Dhurandar under fire again after Netflix debut, but this time from Indian fans

Ranveer Singh’s high-voltage spy thriller Dhurandhar has landed on Netflix, but its much-anticipated streaming debut has triggered frustration rather than fanfare among Indian viewers.

The film, which enjoyed a strong theatrical run after its December 2025 release, is now under scrutiny for what fans allege are noticeable edits, muted dialogues and trimmed scenes in its OTT version. Social media platforms were quick to light up with complaints soon after the Netflix release, as viewers questioned why an adult-rated film appeared to have undergone censorship.

Directed as a gritty Intelligence Bureau drama, Dhurandhar stars an ensemble cast including R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Rampal. With its ‘A’ certification in cinemas, audiences had expected the streaming version to offer a more unfiltered experience, which is something many now feel has not been delivered.

Several fans claim that close to ten minutes of footage is missing from the Netflix cut, with portions of dialogue either silenced or altered. The changes have especially irked Ranveer Singh’s fan base, who argue that the edits dilute the film’s raw intensity and character impact.

Adding to the confusion is the fact that Dhurandhar did not receive a theatrical release in the UAE or wider GCC region and is currently unavailable on local OTT platforms, leaving Indian viewers as the primary audience reacting to the Netflix version.

Many users questioned the logic behind censoring content on a platform known for catering to adult audiences. “If a film is rated for adults, why treat viewers like children?” one user posted, while another lamented that the muted language made the OTT version feel no different from the theatrical cut. Others simply demanded clarity on why the edits were made in the first place.

The backlash reflects a broader shift in audience expectations, as viewers increasingly look to streaming platforms to preserve creative intent, especially for films already cleared for mature audiences. As of now, Netflix has not commented on the alleged edits or addressed whether an uncut version could be made available.

Until then, Dhurandhar’s digital release remains a trending topic, not for its espionage thrills, but for reigniting the debate around censorship in the OTT era.