After the CBFC cut the beheading scene and modified the gory sequence, Prabhas' The Raja Saab is certified
Prabhas-starrer The Raja Saab, directed by Maruthi, has officially cleared the censor process ahead of its much-anticipated theatrical release during Sankranthi. The horror-comedy has been awarded a UA 16+ certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), just days before its scheduled release on January 9. The certification comes after the makers complied with a set of cuts and visual modifications suggested by the board.
With Sankranthi being one of the biggest release windows for Telugu cinema, the film’s censor clearance has added to the buzz surrounding its box office prospects.
Background
The Raja Saab marks Prabhas’ return to a lighter, mass-friendly genre after a series of large-scale action dramas. Directed by Maruthi, known for blending humour with emotion, the film combines horror elements with comedy, a genre that has found steady audience acceptance in recent years.
The CBFC certification details reveal that the film has a runtime of 189 minutes (3 hours and 9 minutes). As per the list of modifications dated December 24, 2025, certain visuals were flagged for tone and intensity. A scene involving blood being washed off the floor was modified by converting it into monochrome, reducing its impact. Another brief visual showing the cutting of a head was removed entirely. Additionally, changes were made to audio description (AD) and closed captioning (CC) to meet accessibility guidelines.
Industry Buzz
The censor news has sparked discussions online, particularly among Prabhas fans who are eager to see him explore horror-comedy for the first time in his career. The UA 16+ rating suggests the film balances spooky elements with mainstream appeal, making it accessible to family audiences during the festive season.
Industry watchers are also closely tracking The Raja Saab due to its intense Sankranthi 2026 box office clash. On January 9, the film will face competition from Vijay’s final film Jana Nayagan, releasing in Telugu as Jana Nayakudu. Sivakarthikeyan’s Parasakthi is expected to release in Telugu states on January 10, followed by Chiranjeevi’s Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu on January 12. Films like Anaganaga Oka Raju and Nari Nari Naduma Murari are slated for January 14, making this one of the most crowded festive windows in recent years.
What’s Next
Produced by People Media Factory and IVY Entertainment, The Raja Saab features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar, and Zarina Wahab. The story revolves around a man who forms an unusual alliance with a dark spirit to protect his grandmother, blending humour with supernatural twists.
With promotions expected to intensify in the coming days, the film’s opening weekend performance will be crucial amid stiff competition.
Our Final Thoughts
At TheTrendingPeople.com, we see The Raja Saab as a significant test for Prabhas in a genre shift that could widen his appeal beyond action-heavy spectacles. The smooth censor clearance and festive timing work in its favour, but the crowded Sankranthi lineup means audience word-of-mouth will play a decisive role. Whether horror-comedy clicks with fans on this scale remains one of the most interesting questions of the 2026 box office season.