With Prabhas’ The raja Saab gearing up for release, the hindi box-office landscape is shaping up to be unusually crowded and competitive. The simultaneous buzz around Ajay Devgn’s Dhurandhar 2 and Yash’s Toxic has triggered a pressing trade question:
👉 Is The raja Saab (Hindi version) becoming the sacrificial lamb—or “bakra”—in this clash?
A Risky Release Window
Unlike Prabhas’ action-heavy pan-India films such as Salaar, The raja Saab enters the market as a horror-comedy entertainer—a genre that heavily depends on word of mouth and repeat family audiences rather than opening-day frenzy alone.
At the same time:
Dhurandhar 2 carries the weight of a successful franchise and ajay Devgn’s mass credibility in the hindi belt.
Toxic, fronted by Yash, is positioned as a stylish, dark, pan-India spectacle, appealing directly to youth and mass audiences.
This three-way pressure has put The raja Saab in a tight spot, especially in North India.
The hindi Market Challenge
While prabhas commands massive recognition post-Baahubali, recent hindi performances have been uneven. Trade analysts point out that:
Hindi audiences currently associate prabhas more with intense action roles
The raja Saab’s lighter tone may confuse expectations
Horror-comedy is still a hit-or-miss genre in hindi circuits
If the film doesn’t clearly communicate its entertainment value, it risks being overshadowed by louder, more aggressive campaigns from Dhurandhar 2 and Toxic.
Why The raja Saab Still Has a Chance
Despite the risks, dismissing The raja Saab would be premature. The film offers:
A fresh avatar of Prabhas, something audiences have been demanding
Strong family appeal if humor lands well
Less direct genre clash with Toxic, which is darker and grittier
If the trailer and music strike the right chord, the film could quietly build momentum—even if the opening is moderate.
Who Becomes the “Bakra”?
Trade experts suggest that in multi-film clashes:
The film with unclear positioning suffers the most
Strong WOM can flip equations within days
Overconfidence, not scale, creates casualties
At present, The raja Saab (Hindi) appears vulnerable—but not doomed. The real “bakra” will be the film that fails to connect emotionally, regardless of star power.
Final Take
Dhurandhar 2 brings franchise strength.
Toxic brings raw mass energy.
The raja Saab brings experimentation and entertainment.
Whether Prabhas’ film becomes collateral damage—or the surprise winner—depends entirely on execution, marketing clarity, and audience acceptance.
One thing is certain:
This clash will be less about stars and more about substance.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel