Prabhas' 'The Raja Saab' Makes Its OTT Debut with Extended Cut
The highly anticipated Telugu film 'The Raja Saab' has finally begun streaming on an OTT platform, marking a significant moment for fans who have eagerly awaited its digital release. The streaming service generated considerable excitement in the lead-up to the launch, with strategic posts that heightened curiosity among viewers.
Platform Builds Anticipation with Strategic Announcements
In one notable post, the platform stated, “Due to unforeseen circumstances and last-minute technical glitches, we've added the extended cut! Regret the inconvenience caused due to hype. Tired of too many ads? Go ad-free now. India's Biggest Superstar | 6th Feb.” This announcement sparked intense speculation, as audiences were keen to discover what additional content the extended version would unveil.
Another post elaborated, “Dear Users, Today, we're witnessing an unprecedented surge in platform traffic, and the momentum is only compounding with a historic high in 'Remind Me' button clicks. With great anticipation comes even greater responsibility. We've upgraded our servers to handle the load and ensure a seamless cinematic experience, The Raja Saab way!” These communications underscored the platform's efforts to manage high demand and deliver a smooth viewing experience.
A Fresh Cinematic Collaboration and Ensemble Cast
'The Raja Saab' represents the first collaboration between superstar Prabhas and director Maruthi, a pairing that has generated considerable buzz among fans eager to witness their creative synergy. The film boasts a diverse cast, featuring three leading ladies who bring unique energy to the narrative.
- Nidhhi Agerwal portrays Bessy, a devout nun who serves as the primary love interest.
- Malavika Mohanan makes her Telugu film debut with this project, adding to the fresh appeal.
- Riddhi Kumar plays a pivotal role, contributing to the dynamic ensemble.
The filmmakers aimed to infuse the story with a novel mix of talent and vitality, enhancing its overall impact. For those interested in watching, the film is available on Jio Hotstar.
Theatrical Performance and Box Office Figures
As the theatrical run nears its conclusion, box office collections have seen a notable decline in recent days. On day 26, the film earned only Rs 1 lakh, followed by Rs 2 lakhs on day 27. Cumulative figures reveal a worldwide total of Rs 208.38 crore, with India net at Rs 146.03 crore and India gross at Rs 174.13 crore. Overseas contributions amount to Rs 34.25 crore.
Detailed Telugu day-wise numbers, as reported by the Sacnilk website, show day 25 at Rs 25 lakhs, day 26 at Rs 1 lakh, and day 27 at Rs 2 lakhs, indicating a sharp drop in revenue.
Hindi Version and Audience Expectations
The Hindi version of the film has also underperformed from the outset, with a net collection of Rs 24.22 crore. Despite Prabhas' substantial fan base in Hindi-speaking regions, the numbers reflect minimal earnings, with days 18–19, 20, and 21 each recording Rs 1 lakh, and day 17 at Rs 2 lakhs.
This slowdown in theatrical performance led many fans to anticipate the OTT release, where the extended cut has now sparked discussions about scenes absent from the original theater version. The Prabhas-starrer is projected to gain significant traction following its digital premiere, potentially revitalizing audience engagement.
