Ticket Prices for The Raja Saab Premiere Spark Online Outcry

The upcoming horror comedy film, The Raja Saab, directed by Maruthi and featuring Prabhas, is scheduled for theatrical release on January 9, 2026. However, the film's advance ticket sales for its US premiere have ignited considerable debate online, particularly concerning their pricing. The paid previews are set to take place a day earlier, on January 8, 2026.

Ticket Pricing Details

As reported by Venky Box Office on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, the ticket prices for The Raja Saab's premiere vary significantly. The costs are as follows: XD D-Box tickets are priced at $38 (approximately £31), Special Premium Formats at $35 (around £29), Standard D-Box at $33 (about £27), XD/Other Premium Large Format tickets at $30 (approximately £25), and Standard tickets at $25 (around £21).

Comparisons with Avatar: Fire and Ash

Reactions to these prices have been mixed, with many users expressing disbelief and frustration. One user highlighted the disparity by noting that tickets for the upcoming film Avatar: Fire and Ash, set to release on December 19, 2025, are significantly cheaper, with IMAX tickets priced around $18. Another user drew attention to the standard ticket price for Avatar being $20, questioning why anyone would choose to pay more for The Raja Saab.

Frustrated moviegoers have taken to social media to voice their concerns, with one user remarking, "I could spend $38 on a week’s worth of groceries, fuel, or even health insurance. Why would I pay that for a movie?" Such comments underscore the discontent among fans who feel that the pricing is excessive, particularly in comparison to other major film releases.

Film Details and Background

The Raja Saab is not just notable for its ticket pricing; the film also boasts an impressive cast, including Sanjay Dutt, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, and Riddhi Kumar. The film was officially announced in January 2024 and began production in October 2022. After facing multiple delays, it is now in the final stages of post-production, with a tentative runtime of 195 minutes.

The production team includes TG Vishwa Prasad and Krithi Prasad from People Media Factory, while the music is composed by SS Thaman. The film's unique blend of horror and comedy is expected to attract a diverse audience, although ticket pricing remains a contentious issue.

Conclusion

As the release date approaches, the controversy surrounding ticket costs for The Raja Saab continues to generate discussion among fans and industry observers alike. Many are keen to see whether the film can justify its high ticket prices with a compelling storyline and engaging performances. As one disappointed fan put it, "Considering the film's hype, pricing should be reasonable, but such high rates create confusion among fans and trade alike." The film's performance at the box office may hinge on whether audiences are willing to pay the premium price for the experience it promises.