Dhurandhar Netflix vs Theatre: Censorship Controversy Erupts Over Ranveer Singh's Blockbuster
Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh's highly anticipated spy thriller Dhurandhar has finally made its digital debut on Netflix, but the streaming release has sparked significant controversy among viewers. While fans eagerly awaited the film's OTT premiere, many have expressed disappointment over apparent censorship and runtime differences compared to the theatrical version.
Alleged Censorship Despite 'A' Certificate
Viewers have raised serious concerns about the Netflix version of Dhurandhar, alleging that the film has been heavily censored despite carrying an 'A' (Adults Only) certificate. According to multiple reports and fan complaints:
- Several dialogues have been muted or altered
- Foul language has been removed from key scenes
- Approximately 10 minutes of content has been trimmed from the original theatrical cut
The Netflix version reportedly runs for 3 hours and 25 minutes, which is nine minutes shorter than the original theatrical runtime of 3 hours and 34 minutes. This discrepancy has led to widespread speculation about why a film with an adult rating would require such extensive editing for digital release.
Production Team's Response to Censorship Claims
Contrary to viewer allegations, sources close to the production have provided a different perspective. According to entertainment portal Pinkvilla, the makers of Dhurandhar submitted an uncensored version to Netflix that fully complied with the streaming platform's requirements.
A source familiar with the matter stated: "Dhurandhar makers submitted a version with no edits or cuts for its Netflix release. The version delivered to the streaming platform fully complies with Netflix's mandates and requirements."
The source further emphasized that "the production team has gone as per the mandate and requirement of Netflix," suggesting that any differences between versions stem from standard platform requirements rather than deliberate censorship.
The Mystery of the Shorter Runtime
Industry reports suggest that the Netflix version might not be the original theatrical cut but rather a revised version that began screening in cinemas from January 1, 2026. According to Bollywood Hungama, film distributors received an email on December 31, 2025, about a new Digital Cinema Package (DCP) for Dhurandhar.
A source explained the changes: "The reason for the change is that the makers have muted two words and changed a dialogue in the film, as per the directives received from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India."
Notably, one of the words reportedly removed from this revised version was 'Baloch.' This updated theatrical version had a runtime of 3 hours, 28 minutes, and 56 seconds.
Standard Practice or Unusual Censorship?
Another source provided context about the runtime differences, telling News18: "It is the same as the theatrical/CBFC-approved version. As with all theatrical films, the three-minute runtime difference is due to elements such as interval plates or in-theatre ad requirements that do not carry over to digital platforms. This is business as usual and standard practice when films transition from cinemas to streaming."
This explanation suggests that some runtime variations are normal during the transition from theatrical to digital formats, though it doesn't fully account for the more substantial differences reported by viewers.
Silence from the Creative Team
Despite the growing controversy and numerous complaints from fans, director Aditya Dhar and his team have remained silent on the matter. The lack of official clarification has only fueled speculation and discussion across social media platforms and film forums.
Dhurandhar's Remarkable Box Office Success
Amidst the censorship controversy, it's important to note that Dhurandhar has achieved remarkable commercial success. According to Sacnilk, the film has emerged as the most-watched Bollywood film in the post-pandemic era, registering an impressive 3.65+ crore admissions during its theatrical run.
The film's popularity has generated significant anticipation for its sequel, with Dhurandhar 2 scheduled for release on March 19, 2026. The controversy surrounding the Netflix version hasn't diminished audience enthusiasm for the franchise, though it has raised important questions about content presentation across different distribution platforms.
As the debate continues, the Dhurandhar censorship issue highlights broader concerns about content consistency between theatrical releases and streaming platform versions, particularly for films with adult certifications that viewers expect to see in their original, uncut forms.
