Dhurandhar OTT Release: Why the ₹1,350 Crore Giant Heading to Netflix is a Risky Gamble
- Kenneth Hopkins
- Jan 29
- 3 min read
Everyone is obsessed with Dhurandhar hitting Netflix tomorrow, but the real story isn't the release—it's the strategy. Dropping a record-breaking, ₹1,350 crore grosser on streaming just weeks before its sequel hits theaters is either the most brilliant hype-engine in history or a massive case of box office cannibalization.
What Actually Happened?
Aditya Dhar's spy epic Dhurandhar is set to stream on Netflix starting January 30, 2026, at midnight IST. The film, which features Ranveer Singh as a morally grey operative, dominated the box office for 54 days, becoming the first Hindi-only release to cross the ₹1,000 crore mark domestically.
The Insider Take
Netflix didn't just buy a movie; they bought a bridge. By securing the rights to both Dhurandhar and the upcoming Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge (dropping March 19, 2026) for a reported ₹130–285 crore, they’ve created a "Weaponized Distribution" loop.
The 214-minute runtime is a massive ask for theaters but perfect for the "couch rot" era. My sources suggest the Netflix version will be the uncut director’s cut, restoring the ultra-violent sequences the CBFC chopped to keep that "A" rating from becoming a "Banned" rating. This isn't just a release; it's PR damage control to ensure the franchise’s momentum doesn't stall before Eid.
Why This Matters for the Box Office
If you think the theatrical run is over, look at the math. The film is still pulling ₹1–2 crore on weekends even in week 8. Dropping it on Netflix now officially kills the "long tail" of its theatrical earnings. However, the goal here isn't more tickets for Part 1—it's maximizing the opening day for Part 2. By making the first 3.5-hour epic "free" for subscribers now, they are ensuring every casual viewer is caught up before the sequel lands in March. It’s a calculated sacrifice.
What Fans Are Missing
Keep your eyes on the end credits. Rumor has it the Netflix version contains a new post-credit scene that wasn't in theaters, directly bridging the gap to Dhurandhar 2. While the theatrical version ended on a cliffhanger, the "digital master" is expected to reveal the first look at the sequel’s primary antagonist in action.
QUICK FACTS
OTT Release Date: January 30, 2026
Platform: Netflix (Exclusive)
Runtime: 214 Minutes (Expect an Uncut Version)
Theatrical Box Office: ₹1,350.06 Crore Worldwide
Sequel Release: March 19, 2026 (Eid)
Fans Also Asked
Q: Is Dhurandhar based on a true story?
A: Yes, the film is loosely inspired by Operation Lyari, a real-world covert operation involving intelligence agencies in Pakistan. Aditya Dhar leaned heavily on geopolitical consultants to keep the "spy-craft" feeling authentic rather than cartoonish.
Q: Will there be an uncut version of Dhurandhar on Netflix?
A: Highly likely. While the theatrical version faced CBFC cuts for violence and language, Netflix typically streams the original director’s vision, especially for "A" rated blockbusters looking to boost rewatch value.
Q: Who is the villain in Dhurandhar 2?
A: While Part 1 focused on Akshaye Khanna’s Rehman Dakait, Part 2 (titled The Revenge) is rumored to elevate the stakes with a global syndicate. Watch the Netflix version's end credits for the formal reveal.
Q: Why did Dhurandhar take so long to come to OTT? A: The film followed a strict 8-week theatrical window. Because it was consistently breaking records (beating Gadar 2's 8-week standing record), the makers delayed the digital premiere to milk every last rupee from the big screen.
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