The film Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, remains a hot topic in cinematic circles even two months after its theatrical debut. The spy action thriller, which hit theaters on December 5, 2024, continues to generate buzz online and offline, especially with its recent streaming on Netflix last week.
A Divisive Reception: Theaters vs. Netflix
While audiences in theaters initially lauded the film, reactions have shifted since it became available for streaming. The Netflix release has sparked contrasting opinions among viewers—those watching it for the first time or revisiting the film online have expressed mixed feelings.
Who Was the Real Star? Akshaye Khanna or Ranveer Singh?
Initially, social media buzz crowned Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal of Rehman Dakait as the standout performance, often overshadowing Ranveer Singh’s role as Hamza Ali Mazari (real name Jaskirat Singh Rangi). However, post-streaming, many viewers have credited Ranveer Singh with “carrying” the film, dismissing earlier claims of Khanna’s dominance.
Differences in Viewing Experience: Theatrical vs. Streaming
Another notable change is the difference in the film’s reception based on the viewing platform. Audiences who initially saw Dhurandhar in cinemas expressed disappointment with their Netflix experience, citing a decline in quality. It’s worth noting that the film was re-edited and re-released in theaters from January 1, 2025, after the makers were instructed to mute certain references deemed offensive to the Baloch community.
Support from Filmmakers
Despite some criticism, renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur shared positive feedback after watching the film on Netflix. On X (formerly Twitter), he praised the storytelling and performances, calling Aditya Dhar’s direction “terrific” and expressing anticipation for a sequel, Dhurandhar 2.
As Dhurandhar continues to be a topic of discussion, its evolving reception underscores the complex relationship between theatrical and streaming audiences and the lasting impact of Dhar’s cinematic vision.