Dhurandhar's Netflix Release Sparks Controversy with 9-Minute Runtime Reduction
Aditya Dhar's monumental blockbuster Dhurandhar, which created waves at the box office, has made its digital debut on Netflix. However, the transition from theaters to streaming has not been seamless, as fans have discovered a significant alteration in the film's runtime.
Shorter Version on OTT Platform
The theatrical version of Dhurandhar boasted an impressive runtime of 3 hours and 34 minutes, making it one of the longest Hindi films in recent memory. On Netflix, including the post-credit scene, the film now clocks in at 3 hours and 25 minutes. This reduction of approximately 9 minutes has raised eyebrows among viewers who were eagerly anticipating the digital release.
Fans took to social media platforms, particularly X, to voice their concerns. One user expressed disappointment, stating, "Dhurandhar 10 mins cut in OTT. Theatrical Version: 3 hours 34 mins. OTT Netflix Version: 3 hours 25 minutes. Seems like some important scenes are trimmed." Similar reactions have flooded online discussions, with many speculating about what content might have been removed.
Box Office Success and Global Reach
Dhurandhar enjoyed an astonishing theatrical run of around two months, emerging as the highest-grossing Hindi film ever at the domestic box office with earnings of approximately Rs 890.67 crore. Globally, it stands as the fourth highest-grossing Indian film, with collections touching around Rs 1,428 crore.
The film's digital release marks its accessibility in regions where it was previously banned from theatrical exhibition, including Pakistan and Gulf countries. This expansion to international audiences might explain the reported edits, as streaming platforms often make adjustments to comply with regional sensitivities and international norms.
Official Silence and Fan Theories
As of now, there has been no official statement from Aditya Dhar, the production house, or Netflix regarding the runtime reduction. The absence of clarification has fueled speculation among fans about the nature of the cuts.
Some industry observers suggest that the trims could be related to:
- Compliance with content regulations in different countries
- Streamlining for digital consumption patterns
- Technical adjustments for streaming quality
- Removal of scenes that might be controversial in certain regions
About Dhurandhar
Dhurandhar is envisioned as a two-part gangster saga directed by Aditya Dhar. The film features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and R Madhavan. The first part delves into the violent underworld of Karachi and its gang wars, while the second installment, scheduled for an Eid 2026 release, is expected to focus on Ranveer Singh's character and India's retaliation against Pakistan for terror-related activities.
The discrepancy between theatrical and streaming versions highlights the evolving landscape of film distribution, where content often undergoes modifications for different platforms and audiences. As fans continue to debate the missing minutes, the industry watches for potential official explanations about these editorial decisions.
