In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through the streaming industry, both Netflix and JioHotstar released the ‘Raw and Undekha’ cut of Ranveer Singh’s blockbuster ‘Dhurandhar’ on their respective platforms on the same day – May 22.
The rare dual-platform release has sparked both excitement and confusion among fans, marking a full-blown OTT clash between two streaming giants that now find themselves sharing the same marquee title.
What is the ‘Raw and Undekha’ cut?
The ‘Raw and Undekha’ version promises viewers a more immersive, unfiltered experience of the action-packed spy thriller. This extended cut features never-before-seen moments, sharper violence, unmuted dialogues, and footage that was trimmed from the theatrical release due to certification requirements.
The decision comes after fans complained about censorship when the original version premiered on Netflix on January 30, following its December 2025 theatrical run. Viewers had expressed frustration over muted dialogues and nearly ten minutes of removed footage, despite the film being certified ‘A’ for adult audiences.
Both platforms announce simultaneously
On Wednesday, both streaming giants took to social media to announce the release. JioHotstar posted, “A kasainuma version specially for you all. Watch Dhurandhar Raw & Undekha, streaming from May 22, only on JioHotstar.”
Within moments, Netflix India countered with its own announcement: “Aandhi aa rahi hai. Aur iss baar, extra ghatak. Watch Dhurandhar Raw & Undekha, out 22 May in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu on Netflix.”
The uncut version is available in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu on both platforms.
Netflix vs JioHotstar: The backstory
The unusual situation stems from complex streaming rights negotiations. Netflix had initially acquired the OTT rights for the first ‘Dhurandhar’ film, which premiered on the platform on January 30. However, following the film’s massive box office success, JioHotstar aggressively pursued and secured the streaming rights for ‘Dhurandhar 2’ (titled ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’) for a staggering Rs 150 crore.
Now, both platforms are releasing the same uncut version of the first film simultaneously – a rarity in the streaming world where exclusivity is typically the norm.
Social media confusion
The announcement has left fans puzzled. One user wrote, “Same movie, Same day, Same duration, Same name In two different streaming platforms can’t understand what was the deal between Hotstar and Netflix.” Another commented, “Let’s normalize non exclusive streaming partners.”
Some fans have also tried accessing the Netflix version from India, only to discover geo-blocking restrictions for certain international cuts, though the ‘Raw and Undekha’ cut is confirmed for Indian audiences on Netflix as well.
The sequel: ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’
As part of the ongoing franchise rollout, ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ – the second installment released in theatres on March 19 – will premiere on JioHotstar in India on June 4, with a special premiere at 7 PM followed by full streaming from June 5. International audiences will be able to watch the sequel on Netflix.
Both films were directed by Aditya Dhar and feature an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R. Madhavan.
Legal trouble surrounding the sequel
Meanwhile, ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ has found itself in legal trouble. The Delhi High Court recently asked the Centre to examine allegations that the film discloses operational details of the armed forces. A PIL filed by a head constable with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) claimed the movie could pose a threat to national security.
The court directed the Union government and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to investigate whether the film breached provisions of the Official Secrets Act.
