Dhurandhar 2 OTT Release Sparks Backlash: Fans Upset Over Jio Hotstar’s Live Premiere Experiment
- byPranay Jain
- 05 Jun, 2026
The excitement surrounding Dhurandhar 2 has remained strong ever since the film's successful theatrical run. After delivering an impressive performance at the box office, the action-packed sequel finally arrived on OTT, but its digital debut has triggered unexpected controversy among viewers.
While fans were eagerly waiting to watch the film from the comfort of their homes, the streaming strategy adopted for the release left many disappointed. Instead of a conventional OTT launch, the platform opted for a live-stream premiere, a move that quickly became a topic of discussion across social media.
Huge Expectations After Box Office Success
Directed by Aditya Dhar and headlined by Ranveer Singh, the Dhurandhar franchise has emerged as one of the biggest success stories of recent times.
The first installment, released in December 2025, received a strong response from audiences and critics alike. Building on that momentum, the makers released Dhurandhar 2 just three months later, and the sequel also enjoyed a successful run in cinemas.
Following its theatrical success, fans had been eagerly waiting for the OTT release, particularly because reports suggested that the digital version would include a "raw and unseen" cut featuring scenes that were not shown in theatres.
Jio Hotstar’s Twist Leaves Fans Frustrated
The anticipation reached its peak when the film was scheduled to premiere on OTT on June 4. However, instead of making the movie available for immediate streaming, the platform chose to launch it through a live-stream event.
The premiere was scheduled for 7 PM, but viewers reportedly faced an additional delay before the stream began. The format itself became a major point of criticism, as audiences could not simply start watching the film whenever they wanted.
Many users expressed frustration because those who joined the stream late were unable to begin the film from the start until the live event concluded. This significantly affected the viewing experience for many subscribers.
Social Media Flooded With Complaints
Soon after the premiere, social media platforms witnessed a wave of reactions from disappointed viewers.
Several users questioned the need for a live-stream launch, arguing that the movie should have been released directly on the platform like a standard OTT title. According to many viewers, the experimental approach reduced convenience rather than enhancing excitement.
Some fans commented that the promotional strategy created unnecessary complications for a film they had been waiting months to watch.
Sound Quality Issues Add to the Disappointment
The criticism was not limited to the release format alone.
Many viewers also reported technical concerns regarding the film's audio quality. According to audience feedback, the sound levels fluctuated during several scenes, making dialogues difficult to hear.
Some users claimed that the volume unexpectedly dropped in key sequences, forcing them to repeatedly adjust audio settings. These complaints further fueled dissatisfaction among viewers who were already unhappy with the live-stream concept.
Fans Wanted a Simpler Release
One of the most common reactions online was that the film could have been released directly without any special premiere event.
Several viewers argued that a standard on-demand release would have allowed audiences to enjoy the film at their convenience and avoid the technical and timing issues associated with a live stream.
For many subscribers, the excitement of finally watching Dhurandhar 2 was overshadowed by frustrations related to the release strategy.
Film Now Available for Regular Streaming
Despite the initial controversy, the situation has now normalized. Following the completion of the live-stream event, Dhurandhar 2 has become available for regular streaming on the platform.
This means viewers can now watch the film from the beginning at any time without waiting for a scheduled broadcast.
While the movie itself continues to attract attention due to its strong fan following and successful theatrical run, the unusual OTT launch has undoubtedly become one of the most talked-about aspects of its digital release. Whether streaming platforms continue experimenting with similar premieres in the future remains to be seen, but the reaction to Dhurandhar 2 suggests that many viewers still prefer the simplicity of traditional OTT releases.






