Maruthi’s horror comedy, The Raja Saab, featuring Prabhas, hit theaters on January 9 but received a mixed response. Following the typical trend in Telugu cinema, the film is set to debut on OTT less than a month after its theatrical release. The announcement of an extended cut has generated a significant amount of online discussion and trolling.
Viewers can catch the extended version of The Raja Saab on JioHotstar starting February 6. The platform’s announcement hinted at unforeseen technical issues that led to the inclusion of the extended cut. They promoted the film as “India’s Biggest Superstar on JioHotstar,” boasting it as the “first ever hypnotic thriller.” This statement spurred a wave of reactions on social media.
Notably, the extended cut is expected to include previously omitted scenes featuring Prabhas in an older look. These scenes were initially added shortly after the film’s release, with TG Vishwa Prasad from People’s Media Factory explaining that a portion of the film was missing due to server issues. He mentioned that minor corrections were needed before sending the updated version to theaters.
However, the announcements around the film have not resonated well with audiences. Rather than admiration, users on X and Reddit have taken to humorously critiquing it. One user playfully compared it to Zack Snyder’s four-hour Justice League cut. Other comments included sarcastic remarks about the film’s extended nature, joking that it felt more like “extended torture” than a cinematic experience.
Reactions on X included comments about the film being overhyped, with one user quipping about the excessive ads viewers had to endure while watching the film. The comments reflect a palpable frustration among viewers, as many expressed skepticism about the extended cut, referencing how most of the original footage felt insufficient.
The Raja Saab has been in production for several years, with filming beginning in 2022 and concluding in 2025. Prabhas stars alongside actors such as Zarina Wahab, Sanjay Dutt, and Nidhhi Agerwal. The plot revolves around a man on a quest to find his missing grandfather. Despite its buildup, the film garnered only ₹208.38 crore worldwide and faced criticism from audiences and critics alike upon its debut.