Dhurandhar’s OTT Debut Marred by Censorship Controversy
SYDNEY, 30 January 2026 – The highly anticipated digital release of Ranveer Singh’s record-breaking spy thriller Dhurandhar has arrived on Netflix, but the celebration has been dampened by a wave of fan backlash. Subscribers who flocked to the platform to stream the film from today have expressed significant disappointment over a heavily edited and censored version, complaining of muted dialogues and cuts totalling up to 10 minutes.
Streaming Launch Meets Immediate Criticism
After a historic theatrical run that saw it become the highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time in India, Dhurandhar commenced its streaming journey on Netflix from 30 January. Director Aditya Dhar hailed the move as the film “beginning a new chapter,” allowing a global audience to experience the cinematic event. However, within hours of its release, social media and online forums were flooded with complaints from viewers who felt the OTT version was a compromised product compared to the theatrical cut.
Key Facts & Box Office Legacy
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Theatrical Release | 5 December 2025 |
| Domestic Box Office | Crossed ₹1,000 crore (A$180 million approx.) |
| OTT Platform | Netflix |
| OTT Release Date | 30 January 2026 |
| Primary Fan Complaint | Censored version with muted dialogue & ~10 min cuts |
| Sequel Status | Dhurandhar 2 slated for theatrical release on 19 March 2026 |
A Global Hit Without Gulf Markets
The film’s path to success was unconventional. Industry reports from last week noted that Dhurandhar collected an estimated US$28 million from overseas markets despite not being released in Gulf nations, where it was reportedly deemed too “sensitive.” This absence translated to an estimated revenue loss of US$5-8 million but did not hinder its record-smashing performance. Jio Studios CEO Jyoti Deshpande, in an interview days ago, called the project “a risky film to greenlight,” a risk that ultimately paid off spectacularly.
Fan Outrage Over Edited Content
The core of the current controversy lies in the alterations made for the streaming release. Multiple entertainment news outlets reported throughout today that fans are “fuming” over the changes. Specific grievances include the muting of certain dialogues and the removal of scenes, with the total runtime reduced by approximately 10 minutes. Many viewers took to social media to question the logic behind censoring an adult-rated thriller, contrasting it with other films with mature themes that were released on OTT platforms uncut.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Dhurandhar release on Netflix?
Dhurandhar began streaming on Netflix on 30 January 2026.
Why are fans unhappy with the OTT release?
Viewers have reported that the Netflix version is censored, with key dialogues muted and scenes cut, reducing the film’s runtime by around 10 minutes compared to the theatrical release.
How much did Dhurandhar earn at the box office?
The film achieved historic commercial success, crossing ₹1,000 crore (approximately A$180 million) at the domestic Indian box office during its theatrical run which began in December 2025.
Is there a sequel planned?
Yes. Director Aditya Dhar has confirmed that Dhurandhar 2 is scheduled for a theatrical release on 19 March 2026, coinciding with Eid.