Why Has Daaku Maharaaj's OTT Release been delayed?

Dubai: The much-anticipated OTT release of Nandamuri Balakrishna’s Daaku Maharaaj on Netflix, initially scheduled for February 9, has left fans disappointed as the film failed to premiere as expected.

According to Pinkvilla South the release has now been delayed to late February or early March, adhering to industry regulations.

The delay is tied to industry regulations enforced by the Telugu Film Producers Council, which require at least a 50-day gap between a movie’s theatrical run and its streaming premiere.

Since Daaku Maharaaj released in cinemas on January 12, it will adhere to this rule, meaning its Netflix premiere may not happen until March 3 at the earliest. While viewers hoped for an earlier digital launch, this protocol is designed to safeguard box-office revenues and ensure theatrical releases get adequate time to shine.

When it does land on the OTT platform, Daaku Maharaaj will be available in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. However, details regarding the Hindi-dubbed version are yet to be confirmed.

The drama around the film:

Adding to the buzz surrounding Daaku Maharaaj, actress Urvashi Rautela, who appears in a high-energy dance sequence in the film with a song entitled Dabidi Dabidi alongside the hero, has faced criticism online. Social media users have mocked the song's choreography, calling the steps outdated and crass.

Her promotional interviews for the movie have also sparked controversy, with some fans finding her comments exaggerated and irrelevant to the film’s theme. Despite the backlash, Rautela has defended her work, stating that her performance was tailored for mass appeal and aligns with the movie’s high-octane tone.

What’s Daaku Maharaaj all about?

Directed by Bobby Kolli, Daaku Maharaaj is an action-packed saga set in the 1990s. The story follows Sitaram, a former IES officer who transforms into the feared dacoit Daaku Maharaaj after witnessing a horrific village massacre. The film alternates between 1992 and 1996, chronicling Sitaram’s rebellion against illegal mining and drug cartels, while also protecting philanthropist Krishnamurthy and his granddaughter from a corrupt MLA.

The movie’s ensemble cast features Balakrishna in the titular role alongside Bobby Deol, Pragya Jaiswal, Shraddha Srinath, and Urvashi Rautela. With striking visuals by cinematographer Vijay Kartik Kannan and dialogues by Nandu Savirigana and Bhanu Bogavarapu, the film has been well-received in theaters.