Distributors of Dhurandhar have begun circulating a revised digital cinema package after receiving directives from India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B). Exhibition sources told Bollywood Hungama that cinemas were instructed on 31 December to replace the DCP and to play the updated print from 1 January 2026.
Dhurandhar revised version: what viewers will see
The revised version of Dhurandhar, the Ranveer Singh-led action drama that became the highest grosser of 2025 in Hindi cinema, has had at least three changes, according to industry sources. One of the words removed from the film is “Baloch”. Distributors confirmed that two other words or a short dialogue were muted or altered, but they had not specified the exact changes at the time of reporting.
Theatre chains received an e-mail from distributors on 31 December explaining the replacement and asking cinema managers to download the updated content and schedule it for screenings from New Year’s Day. An exhibition source said the replacement was carried out to comply with directives received from the I&B Ministry.
Producers and filmmakers did not issue a public statement immediately. The film’s creative team — director Aditya Dhar and production houses Jio Studios and B62 Studios — are credited with a blockbuster run since the film’s 5 December release. Industry figures said such post-release revisions are uncommon but not unprecedented when regulatory advice is given.
Box office and reception
Dhurandhar, which stars Ranveer Singh alongside Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and child actor Sara Arjun, opened slowly but gathered momentum through word of mouth. It collected Rs. 218 crore in its opening week and followed with an extraordinary Rs. 261.50 crore in its second week, taking the 26-day total to roughly Rs. 754.50 crore. Trade estimates project the film may cross the Rs. 800 crore mark in the coming days.
Analysts say the decision to issue a revised DCP is unlikely to dent the film’s commercial run in the near term, given its strong audience traction. However, some exhibitors noted the logistical effort required to swap prints at short notice, especially during a busy holiday period.
Context and sensitivities
The film centres on a fictional narrative of an Indian agent operating in Pakistan, a premise that can touch on sensitive cross-border themes. Sources told Bollywood Hungama the I&B Ministry’s direction aimed to address specific references that may provoke diplomatic or community concerns. The publication sought comment from the ministry and the film’s producers but had not received detailed responses by press time.
Industry insiders emphasised that while filmmakers often seek creative freedom, they also weigh regulatory guidance carefully for wide theatrical release. For Dhurandhar, the revised version will be the one available to audiences after 1 January, and cinemas across India have been asked to ensure they are screening the updated content.
Bollywood Hungama will update this report if producers or the I&B Ministry provide further clarification on the precise edits and the reasons behind them.
Key Takeaways:
- India’s I&B Ministry asked makers to mute the word “Baloch” and alter a dialogue; distributors issued new DCPs for cinemas.
- The Dhurandhar revised version will begin screening from 1 January 2026, with theatres instructed to replace the existing DCP.
- The Ranveer Singh-starrer remains a box office juggernaut, having earned Rs. 754.50 crore in 26 days and poised to cross Rs. 800 crore.
- Producers and distributors say changes follow regulatory directives; exact additional edits were not confirmed at time of publication.
