Sat Feb 07 13:30:00 UTC 2026: ### Prabhas’s “The Raja Saab” Makes Early OTT Debut on JioHotstar with Extended Cut
The Story:
Prabhas’s “The Raja Saab,” a horror-comedy directed by Maruthi, premiered on JioHotstar on February 6, 2026, less than a month after its theatrical release on January 9, 2026. Despite mixed reviews, the film grossed approximately Rs 205 crore worldwide. JioHotstar is streaming an extended version of the film, including footage not previously shown in cinemas due to technical issues.
Key Points:
- “The Raja Saab,” starring Prabhas, debuted on JioHotstar on February 6, 2026.
- The film had a theatrical release on January 9, 2026.
- Worldwide box office earnings reached approximately Rs 205 crore.
- JioHotstar is offering an extended cut with additional footage.
- The film is a horror-comedy directed by Maruthi.
Key Takeaways:
- Accelerated OTT Release: The rapid transition of “The Raja Saab” to OTT indicates a potential shift in release strategies, prioritizing streaming audiences soon after theatrical debuts.
- Addressing Technical Issues: Releasing an extended cut on OTT provides an opportunity to rectify issues that hampered the theatrical release, potentially enhancing the viewer experience and critical reception.
- OTT Platform Competition: JioHotstar aims to attract and retain subscribers by offering exclusive content like extended versions of popular films.
- Continued Star Power: Prabhas’s star power remains a draw, influencing the film’s box office success and subsequent OTT release.
- Revenue Strategy: The mixed reviews, coupled with the revenue, suggests that the film has found a niche among its target audience, incentivizing an early OTT release.
First Piper 