The Raja Saab registers steady start in North America
Prabhas’ horror-comedy The Raja Saab earns USD 590,000 in North America advance bookings. With three days to release, stronger momentum is expected ahead of Sankranthi.
First report from North America
South Indian superstar Prabhas’ much-anticipated horror-comedy The Raja Saab is just days away from its theatrical release. Scheduled to hit cinemas on January 9, 2026, the film has begun its overseas box office journey with the opening of advance bookings in North America. Trade reports indicate that the film has collected USD 590,000 in pre-sales up to the premiere day, marking a modest but notable start.
Shows, tickets and collections
Directed by Maruthi, The Raja Saab has been planned as a wide overseas release. The film is set to screen across 419 locations in the United States, with more than 1,180 shows currently listed. Around 20,000 tickets have already been sold, contributing close to USD 562,000 in revenue. With the addition of premiere shows, the total advance booking figure has climbed to approximately USD 590,000.
Average opening, but momentum building
Trade analysts describe the initial advance booking numbers as average when compared to some recent big-ticket releases. However, the trend over the last 24 hours has been encouraging. A noticeable jump in bookings from Sunday to Monday suggests growing audience interest as the release date approaches.
A trade source tracking overseas collections said, “For Sankranthi releases, the final 72 hours are crucial. The current trend indicates that The Raja Saab could see a sharper rise in bookings closer to release.”
Tough competition at the box office
The Raja Saab is arriving in theatres amid stiff competition. It is set to clash with Jana Nayagan, starring Vijay, and Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, featuring Chiranjeevi.
In North America, Jana Nayagan is currently leading in advance bookings, even though The Raja Saab has secured a higher number of shows. Industry observers believe the final booking surge will determine how the opening weekend shapes up for all three films.
Focus shifts to India bookings
While overseas advances have opened, advance booking in the film’s home markets—primarily the Telugu states—is yet to begin. Trade experts expect a stronger response once domestic bookings go live, given Prabhas’ massive fan base and the festive advantage of the Sankranthi holiday. A solid home-state response could significantly boost the film’s opening-day and opening-weekend numbers.
Cast, scale and what lies ahead
Touted as India’s biggest horror-comedy, The Raja Saab features a prominent ensemble cast including Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, Sanjay Dutt and Boman Irani alongside Prabhas. Beyond this release, 2026 will be a busy year for the actor, with another film, Fauzi, also lined up for release.
Industry watchers also point out that the genre itself could play a key role in the film’s late surge. Horror-comedy has emerged as a crowd-friendly format in recent years, especially among younger overseas audiences looking for festive entertainment with mass appeal. The presence of familiar faces like Sanjay Dutt and Boman Irani further adds to the film’s recall value in international markets. If word-of-mouth from premiere shows turns positive, The Raja Saab could benefit from strong walk-ins over the extended Sankranthi weekend, helping it recover ground against competing releases.
Overall, The Raja Saab has managed a steady start in North America through advance bookings. While the early figures are not extraordinary, the upward trend suggests that the film could gain momentum in the final days before release. With the Sankranthi festival providing a favourable window, all eyes are now on how Prabhas’ horror-comedy performs once it opens in theatres worldwide.
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Disclaimer:
The box office figures mentioned above are based on trade estimates and multiple sources. Actual numbers may vary. Soochnatantra does not independently verify these figures but considers them indicative of overall box office trends.
