The highly anticipated OTT release of Ranveer Singh's action-packed film Dhurandhar has hit a snag, leaving a significant segment of its audience disappointed. The movie, which premiered on Netflix India, has sparked controversy for excluding the Kannada audio option, a move that has not gone down well with fans from Karnataka and Kannada-speaking regions across the country.
Fan Backlash and Social Media Outcry
Desi fans took to social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to voice their frustration and disappointment. Many netizens tagged actor Ranveer Singh and the production company, Aditya Dhar Films, in their posts, demanding the inclusion of the Kannada audio feed. One user, A.R. Joshi, shared a screenshot highlighting the missing option and revealed that they canceled their Netflix subscription upon realizing the omission, stating they were eager to watch the film but decided against it due to the language barrier.
Campaign for Kannada Version
The online outcry has led to a grassroots campaign, with fans rallying under the hashtag #DhurandharKannada and calling for action. Posts such as 'Vote for Release Dhurandhar part 1 Kannada version on Netflix' have gained traction, reflecting the community's desire for inclusive content. This incident underscores the growing demand for regional language support in OTT platforms, especially for big-budget Bollywood releases that aim to cater to a pan-Indian audience.
Impact on Subscriptions and Viewer Sentiment
The absence of Kannada audio has not only disappointed fans but also impacted Netflix's subscriber base in the region. Instances of users canceling or pausing subscriptions, as highlighted in social media posts, point to a tangible financial and reputational consequence for the streaming giant. This scenario raises questions about content localization strategies and the importance of catering to linguistic diversity in India's fragmented entertainment market.
Broader Implications for OTT Platforms
This controversy serves as a reminder for OTT platforms operating in India to prioritize regional language offerings. With a vast and diverse audience, skipping key language options can lead to backlash and affect viewership numbers. As the digital entertainment space becomes increasingly competitive, such oversights might push viewers toward competitors who better address regional preferences.
As of now, neither Netflix India nor the film's production team has issued an official statement regarding the missing Kannada audio. Fans continue to hope for a swift resolution, with many urging a prompt update to include the language option and make the film accessible to all.
