Prabhas’ horror-comedy venture The Raja Saab is gearing up for its digital debut with an extended version, but instead of pure excitement, the announcement has sparked widespread trolling and mixed reactions online. Directed by Maruthi, the film hit theatres on January 9 but received a lukewarm response from audiences and critics alike. Now, less than a month after its theatrical release, the film is preparing for a second innings in the OTT space with added footage.
📺 When and Where to Watch the Extended Cut
The extended version of The Raja Saab will start streaming on JioHotstar from February 6. The platform confirmed the release through a social media announcement, revealing that technical issues during the film’s theatrical rollout led to additional scenes being restored for the OTT version.
The streaming platform also promoted the film as a “hypnotic thriller,” attempting to generate fresh buzz around the extended release. However, the marketing push quickly triggered humorous and critical reactions from viewers across social media platforms.
🎞️ What’s New in the Extended Version
According to producers at People’s Media Factory, the extended cut will include previously missing scenes featuring Prabhas in an older character look. These scenes were reportedly planned for the theatrical release but were initially removed due to last-minute technical and post-production complications.
The additional footage — reportedly around four minutes — was later inserted into theatrical prints shortly after the film’s release. The OTT version is expected to include the corrected and polished version of that content, potentially adding more clarity to certain narrative elements.
🌐 Social Media Trolls Turn Announcement Into Meme Fest
While extended cuts often excite fans, The Raja Saab’s announcement triggered a wave of jokes and memes. Many users compared the move to Zack Snyder’s Justice League, popularly known for its four-hour extended runtime. Social media users jokingly referred to Maruthi as a “regional Snyder,” while others sarcastically speculated about an unusually long runtime.
Several viewers also mocked the need for an extended version, with some fans suggesting they would prefer a shorter or “trimmed” version instead. Complaints about advertisement interruptions during streaming were also widely shared, adding to the online chatter.
👻 Film’s Journey From Production to Box Office
The Raja Saab had a long production cycle, with filming beginning in 2022 and wrapping up in 2025, just months before its theatrical debut. The horror-comedy follows a man searching for his missing grandfather, leading him into supernatural mysteries and dark family secrets.
The film features a star-studded cast including Prabhas, Sanjay Dutt, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar, and Zarina Wahab.
Despite strong pre-release buzz and Prabhas’ massive fan following, the film received mixed critical reviews and modest audience response. It eventually earned around ₹208.38 crore worldwide, which, while respectable, fell short of blockbuster expectations associated with the star’s recent big-budget projects.
🎥 OTT Strategy and Industry Trend
The quick transition from theatrical release to OTT reflects a growing trend in Telugu cinema, where films often arrive on streaming platforms within weeks of their theatrical debut. Extended or director’s cuts are increasingly being used as a strategy to revive audience interest and encourage second-time viewing.
Industry observers believe such versions sometimes help films gain renewed popularity, especially when theatrical releases face mixed reception.
⭐ Final Words
The Raja Saab’s extended OTT release represents an attempt to give the film a fresh opportunity to connect with audiences. While the additional footage might enhance storytelling depth, the online trolling highlights how audience expectations remain extremely high for big-star projects. Whether the extended version manages to improve the film’s reception or becomes another talking point in meme culture will be clear once viewers revisit the horror-comedy on streaming platforms.
