Dhurandhar OTT Release: Why Netflix Version is 10 Minutes Shorter; Fans Slam ‘A’ Rated Film Censorship

“Is this even an Adult-rated film if every second word is muted?”, this is the question echoing across social media as Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar makes a controversial digital debut.

Following a historic theatrical run that saw it shatter almost every box office record in Indian cinema, Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller Dhurandhar finally arrived on Netflix on January 30, 2026. However, the midnight premiere, which was expected to be a celebration of the film’s ₹1,300 crore global success, has instead triggered a wave of “digital outrage.” Within hours of the release, fans took to X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit to slam the streaming giant for hosting what appears to be a heavily sanitized and trimmed version of the blockbuster.

Dhurandhar OTT Release: The Mystery of the Missing 10 Minutes

The primary point of contention for viewers is the significantly reduced runtime on the streaming platform. While the theatrical version of Dhurandhar clocked in at a massive 3 hours and 34 minutes (214 minutes), the Dhurandhar on Netflix version is listed at approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes.

This discrepancy of nearly 10 minutes has led to accusations that Netflix has “butchered” the film’s pacing. Initial reports suggest that several high-tension sequences, including extended confrontational dialogues between Ranveer Singh’s Hamza and Akshaye Khanna’s Rehman Dakait, have been noticeably shortened.

Why is the Dhurandhar Movie Shorter on Netflix?

Industry insiders and trade analysts suggest the “cut” might not be a Netflix-specific edit but rather the “Revised Theatrical Cut.” Following its December 5 release, the makers reportedly faced legal pressure and internal feedback regarding certain political sensitivities, specifically references to the “Baloch” community in Sanjay Dutt’s track.

A revised version, roughly 209 minutes long, began playing in cinemas in early January 2026. When you account for the removal of the 3-4 minute statutory “Anti-Smoking” and “Alcohol” warnings (which are handled differently on OTT), the math aligns with the 205-minute (3h 25m) Netflix runtime. However, for fans who watched the “Day 1” theatrical cut, the missing footage is a bitter pill to swallow.

Censorship Outrage: Muted Dialogues in an ‘A’ Rated Film

Perhaps more frustrating for the audience than the runtime is the heavy-handed censorship. Despite carrying an ‘A’ (Adults Only) certificate, the OTT version features:

Muted Expletives: Numerous cuss words that were audible in the theatrical version have been silenced.
Dialogue Tweaks: Key terms related to intelligence agencies and specific regional mentions have been muted or replaced.
Visual Trims: Some of the raw, gritty violence that defined the film’s “edge” has been softened.

One viral post on X summed up the sentiment: “We pay for premium subscriptions to watch ‘A’ rated content in its rawest form. If Netflix is going to treat us like five-year-olds, what is the point of the certification?”

Dhurandhar Box Office Collection: The Legend Behind the Controversy

The backlash is particularly sharp because of the film’s status as a modern-day classic. As of late January 2026, Dhurandhar box office collection stats are nothing short of legendary:

India Net: ₹835.85 Crore (surpassing Pushpa 2: The Rule to become the #1 Hindi film in history).
Worldwide Gross: ₹1,344 Crore+.
Record Holder: It holds the record for the highest-grossing 3rd, 4th, and 5th weeks in Indian history.

By outperforming titans like Jawan, Kalki 2898 AD, and Pathaan, Dhurandhar has cemented Ranveer Singh’s position as the most bankable superstar of the current era.

Road to Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge

While the OTT debate rages on, the focus is already shifting toward the sequel. Netflix’s version ends with a high-octane “sneak peek” into Dhurandhar 2, which has only intensified the hype.

Dhurandhar 2 Release Date and The “Mighty Clash”

Mark your calendars: March 19, 2026 (Eid). Aditya Dhar has officially confirmed that the sequel will not be delayed, setting up the biggest box office clash of 2026. Dhurandhar 2 will go head-to-head with the Yash-starrer Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-ups.

Unlike the first part, which was primarily a single-language Hindi release that later added dubs, the sequel is being designed as a true Pan-India spectacle, releasing simultaneously in:

Hindi
Tamil
Telugu
Kannada
Malayalam

What to Expect in the Sequel?

While Akshaye Khanna’s character met a definitive end in the first part, reports suggest he will return in crucial flashback sequences that explain the origin of the Lyari conflict. Arjun Rampal is expected to take on a more prominent “primary antagonist” role in the second installment.

Final Verdict: Should You Watch Dhurandhar on Netflix?

Despite the censorship and the missing minutes, Dhurandhar remains a masterclass in tension and storytelling. For those who missed it in the theaters, the Netflix version still offers the core of Aditya Dhar’s vision and Ranveer Singh’s career-best performance. However, for the “purists” seeking the raw theatrical experience, the search for the Dhurandhar uncut version continues to trend online.

As the film begins its digital journey across 190 countries, one thing is clear: Dhurandhar isn’t just a movie anymore; it’s a pop-culture phenomenon that continues to dominate headlines long after the curtains have closed.