The highly anticipated film Daaku Maharaaj has made waves since its theatrical debut on January 12, 2025, starring Nandamuri Balakrishna, Urvashi Rautela, and Bobby Deol. With its compelling storyline focusing on the fight against injustice, the movie has captivated audiences across India.
Upon release, Daaku Maharaaj achieved remarkable box office success, grossing over Rs 104 crore within its opening weekend, which coincided with the Sankranti festival, considered one of the best windows for film releases. Balakrishna takes on the role of an officer who, along with his wife, transforms from a law enforcer to the daring bandit known as Daaku Maharaaj, battling against the oppressive forces of the powerful family. This narrative of justice and rebellion strikes a chord with viewers, leading to its initial triumph.
Adding to the film’s buzz is the significant fee charged by actress Urvashi Rautela. According to reports, Rautela received Rs 9.2 crore for her performance, eclipsing Alia Bhatt's reported fee of Rs 9 crore for her role in RRR. Despite her previous films underwhelming at the box office, Rautela's position has been solidified due to her formidable social media presence, which keeps her in high demand.
Following the theatrical success, fans were excited to learn about the film's upcoming release on Netflix, set for February 21, 2025. The streaming giant made the announcement on social media: "We would just like to say pranaam maharaj 🙏😎 Watch Daaku Maharaaj, out on 21 Feb on Netflix!" The anticipation for its digital release has been palpable as audiences eagerly prepare to revisit the film.
While the initial theatrical run was noteworthy, the movie's performance has stirred mixed opinions post-release. Some fans observed shortcomings, arguing there was insufficient promotional activity following its theatrical debut, which may have hindered sustained momentum compared to competitors. This sentiment echoes issues seen with previous movies from Sithara Entertainments, such as Lucky Baskhar, which similarly struggled to capitalize on strong openings.
Critics have shared their thoughts as well, with The Times of India describing Daaku Maharaaj as “a high-octane entertainer” and praising its action sequences and Balakrishna's commanding performance. The film, directed by Bobby Kolli and scored by Thaman, successfully combines stylistic action and narrative depth, leading to it capturing the interest of fans and newcomers alike.
Despite the accolades, the transition to Netflix has revealed some weaknesses within the plot. While many viewers resonate with the initial thrills and stylish action, some find the latter half of the film uninspired, particularly criticizing its generic villain arc and Bobby Deol’s character, which lacked the expected dynamism. Observers have noted drops in viewer engagement during the film's latter sections, indicating potential missed opportunities for character development.
Nevertheless, the film remains significant as it has managed to attract attention across multiple platforms. Although the theatrical performance may not have met initial expectations, Daaku Maharaaj quickly rose to become one of India’s top streaming choices, cementing Balakrishna’s enduring appeal.
Looking forward, both Balakrishna and Rautela are set to continue their exciting journeys. Rautela, already involved with numerous projects, including Indian 2 with Kamal Haasan and Kasoor 2 alongside Aftab Shivdasani, sees her star power only increasing. The array of projects she is tackling suggests she remains one of the industry’s prominent figures.
Overall, Daaku Maharaaj stands as both a commercial success and cultural phenomenon, exemplifying the dynamic nature of Indian cinema. It continues to ignite discussions among audiences and industry insiders alike, as the film enters the next phase of its life on streaming platforms, showcasing the powerful synergy between theatrical and digital releases.