Major IMAX Release Hit by Last-Minute Logistics Snag
The highly anticipated Bollywood epic Dhurandhar is facing a significant technical hurdle just one day before its global release. While the film will still open in theaters on schedule, a delay in delivering the specialized IMAX version may force many premium large-format screens to show a standard version instead on opening day.
What Happened to the IMAX Prints?
According to sources within the film exhibition industry, there has been a last-minute delay in the physical delivery of the IMAX film prints or digital content. This content is specially formatted and optimized for IMAX theaters’ massive screens and powerful sound systems. A source close to the situation stated that the film’s producers are working urgently to resolve the issue, but the content may not reach IMAX theaters in time for the first shows on Friday, December 5th.
As a contingency plan, IMAX theaters have reportedly been instructed to screen the standard, non-IMAX version of Dhurandhar on Friday. This version would not fill the entire IMAX screen and would lack the enhanced audio-visual quality that IMAX ticket-buyers expect. The production team is racing to get the proper files delivered, with a possibility they could arrive by Friday evening. However, sources indicate it is more likely the true IMAX experience will only be available starting Saturday.
Why This Delay Matters to Moviegoers
This logistical problem is notable because Dhurandhar is one of the most expensive and visually spectacular Indian films of the year. Directed by Aditya Dhar of the blockbuster Uri: The Surgical Strike, the film is a large-scale period saga starring Ranveer Singh. Its trailers have heavily promoted its cinematic scale, making the IMAX format a key part of its marketing and appeal. Fans who booked premium-priced IMAX tickets for opening day specifically for the immersive experience may be disappointed.
The film’s immense length also adds complexity. The Central Board of Film Certification has confirmed a runtime of 214 minutes, or 3 hours and 34 minutes. Preparing and delivering a flawless IMAX version of a film this long is a technically demanding process. This is not the only delivery issue; reports also indicate that physical prints for international markets like Australia and New Zealand have been delayed, which could affect early shows there.
Background on a Major Release
Dhurandhar is a major event for the industry, backed by heavyweights Jio Studios and B62 Studios. It features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, and R Madhavan. The film has been promoted as a two-part saga, with this first installment already generating tremendous advance buzz. The production had previously made headlines with a lavish trailer launch event for 2000 fans at Mumbai’s Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre.
For theaters and studios, a smooth opening day is crucial for generating positive word-of-mouth and maximizing box office returns. While the standard version will still play, the IMAX issue could lead to customer refund requests or negative publicity if not managed clearly. Theater chains are likely awaiting a final update from the distributors by Thursday night to inform their customers.
This incident highlights the complex physical and digital logistics behind a major global film release, even in an increasingly digital age. For now, investors and industry watchers will be looking to see how quickly the team can resolve the problem and whether it impacts the film’s critical opening weekend numbers.
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