Mario out on OTT: Hebah Patel plays the female lead in this crime thriller which is about a movie star who is forced to sell drugs within the film industry

Last Updated: 01.20 PM, Jan 23, 2026
Mario, Hebah Patel’s latest Telugu film, ended up as a disappointment at the box office despite boasting a fairly interesting storyline and some impressive comic moments.
We at OTTplay had earlier reported that Aha had acquired the digital rights to the film for a fancy price and would premiere it on January 23, 2026. As reported, Mario is now available for streaming on Aha and can also be watched here via OTTplay Premium.

In the film, Hebah Patel plays the role of a popular film star, and the project drew significant attention even before its release due to her remarkable physical transformation. For years, Hebah was known for being on the heavier side, but for Mario, she underwent a major makeover, shedding considerable weight and presenting a refreshed, stylish look that impressed many viewers.
Released in theatres on December 20, Mario was directed by Kalyanji Gogana and made on a very modest budget. The story revolves around an actress portrayed by Hebah Patel who is drugged and subsequently blackmailed into distributing narcotics within the film industry.
Trapped in a dangerous situation, she seeks help from a close friend who owns an unusual and quirky car named Mario, which possesses special powers. How she navigates this perilous trap and manages to break free forms the crux of the narrative.

Mario is essentially a crime thriller with a wacky touch, but not many were aware of its release, largely due to minimal promotion by the makers. As a result, the film struggled to attract audiences to theatres, and only a limited section of viewers appreciated its unconventional treatment. Now that it has arrived on OTT, the film may find a new audience.
A notable highlight of Mario is Rakendu Mouli, the well-known dialogue writer and lyricist, who plays the main antagonist. His performance has been widely appreciated and stands out as one of the film’s strongest aspects. Thanks to the lucrative OTT deal, the makers managed to remain in the safe zone financially despite the theatrical setback.
Of late, Aha has focused more on acquiring low-budget thrillers rather than big-ticket films, and Mario fits perfectly into that strategy. Viewers who enjoy quirky crime thrillers with bold themes can stream Mario on Aha and here on OTTplay Premium. It remains to be seen how the film performs in the long run on digital platforms.
Q. Who is the director of Hebah Patel's Mario?
A. Kalyanji Gogana has directed this crime comedy
Q. What is the story of Hebah Patel's Mario?
A. The film is about an actress named Hebah Patel who is blackmailed and is forced to sell drugs in the film industry
Q. Where to stream Hebah Patel's Mario?
A. You can stream Mario on Aha and here on OTTplay Premium