The anticipation for Prabhas’ latest cinematic venture, The Raja Saab, has reached a fever pitch as the Andhra Pradesh government officially sanctioned a significant ticket price hike ahead of its worldwide release on January 9, 2026. This move positions the film not just as a festive Sankranti release, but as a massive cultural and commercial event. In a strategic decision to help the producers—People Media Factory—recover the film’s substantial budget, which reportedly exceeds ₹400 crore, the state government has issued a special directive allowing for premium pricing during the crucial opening window.
Premium Premiere Pricing
The most striking aspect of this update is the approval of paid premiere shows scheduled for the evening of January 8. For these exclusive early screenings, the government has permitted ticket prices to be capped at a staggering ₹1,000. These shows, occurring between 6:00 PM and midnight, are designed to capitalize on the immense “Rebel Star” fandom, offering die-hard supporters a chance to experience the horror-fantasy entertainer before the general public. This marks one of the highest price caps ever authorized for a regional film premiere in the state, underscoring the high stakes involved in this high-end VFX production.
Revised Rates for the First Ten Days
Beyond the initial premieres, the Andhra Pradesh government has authorized a revised tariff structure for the film’s first ten days of theatrical run (January 9 to January 18). During this peak Sankranti period, single-screen theatres have increased ticket prices by ₹150, bringing the cost per seat to approximately ₹297.
Multiplexes: Tickets will see a hike of ₹200, setting the price at roughly ₹377 per seat. Show Frequency: To accommodate the expected footfall, the makers have been granted permission to screen five shows per day across the state, ensuring maximum accessibility despite the premium costs.
A New Genre for Prabhas
Directed by Maruthi, The Raja Saab represents a bold departure for Prabhas, who moves away from the gritty action of Kalki 2898 AD and Salaar to explore the horror-comedy and fantasy genre. The film features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, who plays a menacing hypnotist, and Boman Irani as a paranormal investigator, alongside leading ladies Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Riddhi Kumar. Prabhas himself has expressed excitement about the project, noting that after years of high-stress action roles, he wanted to provide audiences with a “proper entertainer” reminiscent of his “Darling” era. With the soundtrack by SS Thaman already topping charts, the industry expects a record-breaking opening weekend. While the ₹1,000 ticket price has sparked some debate among general moviegoers regarding the rising cost of cinema, the advance booking numbers—already crossing the $1 million mark overseas—suggest that the “Prabhas mania” is more than enough to drive a box-office goldmine this holiday season.