Maruthi Breaks Silence After The RajaSaab Debacle, Reveals Working On Next Film: Will Put In My Best Efforts

Director Maruthi has broken silence three months after The Raja Saab underperformed at the box office. On the occasion of Sri Rama Navami, Maruthi told fans that work on a new film script is almost complete, while also acknowledging the poor reception to the Prabhas horror comedy that began 2026 with strong expectations.

Maruthi posted a photo from home, seated before idols, with the script of the upcoming film placed near marigold flowers. Sharing the update, Maruthi wrote, "Every journey is a learning experience. On this auspicious occasion of #SriRamaNavami, I'm grateful to be giving final touches to my next script with His blessings."

Maruthi reflects on audience response to The Raja Saab

In the same post, Maruthi addressed viewers and the media who reviewed The Raja Saab. Maruthi wrote, "A heartfelt thank you to all my audience, well-wishers and the media for constantly supporting me and sharing your valuable feedback. I truly respect each and every one of you. I will put in my best efforts and sincerely strive to earn your appreciation and support." Maruthi did not disclose cast or plot details.

Box office performance and expectations from The Raja Saab

The Raja Saab opened as 2026’s first pan-India release and was promoted as the year’s earliest blockbuster prospect. The horror comedy drew a huge initial turnout, collecting about ₹100 crore gross worldwide on day one. However, severe negative word of mouth soon hurt collections, with lifetime earnings around ₹200 crore and estimated national losses of ₹160-170 crore.

The film was reportedly mounted on a budget of ₹400 crore, adding pressure on its box office run. Before release, Maruthi said, "The Telugu audience has seen the entertaining version of Prabhas. But Pan India has never. After coming out of the theatre, you will remember Prabhas from this film for many years. The get-up and everything… it is a great episode… and has never been seen on Indian screen."

The Raja Saab featured Prabhas alongside Niddhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan and Riddhi Kumar, and released in theatres on January 9. The film’s performance sparked comparisons with earlier Prabhas disappointments such as Adipurush, Radhe Shyam and Saaho. Maruthi now appears focused on applying lessons from that experience as work progresses on the new script.