Dhurandhar Makes Explosive OTT Debut on Netflix After Record-Breaking Theatrical Run
Aditya Dhar's blockbuster spy thriller Dhurandhar has officially begun streaming on Netflix, marking its highly anticipated digital premiere following an extraordinary theatrical journey. The film, which features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi, concluded its cinema run after amassing a staggering Rs 1301 crore worldwide in just 57 days, setting new benchmarks for Indian cinema.
Online Conversations Shift as Viewers Reassess Performances
During its theatrical release, a significant segment of audiences championed Akshaye Khanna's portrayal of antagonist Rehman Dakait as the film's standout performance, suggesting he even overshadowed lead actor Ranveer Singh. However, with the film's arrival on Netflix, digital discourse has evolved dramatically. Many viewers who have revisited the film on the streaming platform are now celebrating both actors' performances as career-defining achievements, creating a more nuanced appreciation of their contributions.
Viral Scene Reignites Intense Performance Debate
Shortly after Dhurandhar became available on Netflix, social media platforms erupted with renewed enthusiasm. One particularly viral post on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted a tense scene featuring Ranveer Singh in the driver's seat with Akshaye Khanna seated behind him in the same car. The user praised the scene's electrifying intensity and powerful background score, declaring it represented peak performances from both actors and director Aditya Dhar.
The tweet read: "The high this scene and bgm from #Dhurandhar provides is insane. Peak #AkshayeKhanna Peak #RanveerSingh Peak Aditya Dhar Peak Music This is how u make a spy movie, damn too good." This post quickly gained massive traction, prompting fans to rewatch and reevaluate key sequences and character dynamics throughout the film.
Second Viewing Experience Deepens Appreciation
Several viewers have reported that Dhurandhar gains additional impact upon repeated viewing, especially in the OTT format. One enthusiastic fan shared: "Watched #Dhurandhar 2nd time & it hits even harder. Finest film dat unapologetically exposes Pakistan as a terror state. Great performances: @RanveerOfficial is electric, #AkshayeKhanna is pure class. Razor-sharp screenplay, gripping narration, perfect direction. #MustWatch."
This sentiment reflects a growing trend where audiences discover new layers and appreciate technical aspects more deeply during home viewing, free from theatrical constraints.
Counterarguments Defend Ranveer Singh's Dominance
Despite widespread praise for Akshaye Khanna's restrained yet menacing performance, a vocal segment of viewers strongly rejects the notion that he overshadowed Ranveer Singh. One passionate viewer argued: "DHURANDHAR has been watched and I have a different review for the movie, but the thing that pissed me off most is the 'Akshaye Khanna overshadowed Ranveer' PR gimmick because he didn't, not even one percent. Ranveer ate him whenever they appeared together... anybody who deserves credit for Dhurandhar's success after 'propaganda' is only Ranveer Singh."
Another fan echoed this perspective after binge-watching the film again on Netflix: "I started it thinking I'll just watch a few scenes... ended up binge-watching the whole film again. Cuts or no cuts, Ranveer Singh still owns every frame. Sab pata nahi kyun bol rahe the Akshaye... maturity is realising Ranveer is bloody the greatest actor this country has."
Continued Momentum and Future Plans
Originally released in theatres on December 5, Dhurandhar maintained strong audience engagement well into January before transitioning to digital platforms. The film's availability in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu on Netflix has significantly expanded its reach, allowing regional audiences to experience the cinematic spectacle following its record-breaking box office performance.
As the first installment of a planned two-part franchise, Dhurandhar has set the stage for its sequel, which is scheduled for theatrical release on March 19, 2026. The ongoing performance debate, reignited by the OTT release, demonstrates the film's enduring cultural impact and the powerful character dynamics that continue to captivate audiences across viewing platforms.
