Dhurandhar, the Ranveer Singh-starring espionage thriller that took Indian cinemas by storm, made its digital debut on Netflix on January 30, 2026 — but the reception has been far from smooth. While fans were excited to stream the film from home, many expressed frustration and disappointment over what they perceive as a censored and shortened OTT version of the movie.
OTT Release Sparks Fan Backlash
Upon its Netflix premiere, viewers noted that the version available for streaming appeared to be around 10 minutes shorter than the theatrical cut. Complaints quickly spread across social media platforms like X and Reddit as audiences claimed the film had been “muted”, trimmed, or censored compared with its original cinema release.
Several users pointed out that, despite the film being rated ‘A’ (adult), certain dialogues — especially those containing profanity or politically sensitive references — seemed to have been muted or removed, leading to dissatisfaction. One fan wrote, “You certify the film as A, but you have muted/censored words! … what is the point if we can’t enjoy any movie properly?”
Runtime Difference: Cut or Technical Quirk?
Part of the controversy stems from the fact that the Netflix version runs shorter than the theatrical release. Dhurandhar’s original runtime in cinemas was reported to be approximately 3 hours and 34 minutes, while the Netflix version clocks in at about 3 hours and 25 minutes.
There are multiple theories about this discrepancy:
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Some fans and reports suggest that Netflix may have trimmed content or muted certain dialogues, which contributed to the shorter runtime.
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Others point to a technical factor — Netflix streams at 25 frames per second (fps), while theatrical versions are typically shown at 24 fps, which can make the content appear shorter without actually cutting scenes.
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There are also conflicting reports about whether the edits were made with or without the director’s consent. Some news outlets reported that a version was submitted for OTT with changes, while others noted the edits may have occurred on the platform side.
OTT Expectations vs Reality
For many viewers, the expectation with OTT releases — especially for adult-rated films — is that the content remains true to the theatrical experience. Unlike theatrical distribution, which often includes interval cards, sponsor slides, or longer credits, OTT platforms are expected to present films in an uninterrupted format.
However, the Dhurandhar situation highlights a gap between viewer expectations and streaming realities, especially when audiences are comparing their memory of the cinema cut to the digital version.
Fan Reactions Across Platforms
Across X and Reddit, reactions to the Netflix release have been mixed:
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Some fans remain adamant that scenes and dialogues were actively censored for the OTT release.
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Others emphasize technical reasons like frame rate changes as the primary cause of the shortened runtime rather than deliberate cuts.
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A few viewers also reported regional differences in versions seen in theatres versus the Netflix stream.
Conclusion: OTT Release Has Fans Talking
The Netflix debut of Dhurandhar has certainly stirred conversation. While the film continues to gather praise for its story and performances, the controversy around runtime and perceived censorship shows just how passionate audiences have become about preserving the full cinematic experience in the streaming era.
Whether Netflix or the makers officially clarify these edits in the future, the Dhurandhar OTT release highlights a broader challenge in the streaming world: balancing technical formats, audience expectations, and content authenticity.
