The film, which released amid massive expectations during the crowded Sankranti 2026 season, failed to impress audiences and critics both. Now, the makers are hoping to find a wider and more forgiving audience on streaming. Interestingly, ahead of its digital premiere, reports suggest that The Raja Saab has been reworked with a shorter runtime, making it the latest film, after , to spark conversations around altered OTT versions.
The Raja Saab’s short version to release on OTT
The Raja Saab is set to premiere on JioHotstar on February 6, 2026. Directed by Maruthi, the film featured Prabhas in the lead role and marked his return to a lighter, comedic space with a horror twist. However, despite the buzz and star power, the film failed to click at the box office and went on to become one of the biggest commercial disasters of Prabhas’ career.
Ahead of the OTT release, it has emerged that the makers have re-edited the film for streaming. According to a report by OTT Play, several scenes that were heavily trolled during the theatrical run have been either trimmed or completely removed in the OTT version. These reportedly include sequences where VFX was used to replace Prabhas with a body double, as well as scenes where logic was stretched beyond belief.
The revised OTT cut is said to be nearly 10 minutes shorter, a move aimed at offering a smoother and more engaging viewing experience for home audiences. Given the backlash the film faced in theatres, this decision is being seen as a corrective step to address some of the audience complaints. Prabhas fans will surely be happy with the news.
More about The Raja Saab
Despite boasting a strong supporting cast that included Sanjay Dutt, Zarina Wahab, Boman Irani, and others in key roles, The Raja Saab failed to leave a mark. The film also featured Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Riddhi Kumar as the female leads, with music composed by Thaman. The Raja Saab also clashed with Mana Shankara Prasad Garu, starring Chiranjeevi, which turned out to be a hit.
Why Dhurandhar on OTT was 3 minutes shorter
The discussion around shorter OTT versions has also been fuelled by Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the spy thriller premiered on Netflix on January 30, 2026, after a blockbuster theatrical run following its December 5 release last year. While viewers noticed a slight runtime difference, rumours of censorship were quickly dismissed.
A source close to the production clarified that Dhurandhar was released on OTT exactly as approved by the CBFC. The minor runtime difference was attributed to the removal of interval cards and in-theatre advertising elements, which do not carry over to streaming platforms. In contrast, The Raja Saab is a unique case where the OTT version has been intentionally re-edited, making its digital release a point of curiosity for viewers.