crore. Prabhas’ Hindi dubbing is jarring, and certain comedy bits border on cringe, feeling like a throwback to 2010s Tollywood. The leading ladies, while stunning, seem sidelined as mere eye candy so far, which is a letdown.

Social media is split. Die-hard Prabhas fans are calling it a “mass entertainer” and hyping the “spooky thrills,” while others slam the “dated VFX” and “forced gags.” The teaser’s leak before the official release didn’t help, with the makers issuing stern warnings about strict action against spoilers.

The Raja Saab is shaping up to be a bold experiment—Prabhas trading his action-hero cape for a quirky, haunted crown. The teaser’s got enough masala to keep us hooked, but the uneven execution raises eyebrows. Will Maruthi and Prabhas pull off this genre mashup? We’re cautiously optimistic for the December 5, 2025, release.

Verdict: A spicy but shaky first glimpse. Prabhas dazzles, but the VFX and humor need polish. Rating: 3/5 stars.

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