Is Prabhas’ The Raja Saab Similar to Bhool Bhulaiyaa? Makers Break Silence on Comparisons

Ever since The Raja Saab hit theatres on January 9, the Prabhas-starrer has sparked intense discussion among audiences and cinema enthusiasts. A major talking point surrounding the fantasy-horror comedy has been its perceived similarity to the iconic Hindi film Bhool Bhulaiyaa, prompting the makers and cast to step forward and address the comparisons head-on.

Directed by Maruthi, The Raja Saab marks Prabhas’ return to a lighter genre after a series of high-scale action dramas. The film features a lavish palace backdrop, supernatural elements, and psychological undertones—ingredients that naturally reminded viewers of Bhool Bhulaiyaa, a cult classic remembered for its blend of suspense, psychology, and humour.

Social media platforms have been buzzing since the trailer release, with fans pointing out common visual cues such as haunted settings, eerie corridors, and the presence of a psychiatrist-like character. These similarities led many to wonder whether The Raja Saab was inspired by or closely aligned with the Akshay Kumar-led blockbuster that redefined the horror-comedy genre in India.

Responding to the chatter, the film’s producers clarified that while surface-level elements may appear familiar, the narrative foundation of The Raja Saab is fundamentally different. They stressed that the film was designed as a full-fledged fantasy experience, keeping Prabhas’ larger-than-life screen presence in mind. According to the makers, the story world, visual design, and character arcs were crafted to explore imaginative territory rather than replicate grounded realism.

Actor Riddhi Kumar, who plays a pivotal role in the film, also weighed in on the debate. She explained that Bhool Bhulaiyaa was rooted in a realistic psychological framework, set within believable circumstances and real-world logic. In contrast, The Raja Saab deliberately steps into an exaggerated fantasy universe, where imagination takes precedence over realism. The psychological elements, she noted, function within a larger supernatural canvas rather than driving the narrative alone.

Adding to this, Nidhhi Agerwal acknowledged the legacy of Bhool Bhulaiyaa while expressing hope that The Raja Saab would create its own impact. She emphasised that admiration for a classic does not equate to imitation, and the new film aims to establish its own identity within the genre.

It is worth noting that Bhool Bhulaiyaa, directed by Priyadarshan, was itself an adaptation of the Malayalam classic Manichitrathazhu. Over the years, it has earned cult status for its storytelling, performances, and iconic music, setting a high benchmark for films in the genre.

With The Raja Saab, the makers appear intent on pushing boundaries by blending fantasy, horror, comedy, and spectacle in a way that aligns with contemporary audience expectations. While comparisons may be inevitable when familiar tropes are revisited, the team maintains that the film is not a remake or reinterpretation, but a standalone cinematic experience.

As audiences continue to watch and debate, The Raja Saab now faces the ultimate test—whether it can rise above comparisons and carve out a memorable space of its own in Indian cinema’s evolving fantasy-horror landscape.