Daaku Maharaaj, Balakrishna's latest action-packed entertainer, has broken records on Netflix, garnering an impressive 6 million views. The film, which hit the big screens on January 12, 2025, as a Sankranthi special, performed exceptionally well at the box office, collecting over Rs 84 crore net in its theatrical run. However, its OTT release was strategically delayed, with producer Naga Vamsi ensuring that the film would not be released on streaming platforms for at least 40 days post its theatrical debut.
The film's OTT release on February 21, 2025, was met with relatively low buzz, but things took an unexpected turn. Defying all expectations, Daaku Maharaaj topped the Netflix charts for a week straight after its release, garnering a whopping 2.5 million views in its first week. The film's viewership surged to 2.8 million in the second week, a record-breaking feat for a Balakrishna starrer. The film's makers are ecstatic about its digital success, with producer Naga Vamsi stating that Balakrishna's global popularity has doubled in recent years.
The film's success on Netflix can be attributed to its engaging storyline, high-energy action sequences, and the performances of its lead actors. Directed by Bobby Kolli, Daaku Maharaaj is his second consecutive hit after Waltair Veerayya. The film also stars Pragya Jaiswal and Chandini Chowdary in key roles. The controversy surrounding Urvashi Rautela's exclusion from the OTT release poster also generated unintended publicity, fueling more interest in the film.
With the North Indian market for Balakrishna's films expanding, Daaku Maharaaj's success on Netflix is a significant milestone. The film's 6 million views on the platform are a testament to Balakrishna's growing popularity globally. Meanwhile, Balakrishna is currently busy shooting for Akhanda 2 under Boyapati Sreenu's direction.