Prabhas Unveils Striking New Look in Trailer for The Raja Saab

Prabhas has captivated audiences once more with a dramatic new look showcased in the latest trailer for his upcoming film, The Raja Saab. The trailer, dubbed version 2.0, has ignited fervent discussions online, particularly as many fans speculate that the actor’s appearance is a response to Arshad Warsi’s controversial comments from 2024, where he labeled Prabhas’ character in another film as resembling a “joker.”

The buzz surrounding this connection dates back to August 2024, when Warsi openly critiqued Prabhas’ role in Kalki 2898 AD. He expressed disappointment, stating, “Prabhas, I am really sad, why was he… he was like a joker.” This statement stirred significant debate among fans, with many taking sides regarding the validity of Warsi’s critique.

In the climactic moments of the new trailer for The Raja Saab, Prabhas is depicted in a dark suit, standing with his head bowed and wielding a massive hammer. As he gradually raises his face to the camera, viewers are struck by his striking makeup, featuring white face paint and colorful accents that evoke memories of Joaquin Phoenix‘s portrayal of the Joker. This brief yet powerful scene has prompted a flood of reactions on social media, with fans drawing parallels to Warsi’s earlier remarks.

One user noted, “Finally, he has accepted that he is The Joker. Hats off to The Visionary Arshad Warsi. #TheRajaSaab will break Jawan, Pushpa 2 record for sure.” Another commented, “When Arshad Warsi said Prabhas, you looked like a Joker, Prabhas fans went crazy. Now he himself showed himself as Joker. Nobody trolls them better than man himself.” A third reaction echoed, “Arshad Warsi was absolutely right—Prabhas truly looks like a Joker.”

The differing interpretations of this look have ignited discussions among fans. Some view it as a clever, self-aware nod from Prabhas, while others debate whether it serves as intentional symbolism or simply a bold artistic choice for the film. Regardless, this moment has succeeded in keeping The Raja Saab at the forefront of public interest, with anticipation building for its release.

The discourse surrounding Warsi’s original comments continued when he appeared on Samdish Bhatia‘s podcast. He emphasized that his critique was aimed at the character design, not at Prabhas himself. “Everybody has their own point of view, and people like to interpret noise. I spoke about the character, not the person. He (Prabhas) is a brilliant actor, and he has proved himself again and again,” Warsi clarified.

Despite his explanation, the controversy has resurfaced following the new trailer’s release, reigniting discussions among fans. The Raja Saab, directed by Maruthi, is set to make its grand debut during the Sankranthi festival on January 9, 2026. The film also features notable actors such as Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Malavika Mohanan, and Nidhhi Agerwal, further adding to the excitement surrounding its release.

With this latest trailer, Prabhas has not only drawn attention for his performance but has also managed to stir a cultural conversation that highlights the complexities of public perception and character interpretation in cinema. As the release date approaches, audiences are eager to see how this narrative unfolds.