Introduction
What was supposed to be the “Clash of the Titans” this weekend has turned into a solo show. With Thalapathy Vijay’s highly anticipated political drama Jana Nayagan hit by a last-minute postponement, Prabhas’ horror-comedy The Raja Saab has seized the opportunity, entering the ₹100-crore global club within the opening weekend, according to trade trackers.
The Raja Saab: The Solo King
Released on January 9, the Maruthi-directed film has taken full advantage of the open playing field.
The Numbers
According to Sacnilk, The Raja Saab opened with a massive ₹53.75 crore (India net) on Day 1. Despite a drop on Day 2 (₹27.83 crore), the film’s worldwide gross stands at around ₹135 crore after two days, as per early trade estimates.
Day 3 Trends
Sunday bookings (January 11) remain healthy, with families turning up for the film’s mix of horror and comedy. Updated totals are awaited, with trade expecting a strong Sunday finish.
Overseas Power
The film is performing strongly overseas. Makers have claimed around $2 million (approximately ₹18 crore) from North America, while total overseas collections are estimated at around ₹28–29 crore, according to trade trackers.
Where Is ‘Jana Nayagan’? (The Legal Drama)
Vijay fans were left heartbroken as Jana Nayagan failed to hit screens on January 9.
The Reason
The release was halted after the Madras High Court issued an interim stay, delaying the film’s certification/clearance process. The dispute reportedly stems from CBFC objections related to certain dialogues referencing the Army and religious sentiments.
Next Hearing
The court has posted the matter for its next hearing on January 21, raising the possibility that the film could miss the key Pongal/Sankranti holiday window.
Hope for Kerala?
In a parallel development, Kerala distributors have indicated a possible January 14 release in the state, though no pan-India confirmation has been issued by the producers, KVN Productions, so far.
Fan Reactions: Celebration vs Frustration
Social media remains sharply divided.
- Team Prabhas: Fans are celebrating the “Rebel Star’s” box-office resurgence, calling him the “Sankranti winner by default.”
- Team Vijay: “Thalapathy” fans are expressing anger over the delay, trending #ReleaseJanaNayagan and alleging political pressure behind the postponement.
Conclusion
This Sunday clearly belongs to Prabhas. While The Raja Saab enjoys a free run at the box office, the industry — and Vijay’s fan base — now awaits the January 21 court hearing, which will determine the fate of what is expected to be Vijay’s final film before his full-time political entry.
