As the calendar turns toward the new year, the anticipation for Prabhas‘s horror-comedy entertainer, The Raja Saab, has reached a fever pitch, particularly across the oceans. Directed by Maruthi and produced by T.G. Vishwa Prasad, the film is witnessing an unprecedented surge in bookings across the United States, signaling another massive opening for the Pan-India star. Scheduled for a grand worldwide release on January 9, 2026, the movie is already outpacing major competitors in early sales, proving once again that the “Rebel Star’s” fanbase knows no borders.
The IMAX Conundrum: David vs. Goliath
While the excitement is palpable, US distributors have hit a significant roadblock regarding premium formats. Prathyangira Cinemas, the overseas distributor, confirmed a scheduling conflict that has left fans disappointed but undeterred. Due to an exclusive four-week contract between the cinematic giant Avatar 3 and IMAX, The Raja Saab will not be screened in IMAX format during its opening week.
“Due to the exclusive 4-week contract between #Avatar3 and IMAX, @IMAX is unable to support #TheRajaSaab. So there will be no IMAX format for this film,” the distributors announced.
However, the team remains optimistic, urging fans to grab tickets for other premium large formats (PLF), D-BOX, and XD screens. They assured audiences that they are pushing hard to secure special format shows where possible and hinted that IMAX screenings could become available from the second week if the “content is banger.”
Domination in the USA: Beating the Odds
Despite the lack of IMAX screens, the pre-sale numbers tell a story of dominance. The film is booking heavily in Telugu with English subtitles across major chains like Cinemark, Regal, and AMC. The booking heat map is particularly intense in Texas cities like Dallas and Houston, which are leading the charge, followed closely by strongholds in California and Michigan.
Industry insiders have noted that The Raja Saab’s early haul has already surpassed the initial sales figures of other highly anticipated titles like Pushpa 2, highlighting Prabhas’s consistent pull in the North American market. With premieres set to ignite screens right before the wide release, the film is poised to register one of the biggest openings for an Indian film in 2026.
“Rebel Saab” Rules the Charts
Fueling this ticket-buying frenzy is the film’s musical success. The latest track, “Rebel Saab,” composed by the sensational Thaman S, has turned into an instant chartbuster. The lyrical video has smashed past 30 Million views, trending at the top of YouTube and dominating social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
The song, featuring lyrics by Ramajogayya Sastry and vocals by Sanjith Hegde and Blaaze, captures the stylish swag of Prabhas. The “Hookline” “He got flow.. he got style.. making move with a smile..” has become an anthem for fans, perfectly setting the vibe for the film’s “mass” appeal.
A Visual Treat Awaits
Adding to the intrigue is the revelation of Prabhas’s multiple avatars in the film. A “Fun Fact” circulating among fans suggests that the star has three distinct looks in the movie. While two have been teased in promotional material—including a stylish, vibrant look seen in the “Rebel Saab” lyrical video—the third remains a guarded surprise, expected to be a major plot twist.
With a star-studded cast including Sanjay Dutt, Malavika Mohanan, and Nidhhi Agerwal, The Raja Saab promises to be a visual and auditory feast. As the countdown to January 9 begins, all eyes are on whether this “Rebel” can indeed rule the box office throne, with or without IMAX.
