06 January,2026 06:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Prabhas
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) awarded the Raja Saab, which starred Prabhas and was helmed by Maruthi, a U/A 16+ certificate. The ruling allowed it to be released during the Sankranti 2026 festival after two scenes were changed per the board's request. With Prabhas tackling a genre he hasn't yet explored in his career, the People Media Factory and IVY Entertainment-produced movie is expected to attract sizable audiences.
A scene showing blood being cleaned from the floor was altered by the CBFC, according to a source in Bollywood Hungama. The sequence was subsequently made monochromatic to lessen its visual impact. In accordance with the board's directives, the beheading scene was also cut short by four seconds. The purpose of the cuts was to make sure the movie complies with certification requirements. Following the modifications, The Raja Saab received a U/A 16+ certificate, enabling audiences over 16 to see the movie in theaters.
The duration of the Raja Saab is 189 minutes, or slightly more over three hours. The movie will be available to viewers throughout India in five languages: Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. Alongside Prabhas, the cast consists of Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, and Boman Irani.
At a pre-release event, director Maruthi spoke to the audience and expressed his faith in the film's excellence. "If even one percent of you are disappointed in the film, both Rebel Star fans and family, you can come to my house and question me - Villa No. 17, Kolla Luxuria, Kondapur!" he said, making a clear commitment.
With his roles in movies like Baahubali and Kalki 2898 AD, Prabhas has continued to be a major force in Indian cinema. His new project is one of the most eagerly awaited launches of the coming year due to his ability to draw crowds. The actor will demonstrate his flexibility in a genre that is unfamiliar to him with The Raja Saab, offering viewers a novel cinematic experience.
The release date corresponds with Sankranti 2026, which has typically marked the debut of big films in the South Indian cinema industry. Other films slated to battle at the box office during the festival include Jana Nayagan, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, Anaganaga Oka Raju, and Nari Nari Naduma Murari.
