Netflix’s “Dhurandhar” Is 4 Minutes Shorter Than Cinema Version
The highly anticipated film “Dhurandhar” has made its streaming debut on Netflix following an impressive theatrical performance. The movie grossed over Rs 1,000 crore in India and surpassed Rs 1,300 crore globally shortly after its release on December 5, 2025.
Viewer Reactions to Dhurandhar’s Netflix Release
Upon its arrival on Netflix at midnight on January 30, viewers quickly took to social media to express their displeasure. A significant number of complaints centered around the shorter runtime of the film on streaming, which is reported to be 3 hours and 25 minutes—four minutes less than the original theatrical version, which lasted 3 hours and 34 minutes.
Censorship Concerns
- Many viewers accused Netflix of streaming a “censored” version of “Dhurandhar.”
- Critics noted that some key dialogues, particularly those referencing the Baloch community, were muted in the streaming version.
- Comments included reflections on muted swear words and altered scenes, leading to frustrated responses from fans.
Runtime Differences Explained
The shift in the runtime has raised questions among fans and has led to discussions about possible censorship. The revised version of the film was reported to have been adjusted after a request to mute specific dialogues related to the Baloch community. As a result, the new runtime was recorded at 3 hours, 28 minutes, and 56 seconds.
Some technical explanations indicated that differences in playback speed could also account for the perceived shorter duration. Netflix operates at a frame rate of 25 frames per second, compared to the conventional 24 frames per second used in theaters. This results in approximately a 4% increase in the playback speed, which roughly equates to a nine-minute difference.
Original vs. Censored Dialogue
In the original, the character SP Chaudhary Aslam, played by Sanjay Dutt, made references that were pivotal to the storyline but have been altered in the streaming version. For instance, conversations that highlighted his sentiments about his former partner were modified to bypass potential controversy.
Quality and Editing Issues
Beyond concerns about content censorship, viewers also criticized the overall quality of “Dhurandhar” on Netflix. Reports highlighted dissatisfaction with the film’s color grading and sound quality compared to its theatrical run. Some audiences have even noted that certain YouTube versions offered better visual and auditory experiences.
The Future of Dhurandhar
Despite the controversy, fans can look forward to the upcoming sequel, “Dhurandhar: The Revenge,” set to release on March 19, 2026. This continuation promises to explore further the intense storylines that captivated audiences during its initial theatrical run.
Overall, while “Dhurandhar” has achieved remarkable success, its transition to the streaming platform has sparked varied reactions, emphasizing the ongoing dialogue about content delivery in the age of digital media.
