The digital debut of ‘Dhurandhar’ on Netflix has stirred an unexpected controversy, with viewers quickly noticing that the streaming version is shorter than what audiences experienced in theatres.

The Aditya Dhar-directed spectacle, which went on to shatter box office records with collections exceeding Rs 1,400 crore, premiered on Netflix on January 30, 2026—but not without a twist that has left fans puzzled and vocal online, UNI reported from New Delhi.

A source close to production stated, “It is the same as the theatrical / CBFC-approved version. As with all theatrical films, the three-minute runtime difference is due to elements such as interval plates or in-theatre ad requirements that do not carry over to digital platforms. This is business as usual and standard practice when films transition from cinemas to streaming.”

When ‘Dhurandhar’ released in cinemas, the film unfolded over a sprawling runtime of 3 hours and 34 minutes. However, the version currently streaming on Netflix runs for 3 hours and 25 minutes, effectively missing nine minutes from the theatrical cut. The difference was swiftly flagged by fans revisiting the film at home, triggering a flurry of discussions across social media platforms.

While some viewers feel the tighter edit improves pacing, a large section of the film’s loyal audience believes they have been shortchanged. Many have questioned why a film that carried an ‘A’ certificate in theatres now appears slightly toned down on a global streaming platform, especially at a time when OTT releases are often associated with extended or uncut versions.

The missing minutes, however, are not the result of a single edit made exclusively for Netflix. Industry sources indicate that the streaming version is based on a revised theatrical master. Around three weeks into the film’s cinema run in early January 2026, the makers voluntarily approached the CBFC to trim approximately five to six minutes. The intent was to streamline the narrative and soften certain sensitive references, resulting in a 208-minute standard version that eventually became the basis for the digital release.

The remaining reduction in runtime can be attributed to technical and regulatory factors. Mandatory cinema hall elements such as anti-tobacco disclaimers and “no smoking” messages, which are compulsory during theatrical screenings in India, have been removed for the OTT version. Additionally, differences in playback formats—25 frames per second on streaming platforms versus 24 fps in cinemas—also account for a marginal runtime variation.

International considerations have further influenced the final cut. With Netflix distributing ‘Dhurandhar’ across more than 190 countries, the film reportedly underwent additional edits to comply with regional regulations and sensitivities. Reports suggest that adjustments were made to ensure clearance in territories where the film had earlier faced restrictions, including Pakistan and certain Gulf nations.

Beyond the shortened runtime, viewers have also pointed out that some expletives heard in theatres appear muted on Netflix. References to the Baloch community and select dialogues delivered by Sanjay Dutt’s character, SP Chaudhary Aslam, are said to have been altered or softened, adding to the perception that the streaming version is a more restrained edit of the film.

The situation has reignited a larger conversation around creative integrity in the streaming era. For a film celebrated for its bold narrative choices and uncompromising tone, its digital avatar has delivered an unexpected surprise—one that underscores how even the biggest blockbusters are not immune to the scalpel of post-release edits. As fans continue to debate the missing nine minutes, ‘Dhurandhar’s OTT journey has proven to be nearly as dramatic as its on-screen story.