According to certification details, the CBFC sought modifications to scenes depicting violence. In one sequence, where blood was shown flowing across the floor, the visual has been converted to black-and-white. In another, a beheading scene was trimmed by four seconds. Following the edits, the film’s final runtime stands at 189 minutes, or three hours and nine minutes.

Directed by Maruthi, The RajaSaab features Prabhas alongside Nidhhi Agerwal and Malavika Mohanan. Backed by a reported budget of ₹500 crore, the film ranks among the most expensive Indian productions to date. However, industry observers note that pre-release traction has been uneven, particularly in the Hindi belt, where Prabhas’ recent outings have delivered mixed results.

The release landscape adds to the challenge. Jana Nayagan, widely billed as Vijay’s final film before his announced retirement from cinema, is generating strong advance bookings and heightened fan engagement. Early indicators underscore the disparity in buzz: while The RajaSaab trailer has clocked around 19 million views on YouTube, Jana Nayagan has crossed 41 million views on the platform. Exhibitors in southern markets are expected to prioritise screens for Vijay’s film, potentially limiting The RajaSaab’s reach during the crucial opening weekend.

Trade analysts say the simultaneous release could squeeze collections for both films, but the pressure is more acute for The RajaSaab given its substantial production costs. Recovery will likely depend on sustained word-of-mouth across languages and the film’s ability to draw family audiences under its U/A certification.

Despite the competitive headwinds, the makers are banking on Prabhas’ pan-India appeal and the genre blend of horror and comedy to find an audience. With certification secured and promotions underway, The RajaSaab now faces its most decisive test at the box office as January 9 approaches.