iWorld
Dhurandhar’s digital debut: nine minutes go missing on Netflix
MUMBAI: A cinematic storm is brewing online following the Netflix premiere of Hindi cinema behemoth Dhurandhar. The Aditya Dhar directed epic, which recently smashed box office records with a staggering Rs 1,400 plus crore haul, has landed on the streaming giant with a curious case of the missing minutes, leaving fans scratching their heads and fuming over a perceived injustice.
When Dhurandhar first graced the silver screen, its grand narrative unfolded over a robust 3 hours and 34 minutes. However, those settling down for a repeat viewing on Netflix since its January 30, 2026, release have noticed a rather significant discrepancy. The digital iteration clocks in at a leaner 3 hours and 25 minutes exactly nine minutes shorter than its theatrical predecessor.
The digital snip has ignited a lively debate across social media platforms. While some might argue that a tighter edit could sharpen the film’s pace, many ardent fans feel shortchanged, questioning why a film that commanded an ‘A’ (adults only) rating in cinemas now appears to be a tad less audacious on streaming.
This reduction is not a simple case of a single chop but a layered surgical procedure. Contrary to the common hope for an “Extended Director’s Cut,” the Netflix version is actually based on a revised theatrical master. In early January 2026, roughly three weeks into its cinema run, the makers voluntarily approached the CBFC to trim 5 to 6 minutes. This was done to polish the film’s pacing and soften certain sensitive references, creating a 208-minute “standard” version that Netflix ultimately inherited.
A further three minutes of the missing time are due to mundane logistics. The mandatory cinema hall requirements, such as anti-tobacco warnings and “no smoking” advertisements that bookend Indian theatrical screenings, have been removed for the global digital release. It can also be noted that a small portion of the runtime “loss” is due to the difference in playback speed (25 fps on streaming versus 24 fps in cinemas).
Furthermore, international compliance has played a major role. With Netflix beaming the film into over 190 countries, reports from The Indian Express suggest that the editing desk was busy ensuring the content passed muster in regions where the film was initially banned, such as Pakistan and various Gulf nations. This global reach necessitated trimming specific scenes to satisfy international streaming norms and regional sensitivities.
But it’s not just the clock watching that has stirred the pot. Viewers are reporting that certain expletives that peppered the original dialogue have been mysteriously muted, and specific references to the Baloch community along with lines delivered by Sanjay Dutt’s character, SP Chaudhary Aslam, have either been hushed or altered. It seems that even an ‘A’ rating doesn’t guarantee an entirely unvarnished experience in the global streaming arena.
The controversy poses an interesting question: in an age where streaming often promises director’s cuts and extended editions, why are audiences receiving a version that feels somewhat diluted? For a film celebrated for its bold storytelling and unflinching portrayal, its digital debut has certainly provided an unexpected plot twist, proving that even a blockbuster can’t escape the editing room’s scalpel, much to the dismay of its dedicated following.
Here’s a quick peek at the numbers: Theatrical runtime: 214 minutes Netflix runtime: 205 minutes Missing In Action: 9 minutes
iWorld
MS Dhoni invests in Kuku, joins Kuku TV as brand ambassador
Cricket icon backs AI storytelling platform, fronts Kuku TV campaign
MUMBAI: MS Dhoni has invested in Kuku and joined its short-form drama app Kuku TV as brand ambassador, signalling a high-profile bet on India’s fast-growing AI-led content space.
Kuku, a mobile-first storytelling platform, operates across formats with apps such as Kuku TV for micro-dramas, Kuku FM for audio content and Guru for learning-led entertainment. Founded in 2018, the company has scaled rapidly, crossing 350 million installs and building a catalogue of over 20,000 titles across multiple Indian languages.
Dhoni said his decision to invest and partner with the platform was driven by its distinct approach to storytelling and its strong growth trajectory. MS Dhoni said, “I chose to invest in Kuku, and also come on board as the ambassador for Kuku TV, because the platform really stood out to me. It has built a differentiated entertainment experience for audiences across India, spanning multiple languages and formats. The growth has been impressive, and I connect strongly with the founders, who come from small towns like mine and have built something of this scale. I believe in their vision of building an AI-driven storytelling platform from Bharat, for Bharat, and for the world.”
Founded by Lal Chand Bisu, Vinod Kumar Meena and Vikas Goyal, the platform positions itself at the intersection of technology and storytelling, using AI to create and distribute bite-sized content tailored to mobile audiences.
Sharing his perspective, Kuku co-founder and CEO Lal Chand Bisu said, “MS Dhoni is known for backing bold decisions that others might hesitate to take. At Kuku, we are also taking bold bets. That spirit of unconventional thinking resonates deeply with us.”
Adding to this, Kuku co-founder and COO Vinod Kumar Meena said, “Our beloved Thala is one of the rare personalities with truly nationwide appeal. As we build Kuku for all of India, that connection makes him a natural fit for us.”
Further, Kuku co-founder and CTO Vikas Goyal said, “MSD has a unique understanding of people. As we build for both creators and consumers, that perspective will be incredibly valuable, especially as we continue strengthening our AI-driven storytelling stack.”
Backing the momentum, Panthera Peak Capital managing director Nikhil Bhandarkar said, “Kuku’s vision, execution, and clarity of thought are exceptional, qualities that closely mirror MS Dhoni’s approach. We are excited to partner with the team as they build Kuku into a global entertainment platform.”
To mark the association, Kuku TV has rolled out the campaign Dhoni Watches Kuku TV, anchored by a brand film that plays on Dhoni’s instinctive decision-making. Built around short, engaging stories delivered in minutes, the campaign highlights the platform’s promise of quick, compelling entertainment.
With Dhoni stepping in as both investor and face of the brand, Kuku appears to be doubling down on its ambition to take AI-driven storytelling from India to a global audience, one short story at a time.
