Table Of Contents

Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller Dhurandhar, led by Ranveer Singh in a powerhouse performance alongside Sanjay Dutt and Akshaye Khanna, was one of the most talked-about theatrical releases in recent years.

Known for its intense action, raw dialogues, and unapologetic adult tone, the film earned an ‘A’ certificate and built a strong fanbase.

When it finally premiered on Netflix, many expected the streaming version to offer the complete, uncut experience, especially since other bold Hindi films like Kabir Singh and Animal have streamed with minimal alterations.

Instead, viewers discovered a noticeably edited version, leading to significant disappointment and online backlash.

Key Differences In Runtime

Version	Runtime	Key Details
Original Theatrical	3 hours 34 minutes	Full-length version seen by early theatre audiences
Revised Theatrical	3 hours 28 minutes 56 seconds	Changes made after objections, including muting of specific words and lines
Netflix OTT	3 hours 25 minutes	Further trims, additional muted dialogues, and minor visual adjustments

The Netflix version is shorter than even the revised theatrical cut, with several small scenes removed and specific dialogues muted, affecting the overall pacing and impact.

Lingering Issues From Theatrical Changes

During its theatrical run, the film faced objections from the Baloch community over a specific dialogue delivered by Sanjay Dutt’s character.

The line, which controversially referenced trustworthiness, was partially muted in later prints.

Many viewers hoped the OTT release would restore the original audio.

However, the mutes remain, and, in some cases, feel even more extensive, leading to awkward breaks in otherwise powerful scenes.

Muted Dialogues And Profanities

A significant point of criticism is the continued muting of profanities and strong language.

Given the film’s adult rating and the precedent set by other OTT releases of similar films, fans expected an uncut, unfiltered version on a paid streaming platform.

Social media has seen widespread calls for Netflix to release the original theatrical cut, with many questioning why an ‘A’-rated film requires additional censorship for home viewing.

Visual And Technical Concerns

Several viewers have also noted differences in colour grading.

The theatrical experience featured vibrant, rich tones that enhanced the film’s atmosphere, but the Netflix version appears somewhat washed out, especially on non-4K plans.

While higher-tier subscriptions offer improved quality, the discrepancy has added to the frustration.

There is also speculation that minor speed adjustments or frame-rate conversions may have been applied, though this has not been officially confirmed.

Possible Reasons Behind The Edits

While the makers have not publicly detailed the reasons, it appears the streaming version was prepared with broader accessibility in mind.

Some suggest the platform or producers opted for a more family-friendly presentation to expand viewership.

Regardless of intent, the changes have alienated many dedicated fans who feel the essence of the original film has been compromised.

Interesting Trivia

Dhurandhar secured one of the highest OTT deals for a Hindi film in recent times, reflecting its massive theatrical success and strong demand for digital rights.

Despite the controversy surrounding its streaming version, Dhurandhar remains a gripping spy thriller worth watching for Ranveer Singh’s electrifying performance and its high-stakes narrative.

Whether you are revisiting it or discovering it for the first time, the film continues to spark passionate discussions.

At THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, we strive to bring you clear, honest insights into the world of entertainment.

Stay tuned for more in-depth articles on films, stars, and industry trends.

Thank you for reading!