Dhurandhar Netflix Release Faces Backlash Over Subpar Print Quality and Censorship
Following its successful 56-day theatrical run, the highly anticipated film Dhurandhar made its debut on Netflix this Friday, but the reception has been far from celebratory. Numerous fans have taken to social media platforms to voice their grievances, highlighting significant issues with the OTT version's presentation and content.
Print Quality and Visual Downgrades Draw Criticism
Many viewers have reported that the video quality on Netflix appears noticeably inferior to the theatrical experience. Complaints include dull visuals, desaturated colors, and a lack of advanced features like HDR10+ or Dolby Vision. One fan lamented, "The theatrical experience adds a lot to the film and the Netflix version feels noticeably downgraded. If you want to experience Dhurandhar then just go to theatre." Another pointed out that even YouTube versions of the songs offer better sound and video quality compared to the streaming platform's offering.
Censorship and Runtime Reductions Add to Discontent
Beyond visual concerns, fans have also expressed disappointment over censorship. Despite holding an 'A' rating, the Netflix version has muted certain expletives and dialogues, leading to accusations of heavy-handed editing. Additionally, the runtime on Netflix is listed as 3 hours and 25 minutes, which is 9 minutes shorter than the original theatrical duration of 3 hours and 34 minutes. Reports indicate that this reduction includes the removal of anti-smoking PSAs from the theatrical cut, following earlier edits made for theatrical release due to content referencing Baloch.
Social Media Erupts with Fan Reactions
The backlash has been widespread across social media, with users sharing their frustrations. Comments range from technical critiques to outright disappointment. One user wrote, "Dhurandhar on Netflix • No HDR10+ or Dolby Vision • No Spatial Audio or Dolby Atmos ⇒ Dull visuals and desaturated colors compared to the theatrical version. + Heavily censored (despite holding an ‘A’ rating) and 9 minutes of cut scenes compared to the theatrical version." Another simply stated, "Netflix ruined dhurandhar movie," while others questioned the color grading and called for immediate fixes.
Regional Availability and Previous Controversies
In related news, Dhurandhar faced bans in several countries during its theatrical release, including Pakistan and Middle Eastern nations like Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, due to its anti-Pakistan themes. However, recent reports suggest that the film is now available on Netflix in the UAE, offering versions in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. It remains unconfirmed whether the spy thriller has premiered in neighboring regions, adding another layer to its complex release narrative.
As the controversy unfolds, fans continue to advocate for a higher-quality, uncensored version on streaming platforms, emphasizing the importance of preserving cinematic integrity in the digital age.
