The Rebel Star has officially reclaimed the box office! Today, January 9, 2026, marked the global theatrical release of director Maruthi’s highly anticipated horror-comedy, The Raja Saab. While audiences flocked to theaters to witness Prabhas in his most commercial and light-hearted avatar in years, the film’s final moments delivered a shockwave that no one saw coming.
As the credits began to roll, the makers dropped a bombshell: the journey has only just begun. The film officially concludes with the promise of a sequel titled RajaSaab 2: Circus 1935. The reveal has sent social media into a frenzy, confirming that Maruthi is building a massive cinematic universe around this unique blend of horror, mystery, and mass entertainment.
In the final, spine-chilling moments of The Raja Saab, a teaser title card flashed across the screen, announcing the continuation of the franchise. The title, RajaSaab 2: Circus 1935, suggests a dramatic shift in tone and setting.
While the first installment centers on a modern-day battle for an ancestral mansion, the sequel’s title points directly to a period setting. By traveling back to 1935, the franchise looks poised to explore a “vintage” aesthetic—a world of black-and-white mysteries, eerie circus tents, and old-world spectacle.
“We are setting up a lead for Part 2 that expands the horizon,” director Maruthi shared in a recent press interaction. “It won’t be a direct continuation but a completely new storyline within the same genre, taking the horror and the thrills to an unimaginable level.”
The choice of a circus backdrop in the year 1935 is a masterstroke of genre-blending. Traditionally, the “eerie circus” is a staple of global horror, but it remains a largely untapped setting in mainstream Indian cinema.
- Vintage Aesthetics: Expect grand, gothic set designs and 1930s-era costumes.
- The Mystery Factor: The “1935” tag implies a deep-rooted lore, perhaps revealing the origins of the supernatural forces introduced in the first film.
- A Cinematic Multiverse: Rumours suggest that the sequel might adopt an “anthology” or “multiverse” approach, where the “RajaSaab” title becomes a legacy passed down through generations.
The success of the first film rests heavily on its powerhouse ensemble. As fans wait for more details on Circus 1935, the current cast has already set a high bar for performance and chemistry.
| Actor | Role | Impact |
| Prabhas | Raju / The Raja Saab | Returns to his “Vintage Prabhas” roots with comedy and charm. |
| Sanjay Dutt | The Antagonist | A menacing ghost with the power of hypnosis and dark magic. |
| Zarina Wahab | Ganga Devi | The emotional anchor of the film as the grandmother. |
| Malavika Mohanan | Bhairavi | Adds glamour and mystery to the supernatural narrative. |
| Nidhhi Agerwal | Bessy | A pivotal character who brings a romantic edge to the chaos. |
| Riddhi Kumar | Anita | Completes the trio of leading ladies with a strong performance. |
The film also features stellar appearances by Boman Irani (playing a psychiatrist) and Javed Jaffrey, ensuring that the “comedy” in horror-comedy stays sharp.
Director Maruthi, known for his ability to mix humour with heart, has clearly stepped out of his comfort zone with this project. Backed by People Media Factory, The Raja Saab is reportedly one of the most expensive horror-comedies ever made in India, with a budget exceeding 400 crore.
With the announcement of RajaSaab 2: Circus 1935, Maruthi is signalling his intent to compete with the biggest “Universes” in Indian cinema. By combining Prabhas’s massive pan-India pull with high-concept storytelling, the filmmaker is carving out a niche that blends “Mass” sensibilities with “Class” execution.
With Prabhas also gearing up for Salaar 2 and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel, the “Rebel Star” is effectively owning the box office calendar for the next three years.
As the world celebrates the arrival of The Raja Saab this Sankranti, the industry is already looking ahead to the vintage mysteries of 1935. One thing is certain: Prabhas is no longer just an action hero; he is the king of a new, supernatural empire.
