Mumbai: Recent rumors suggested Netflix had removed Urvashi Rautela’s scenes from the Telugu-language film “Daku Maharaaj” before its streaming release. These claims, which circulated widely online, have now been firmly debunked by representatives close to the production.
According to these insiders, the reports alleging significant edits to the film are completely false. A source stated, “These reports are entirely false,” affirming Netflix is streaming the movie exactly as it was shown in theaters. This clarification follows speculation about potential alterations made just before its digital release.
Set to premiere on Netflix on February 21, 2025, “Daku Maharaaj” stars notable actors including Nandamuri Balakrishna, Bobby Deol, Pragya Jaiswal, and of course, Urvashi Rautela, who plays a significant role. The original theatrical release of the action-drama was on January 12, 2025, coinciding with the Sankranti festival, which reportedly boosted its box office performance.
The controversy originally ignited when the initial promotional poster for the film was released, showcasing prominent cast members but conspicuously lacking Urvashi’s image. Fans quickly took to social media to question this oversight, humorously remarking on why Urvashi, who had been active promoting the film, was excluded from the official poster. Some even commented: “Urvashi Rautela was only used for promotion,” reflecting their frustration over her absence from key promotional materials.
Following this uproar, Netflix made efforts to rectify the situation by sharing individual character slides, which included Urvashi’s photo multiple times. This decision seemed aimed at addressing the backlash and ensuring her contributions to the film were acknowledged. Such actions appear to have calmed some of the fans' concerns, but the rumors about her scenes being cut continued to circulate, particularly during the lead-up to the film’s OTT release.
Directed by Bobby Kolli, “Daku Maharaaj” has been noted for its ensemble cast, which features talents like Rishi, Chandini Chowdary, Pradeep Rawat, Sachin Khedekar, Shine Tom Chacko, and more. The film executed well at the box office, reportedly grossing approximately Rs 125.94 cr globally. The Hindi version of the film was released shortly after the Telugu version, on January 24, 2025, heightening anticipation for its streaming release.
Despite the initial controversies, the film will be available for streaming on Netflix, maintaining the integrity of its theatrical depiction. Viewers can catch the film streaming as it was intended by the producers—without any cuts. The streaming service confirmed the OTT release’s date with excitement, stating: "Meet the forces behind the fear. Watch Daaku Maharaaj on Netflix, out 21 February."
Fans are now eager to see if Urvashi’s role, along with the rest of the cast's performances, lives up to the hype after the strong box office performance. This incident has sparked discussions not only about the importance of representation on promotional material but also about the broader question of how films are marketed and perceived by the audience.
"They edited the film before releasing it on OTT," read one skeptical social media remark, raising questions about the treatment of such actors. While fans seem divided on the matter, many are hopeful for Rautela’s performance, especially after her engagement with the film's marketing.
Set against the backdrop of action and drama, “Daku Maharaaj” promises to be more than just another film; it aims to be the talk of the town as it enters the streaming wars on Netflix, with fans, critics, and even casual viewers eager to see what it has to offer.
With the official streaming date approaching, all eyes are on “Daku Maharaaj” to see how it will perform on digital platforms and if it can maintain the buzz generated during its theatrical release.