The arrival of Dhurandhar on Netflix was supposed to be a victory lap after one of the biggest theatrical runs in Indian cinema history. Instead, the digital debut has triggered intense discussion online, with fans questioning why the streaming version feels differentāand more importantly, shorterāthan what they experienced in cinemas.
Within hours of the release on January 30, 2026, social media platforms were flooded with posts pointing out that Dhurandhar on Netflix runsĀ several minutes less than the theatrical version. Accusations of censorship, scene removal, and āOTT dilutionā quickly followed.
So what actually happened? Was Dhurandhar on Netflix trimmed unfairly, or is there a logical explanation behind the missing minutes? Letās break it down clearly.
The Runtime Confusion Around Dhurandhar on Netflix
When Dhurandhar first hit theaters on December 5, 2025, audiences were prepared for a long haul. The filmās original theatrical runtime was approximately 3 hours and 34 minutes, making it an epic spy thriller in every sense.
However, viewers streaming Dhurandhar on Netflix noticed the duration listed at around 3 hours and 25 minutes. This immediately raised eyebrows and sparked claims that Netflix was hosting a ācutā version.
But the reality is more layered than it appears.
Why Dhurandhar on Netflix Feels Shorter
The shorter runtime of Dhurandhar on Netflix is the result of two overlapping reasons, neither of which involves deleting entire scenes.
1. The Film Was Already Revised Before OTT Release
2. Streaming Technology Alters Playback Duration
Together, these factors explain almost the entire difference.
The Revised Version Changed the Film Before Netflix
A crucial detail many viewers missed is that the version of Dhurandhar playing in cinemas toward the end of its theatrical run was not the same as the opening-week cut.
What Changed?
In early January 2026, the makers quietly rolled out a revised theatrical version with
Select dialogue mutes
Minor audio adjustments
Compliance with updated censor instructions
This revised cut reduced the runtime to approximately 3 hours and 29 minutes.
By the time Dhurandhar on Netflix premiered, this revised version had already replaced the original in cinemas across India. Netflix simply received the latest approved master from the producers.
Streaming Speed: Why Dhurandhar on Netflix Runs Faster
Even after accounting for the revised cut, viewers still noticed a few missing minutes. This is where frame-rate conversion comes into play.
Cinema vs OTT Playback
Cinema projectors typically run at 24 frames per second
Most OTT platforms, including Netflix, use 25 frames per second
This difference creates a natural speed-up of about 4%, which:
Shortens the total runtime
Does not remove any scenes
Slightly accelerates playback
So while Dhurandhar on Netflix appears shorter, the story, scenes, and sequences remain intactājust marginally faster.
Is Dhurandhar on Netflix Censored?
This is the most sensitive and controversial aspect of the OTT release.
The Muted Dialogue Controversy
Several viewers noticed muted words in a scene involving Sanjay Duttās character. The dialogue originally contained a reference to the Baloch community, which sparked objections during the theatrical run.
In Dhurandhar on Netflix:
The scene is still present
The word in question is muted
No visual cuts are made
Why Was This Done?
Sources close to the production have indicated that:
The change was implemented in the revised theatrical cut
It was done to avoid community backlash
The updated censor-approved version was supplied to Netflix
Importantly, Netflix did not impose these changes independently.
Dhurandhar Netflix Version vs Theatre Experience
Beyond runtime, fans have also compared the visual and audio presentation of Dhurandhar on Netflix with the big-screen version.
Visual Differences
Many viewers describe the Netflix version as:
Brighter
Less contrast-heavy
Slightly smoother
This difference is largely due to HDR optimization, which adjusts brightness and contrast for home screens rather than massive cinema projectors.
Sound Mix Changes
The sound design on Netflix is tailored for:
Home theaters
Headphones
Mobile devices
While still mixed in Dolby Atmos, the impact can feel subtler than the thunderous theatrical setup.
Box Office Legacy Still Intact
Despite the OTT debate, Dhurandhar remains a monumental success.
Box Office Highlights
India Collection: ā¹1,000+ crore
Worldwide Total: ā¹1,300+ crore
Director: Aditya Dhar
Lead Actor: Ranveer Singh
The conversation around Dhurandhar on Netflix only proves how deeply invested audiences remain in the film.
What Lies Ahead After Dhurandhar on Netflix
The end-credit scene has already confirmed the next chapter in the franchise.
Dhurandhar: The Revenge
Release Date: March 19, 2026
Festival Release: Eid
New Antagonist: Arjun Rampal
Tone: Darker, more violent, more global
Expect the sequel to push boundaries even further ā theatrically and digitally.
Final Thoughts: The Truth About Dhurandhar on Netflix
To sum it up, the shorter runtime of Dhurandhar on Netflix is not the result of secret edits or missing scenes. It stems from:
A revised theatrical cut introduced earlier
Muted dialogue for censor compliance
Faster playback speed on OTT platforms
While some fans may prefer the raw theatrical experience, Dhurandhar on Netflix represents the official, updated version approved by the filmmakers. The essence of the story remains untouched ā only the presentation has evolved.
Whether you watched it once in theaters or multiple times on Netflix, one thing is clear: Dhurandhar on Netflix continues to dominate conversations, timelines, and screens ā proving its lasting cultural impact.