Mrithyunjay OTT Run Sparks Political Controversy Over Misplaced Modi Scene

What started as a quiet OTT resurrection has turned into an unexpected political flashpoint. Sree Vishnu's Mrithyunjay, which began streaming on Netflix from April 3, had earlier released in theatres on March 6, 2026, but failed to perform at the box office, reportedly collecting under Rs. 4 crores despite earning decent critical notices.

The investigative thriller, directed by Hussain Sha Kiran, seemed destined for the typical fate of theatrical disappointments finding modest second lives on streaming. The appreciation simply did not translate into footfalls during its theatrical run, making it yet another example of content-driven projects struggling to pull audiences to cinemas.

However, the film's Netflix debut has generated heat for reasons nobody anticipated. The film has entered controversy over a particular scene featuring PM Narendra Modi, alongside references to a bank scam, despite having no clear connection to the main narrative. This creative choice has backfired spectacularly, turning what should have been a straightforward crime drama discussion into a political minefield.

Viewers argue that the reference feels misplaced and adds no real value to the story, while supporters of the BJP and followers of the Prime Minister have expressed strong objection, with some demanding that the scene be removed from the OTT version. The backlash highlights how a single poorly-integrated political reference can overshadow an entire film's narrative effort.

This controversy exposes a deeper issue plaguing Telugu cinema's relationship with political commentary. When filmmakers inject political elements without proper narrative justification, they risk alienating audiences who came for entertainment, not ideology. The irony here is striking: a film that struggled to generate any buzz during its theatrical release is now trending for all the wrong reasons.

The general consensus is that it is an okay one-time watch, but not something that generates strong recommendations. With the political controversy now dominating discussions, Mrithyunjay's already modest OTT prospects may suffer further, proving once again that unnecessary provocations rarely serve a film's commercial interests.