9 January 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Prabhas-starrer The Raja Saab has finally brought an end to the remarkable 35-day box office dominance of Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar, achieving the feat with just its morning show earnings on the opening day. The development marks a significant shift in box office momentum and underlines the sheer star power Prabhas commands across Indian cinema markets.
Since its release over a month ago, Dhurandhar had enjoyed an extraordinary run at the box office. The spy thriller, featuring Ranveer Singh alongside Akshaye Khanna and R Madhavan, not only opened strong but also sustained its collections through weekdays and weekends alike. It topped daily box office charts consistently, outperforming new releases and maintaining a firm grip on theatres nationwide.
However, the arrival of The Raja Saab has altered the equation dramatically. Despite being a weekday release in several regions, the film registered exceptional occupancy during morning shows, particularly in Telugu-speaking states, multiplexes in metro cities, and select overseas markets. Trade analysts confirmed that the early collections alone were enough to surpass Dhurandhar’s day-wise earnings, officially ending its 35-day reign at the top.
Industry experts attribute this swift turnaround to a combination of factors, chief among them being Prabhas’ unmatched fan base. Following the success of films like Baahubali, Saaho, Salaar, and Adipurush, Prabhas has established himself as a pan-India phenomenon. His films consistently draw massive footfalls, especially on the first day, regardless of genre or critical reception.
The Raja Saab also benefits from strong pre-release buzz. Marketed as a mass entertainer with elements of action, drama, and humour, the film appealed to a wide audience base. Advance bookings opened to an overwhelming response, with several theatres reporting sold-out morning shows within hours. Single-screen theatres, in particular, witnessed celebratory scenes, with fans turning up in large numbers for early shows.
Trade sources noted that in states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, early morning and dawn shows recorded occupancy levels exceeding 90 percent. Similar trends were observed in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and parts of North India, reflecting Prabhas’ expanding reach beyond regional boundaries.
In contrast, Dhurandhar, despite its strong content and steady earnings, had begun showing signs of natural fatigue after over a month in theatres. While it continued to attract audiences, especially during weekends, its daily collections had stabilised at lower levels. The arrival of a major star-driven release like The Raja Saab inevitably diverted audience attention and screen space.
Film trade analysts believe the development underscores a recurring pattern in Indian cinema, where long-running films often maintain dominance until a big-ticket release arrives. In this case, The Raja Saab did not merely edge past Dhurandhar—it did so decisively, and within hours of release.
The shift also reflects changing audience behaviour. While content-driven films can enjoy longevity, star-driven spectacles still possess the ability to reset box office dynamics instantly. Prabhas’ opening-day pull demonstrates that theatrical experience remains a key factor in attracting viewers, especially for larger-than-life entertainers.
Distributors and exhibitors are reportedly pleased with the strong opening of The Raja Saab, as it comes at a time when the industry has been seeking consistent footfalls amid fluctuating audience trends. Several theatre owners confirmed that the film helped boost occupancy across multiple screens that had previously been running Dhurandhar on reduced show counts.
Meanwhile, the makers of Dhurandhar have little reason for concern. The film has already crossed major box office milestones and is regarded as one of the biggest hits of the year. Ending its run at the top after 35 days is seen as a natural progression rather than a setback, especially considering the scale of competition posed by a Prabhas release.
As the day progresses, trade watchers are closely monitoring how The Raja Saab performs in afternoon and evening shows. Early estimates suggest that the film could post one of the biggest opening-day totals of the year if current trends continue. Word-of-mouth and critical reception will play a crucial role in determining whether the film can sustain its momentum beyond the opening weekend.
For now, The Raja Saab has firmly claimed the spotlight, marking a new chapter in the ongoing box office race. By ending Dhurandhar’s impressive 35-day dominance with just morning show earnings, Prabhas has once again proven why he remains one of Indian cinema’s most bankable and influential stars.
Summary
Prabhas’ The Raja Saab ended Dhurandhar’s 35-day box office dominance by surpassing its daily earnings through strong morning show collections, signalling a major shift in theatrical momentum.