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Prabhas’ much-talked-about horror-comedy The Raja Saab made its digital premiere on JioHotstar on February 6, 2026, and the response has been nothing short of explosive. Despite a mixed theatrical run earlier this year, the film’s OTT launch shattered platform records for pre-release engagement and weekend traffic, forcing JioHotstar to upgrade servers to handle the surge.
The film, directed by Maruthi, hit theaters on January 9, 2026, during Sankranti. It opened strong but faced criticism over pacing, VFX, and narrative coherence, eventually closing with around ₹208 crore worldwide against a reported ₹400 crore budget. Yet, Prabhas’ massive fanbase refused to let the story end there—turning the digital release into a redemption arc of sorts.
JioHotstar, which acquired the digital rights for a reported ₹160 crore, witnessed historic levels of “Remind Me” clicks and pre-premiere traffic. The platform issued statements about unprecedented demand, leading to technical glitches and last-minute server reinforcements. Reports indicate the opening weekend viewership has already set new benchmarks for first-day and weekend streaming numbers in the Indian OTT space, especially for Telugu films.
What Made the Digital Launch Stand Out
The makers opted for an extended cut for streaming, adding bonus footage—including scenes with Prabhas’ older look that were missing from the theatrical version. This four-minute addition, along with re-edited sequences in some reports, gave fans fresh reasons to tune in and revisit the story of a man searching for his missing grandfather amid supernatural twists and comedic moments.
The quick theatrical-to-OTT window (less than a month) is standard in Telugu cinema but amplified interest here. Prabhas’ pan-India appeal, combined with multi-language availability (Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam), broadened the reach. Hindi audiences, however, expressed disappointment over the lack of immediate Hindi dubbing on the platform.
Fan frenzy played a key role. Prabhas’ loyal following—often called the “Rebel Star” army—mobilized heavily on social media, driving curiosity and repeat watches. The horror-comedy genre mix, Thaman’s energetic score, and ensemble cast (including Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan) added layers that resonated better on home screens for many who skipped theaters due to mixed reviews.
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Broader Impact on OTT and Prabhas’ Brand
This premiere highlights shifting dynamics in Indian entertainment: box office underperformance no longer spells doom when star power meets strategic digital timing. JioHotstar’s infrastructure challenges underscore how big releases can strain even major platforms, similar to past high-profile drops.
For Prabhas, the OTT success reinforces his enduring draw. Coming after blockbusters like Baahubali and Salaar, The Raja Saab’s digital performance shows fans prioritize the actor over critical consensus. Trade experts predict it could rank among top Telugu OTT viewership records for the year, especially in the weekend window.
As streaming competes fiercely with theaters, this case study proves that curiosity, extended cuts, and fan loyalty can turn a theatrical “dud” into a digital phenomenon. Viewers now have a chance to judge for themselves—extended version in hand—while the industry watches whether this weekend’s numbers hold as historic.
The Raja Saab’s OTT journey reminds us: in the era of on-demand viewing, a film’s second life can sometimes outshine the first.
