Is The RajaSaab Inspired By Akshay Kumar's Bhool Bhulaiyaa? Prabhas' Film Producer And Co-stars Respond

The RajaSaab vs. Bhool Bhulaiyaa: The release of The RajaSaab on January 9, coinciding with the Sankranti festive window, has brought with it not just audience interest in the film but also a wider discussion around its thematic similarities with earlier horror-comedies. Following the release of the film's trailer and early promotional material, comparisons began emerging on social media, particularly with Bhool Bhulaiyaa, the popular Hindi psychological horror-comedy led by Akshay Kumar.

Directed and written by Maruthi, The Raja Saab is positioned as a fantasy horror comedy. The film stars Prabhas in the lead role, alongside Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar, and Zarina Wahab. The story centers on a young man facing financial difficulties who looks to his ancestral property as a way to resolve his money troubles.

Given the presence of a palace-like setting, ghostly elements, and psychological undertones, some viewers were quick to draw parallels with Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Addressing these comparisons, the makers and cast of The RajaSaab have clarified their position in an exclusive interaction with Pinkvilla.

According to Pinkvilla's exclusive report, producer T. G. Vishwa Prasad stated that while the film falls within the horror-fantasy space, its creative foundation is entirely different. He explained that The Raja Saab was conceptualized as a large-scale fantasy tailored for a star of Prabhas's stature, with a distinct backdrop and visual design. He emphasized that the narrative and world-building set the film apart from earlier titles in the genre.

Riddhi Kumar and Nidhhi Agerwal Address Comparisons

Actor Riddhi Kumar, who plays Anitha in the film, also addressed the comparison. She pointed out that Bhool Bhulaiyaa was rooted in realism, with its story unfolding in a real palace and grounded circumstances. In contrast, she said The Raja Saab explores a fantasy-oriented world, even though it carries psychological and horror elements. According to her, the essence of fantasy lies in creating worlds that do not exist in reality, which makes direct comparisons less relevant.

Actor Nidhhi Agerwal, who plays Bessy in the film, referred to Bhool Bhulaiyaa while expressing her hope that The Raja Saab resonates strongly with audiences. She said she would like the film to create a similar level of impact, even as it presents its story within a different cinematic framework.

With music composed by Thaman S and technical contributions from Karthik Palani (cinematography) and Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao (editing), The Raja Saab is now in its opening phase at the box office. As audiences continue to watch the film over the festive period, discussions around its genre placement and originality are likely to evolve further, offering a clearer picture of how it stands alongside past horror-comedies.