Why Dhurandhar is shorter on Netflix than in theatres: Explained

The Netflix version of Dhurandhar is slightly shorter than the theatrical release due to producer-led edits. Streaming platforms only distribute the version provided to them.

Ever since Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar dropped on Netflix at midnight, fans have been questioning why its runtime is shorter than the original. The Aditya Dhar film was initially 214 minutes long (3 hours and 34 minutes), while the Netflix version runs for a little over 3 hours and 25 minutes. Fans have also alleged that the platform has muted a few dialogues and expletives from the film.Industry sources, in an exclusive chat with India Today, decoded the change in runtime and dialogues. They mentioned that, at times, filmmakers may choose to make a few tweaks in terms of pacing adjustments or shorter credits in the film before it drops on OTT. This is usually done to give audiences a better viewing experience. Sometimes, a few scenes that couldn't be included in theatricals are added, or sometimes, a few scenes are edited out, depending on what they feel would cater best to their audience. However, all changes are made by the production houses, and duly informed to the platforms.As readers would know, a few weeks after the film’s release, the Baloch community filed a plea against how they had been portrayed in the film, particularly in relation to a dialogue used by Sanjay Dutt. The court passed an order asking the filmmaker to modify a few scenes. The new version reached theatres on January 1. As per the CBFC certificates dated December 4 and January 5, the revised runtime is around 209 minutes (roughly 3 hours 29 minutes). Hence, the version on Netflix is about three minutes short, unlike 10, as has been said on social media.

Sources added that the theatrical version also includes statutory anti-smoking disclaimers, which may not appear the same way on OTT, contributing to minor runtime differences. While fans have flagged these changes online, the exact edits are yet to be officially detailed or identified.It is pertinent to state that, as a service provider, Netflix or any other platform does not have the right to trim or alter a film. Moreover, contrary to what’s being said on social media about streamers using a faster FPS, is also reportedly incorrect. Sources share that streaming platforms play only the version provided to them by producers. They basically act merely as distributors, playing the film to their paid subscribers. If any changes have been made, they are at the producer’s end - though at times, they may be made at the request of the platform.India Today reached out to JioStudios, B62 Studios and Netflix; however, none has issued any statement on the same.

Released on December 5, 2025, Dhurandhar has officially sealed its blockbuster status after a glorious run at the box office, having grossed over Rs 1300 crore worldwide. Set against the backdrop of Pakistan, the film follows Ranveer Singh as an Indian spy who infiltrates the terror networks operating out of Lyari. The high-octane thriller also features Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal and R Madhavan in pivotal roles.

The sequel to Dhurandhar is slated to hit the big screen on March 19, and is set for a major box office clash with Yash’s Toxic.