Major Bollywood Hit “Dhurandhar” To Be Re-Released With Edits Following Government Directive
The blockbuster film “Dhurandhar,” the highest-grossing Hindi movie of 2025, is set for a unique re-release. Theaters across India will begin showing a revised version of the film starting January 1, 2026. This change comes after the film’s distributors issued new digital copies to cinemas on December 31.
The revision is not a creative choice by the filmmakers. It is a direct result of directives from the Indian government’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. An exhibition source confirmed that cinemas were asked to download the new content and play the edited version from the New Year’s Day.
Specific Edits Target Dialogue, Including Reference to “Baloch”
According to industry insiders, the edits involve muting specific words and altering a line of dialogue. One of the confirmed words removed from the film’s audio is “Baloch.” This term refers to the Baloch people, an ethnic group primarily located in Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. The Balochistan region in Pakistan has a history of separatist movements.
The film’s plot involves an Indian agent infiltrating Pakistan and creating havoc. The context in which the word “Baloch” was used remains unclear. At the time of reporting, the other two words muted or changed in the revised version have not been publicly identified.
Unprecedented Box Office Run Interrupted by Government Order
The directive arrives during a historic box office run for “Dhurandhar.” Starring Ranveer Singh alongside a major ensemble cast, the film was released on December 5, 2025. After a slow start, it experienced explosive growth driven by powerful word-of-mouth recommendations.
The numbers tell a stunning story. The film collected 218 crore rupees in its first week. It then shocked the trade by earning an even larger 261.50 crore rupees in its second week. In just 26 days, its total collection has reached 754.50 crore rupees. Analysts expect it to cross the 800 crore rupee mark soon, solidifying its place as an all-time great in Indian cinema.
Context of Government Scrutiny in Indian Media
This incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny of content by Indian authorities. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting holds the power to regulate film and television content under the Cinematograph Act and other rules. While formal censorship occurs before release through the Central Board of Film Certification, this case involves a post-release edit mandated by the ministry.
Such direct intervention after a film is already in theaters is relatively rare, especially for a movie that is already a critical and commercial success. It underscores the sensitive nature of content related to geopolitics and neighboring countries in Indian cinema. Films with plots involving cross-border tensions often face careful examination.
What This Means for Moviegoers and the Industry
For audiences, the move means that anyone watching “Dhurandhar” from January 1 onward will see a different version than those who saw it in December 2025. The core story and action remain, but specific dialogue moments have been altered.
For the industry, the event sets a notable precedent. It demonstrates that even a record-breaking hit is not immune to government directives for content modification. The producers, Jio Studios and B62 Studios, and director Aditya Dhar have complied with the order. The film’s massive earnings are expected to continue well into 2026, but its legacy will now include this last-minute edit mandated by the state.
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