After a successful theatrical run earning over Rs 1,000 crore, the film ‘Dhurandhar’ was released digitally on Netflix. Fans eagerly anticipated the release but quickly expressed disappointment due to significant censorship.
Viewers noted that the film, rated ‘A’ for adult audiences, was muted in parts and had about 10 minutes cut in the OTT version. This censorship involved muting abusive language and trimming scenes, leading to widespread backlash on social media platforms.
Many fans questioned why an adult-rated film on an over-18 platform like Netflix would be censored. One user wrote, “You certify the film as A but mute words; are we five-year-olds?” Others compared it unfavorably to films such as ‘Animal’ and ‘Kabir Singh’, which did not have cuts on OTT.
The runtime on Netflix is roughly 3 hours and 25 minutes, whereas the theatrical version lasted around 3 hours and 34 minutes. This 10-minute difference further fueled demands for an uncut and uncensored version online.
Social media reactions included sharp criticism and calls to Netflix to release the original version. Fans emphasized that censorship diminished the film’s raw and natural tone. The complaints focused chiefly on muted dialogue and the removal of “gaalis,” or strong language.
The OTT release came about eight weeks after ‘Dhurandhar’ premiered in theaters. Meanwhile, the filmmakers are preparing for the sequel, ‘Dhurandhar Part 2’, scheduled for release on March 19.
Key points about the OTT release issues:
1. Approximately 10 minutes of footage removed.
2. Muted dialogues, especially abusive words.
3. Inconsistency compared to other adult films on OTT platforms.
4. Negative fan responses emphasizing loss of original intensity.
The controversy illustrates ongoing tensions over content censorship on digital platforms, particularly for films with mature themes. Fans expect the OTT viewing experience to preserve the cinematic authenticity without cuts, reflecting a growing demand for unfiltered content online.
Read more at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
