Dhurandhar's Digital Debut Marred by Censorship Controversy on Netflix
Following a phenomenal theatrical run that saw it cross the remarkable Rs 1,000 crore milestone at the box office, the highly anticipated film 'Dhurandhar' finally made its digital premiere on January 30. The movie, which had captivated audiences in cinemas, debuted quietly at midnight on Netflix, prompting an immediate rush from fans eager to rewatch the cinematic spectacle. Additionally, many viewers who missed the chance to experience it in theatres tuned in to catch the Hindi film, which was also available in dubbed Tamil and Telugu versions. However, this excitement quickly turned to disappointment as fans discovered a significant alteration in the OTT version.
Fans Express Fury Over Censored Content in Adult-Rated Film
Almost immediately after the film began streaming, social media platforms were inundated with a wave of complaints and sharp criticism from disgruntled viewers. Fans accused Netflix of implementing extensive censorship, including muting dialogues, censoring abusive language, and trimming approximately 10 minutes from the original runtime. This editing sparked outrage among the film's dedicated followers, who had expected an uncensored version following its theatrical release, especially given its 'A' (Adults Only) certification.
Several users questioned the logic behind censoring an adult film on a platform that requires viewers to be over 18. One frustrated viewer expressed, "You certify the film as A but you have muted/censored words! Like are we a bunch of 5-year-olds or what? Everyone on this app is over 18, there's no meaning in watching a film with lots of cuts and censoring. You're just stealing the natural raw vibe from it." Another added, "#Dhurandhar on Netflix with muted dialogues + censored abuses. If OTT isn’t giving us the uncut version, who is?"
The backlash continued with comments like, "noooooo #Dhurandhar on Netflix still has the gaalis censored! bhai what is the point of releasing on OTT if you censor the best parts," and "A big letdown from you people @NetflixIndia Why the hell would you censor it when everyone is expecting an uncensored version!! Censoring an A-rated film itself is a joke whereas Animal and Kabir Singh have no cuts." Some fans even humorously asked for workarounds, with one stating, "Kuch jugaad for uncensored version ke liye," highlighting their desperation for the original content.
Shorter Runtime Adds to Viewer Discontent
The criticism was not limited to censored language alone; many viewers also noted that the film's runtime had been significantly reduced. Reports indicate that while the theatrical version of 'Dhurandhar' ran for approximately 3 hours and 34 minutes, the digital version clocks in at around 3 hours and 25 minutes, a cut of nearly 10 minutes. One user pointed out, "Cut version uhh around 10 mins portions deleted!" prompting others to demand that Netflix "release the uncut version" to preserve the film's integrity.
This digital release comes eight weeks after the film's initial debut in cinemas on December 5, marking a transition from the big screen to streaming platforms. Despite the controversy, the makers are now shifting focus to the upcoming 'Dhurandhar Part 2', which is slated for release on March 19, keeping fans eagerly awaiting the next installment.
The incident raises broader questions about content moderation on OTT platforms in India, where viewers often expect uncensored versions of adult-rated films. As the entertainment landscape evolves, this backlash against 'Dhurandhar' highlights the delicate balance between regulatory compliance and audience expectations in the digital age.
