Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’ on Netflix: A Streaming Quality Uproar and Unexpected Update
Indian audiences generally anticipate uncensored versions of films when they arrive on Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, given the typically less restrictive environment compared to theatrical releases. However, the initial release of Ranveer Singh’s latest film, Dhurandhar, on Netflix sparked significant disappointment among fans.
Early reports indicated that the Netflix version was not only shorter than the theatrical cut but also featured muted language and noticeably inferior colour grading. This led to a wave of criticism on social media, with viewers expressing their frustration over the compromised viewing experience. Many felt the streaming quality didn’t live up to expectations for a major release starring Ranveer Singh.
A Surprising Turnaround: Netflix Boosts Bitrate
In a surprising development, Netflix has reportedly rolled out an updated version of Dhurandhar. The key improvement? A dramatic increase in bitrate. The new version boasts a bitrate of 12.56 mbps, a substantial leap from the initial 1.79 mbps. This represents nearly a six-fold increase in data, promising a significantly enhanced visual quality – a rare occurrence on Netflix, particularly for AV1 content.
This upgrade addresses a core technical complaint, offering a sharper and more vibrant viewing experience. However, the debate isn’t entirely settled.
Cuts and Censorship Concerns Remain
While the bitrate boost is a welcome change, fans are still awaiting resolution regarding concerns about cuts and censorship. The issue echoes similar complaints surrounding Netflix’s handling of the film Animal, where edits were made for the streaming release. Viewers are hoping Netflix will address these concerns and deliver the complete, uncut version of Dhurandhar they anticipated.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between streaming platforms and audience expectations regarding content integrity. As streaming becomes the dominant form of film consumption, maintaining a high standard of quality – both technical and artistic – will be crucial for platforms like Netflix to retain subscriber satisfaction. For more information on streaming quality and codecs, you can visit How-To Geek’s explanation of AV1.
The future of Dhurandhar on Netflix hinges on whether the platform will fully address the remaining concerns and deliver the viewing experience fans deserve.
