Highlights
- Dhurandhar began streaming on Netflix on January 30, weeks after its record-breaking box office run
- Viewers noticed the runtime on Netflix is shorter than the film’s initial cinema version
- The streaming release matches the revised theatrical cut cleared after changes to specific dialogue
Netflix debut sparks confusion
After a hugely successful theatrical run, Dhurandhar finally arrived on Netflix at midnight on January 30. Headlined by Ranveer Singh, the film opened in cinemas on December 5, 2025, and went on to gross over $120 million in India, with worldwide earnings crossing $155 million.
While many fans revisited the film on streaming for the first time, others were quick to flag a difference. The Netflix version lists a runtime of 3 hours and 25 minutes, prompting complaints on social media that the platform was carrying a “censored” cut.
Social media reacts to shorter runtime
By Friday morning, several users on X were questioning why the Netflix version appeared shorter than the original 3-hour-34-minute theatrical release. Some also raised concerns about color grading, sound mix, and overall video quality on the platform.
The backlash fueled speculation that Netflix had edited the film without disclosure.
What is the film’s actual runtime?
The confusion stems from changes made after Dhurandhar’s initial cinema release. Reports at the time confirmed that the makers were asked to mute two words and one dialogue referencing the Baloch community.
Following these changes, a revised censor certificate was issued, listing the new runtime as 3 hours, 28 minutes, and 56 seconds. This updated version replaced the original cut in theaters starting January 1, 2026.
Is Netflix streaming a censored version?
The version available on Netflix matches this revised theatrical cut. At around the 1 hour and 55 minute mark, two references made by Sanjay Dutt’s character, SP Chaudhary Aslam, are muted. In the original dialogue, the character makes a derogatory comparison involving a former police partner from the Baloch community.
In the revised version, those specific references are silenced, while the English subtitles generalize the line without naming the community.
Industry sources say Netflix has uploaded the final DCP provided by the producers, Jio Studios and B62 Studios. As an OTT distributor, the platform does not alter films independently and streams them in the form submitted by the production houses.
Aside from the muted dialogue, the film’s violent sequences and overall content remain unchanged.
Dhurandhar on Netflix is not an additional cut-down or censored version. It is the same revised edition that has been playing in theaters since early January, with a slightly faster frame rate that may add to the perception of a shorter runtime.
