Mumbai, India – The blockbuster espionage thriller "Dhurandhar," starring Ranveer Singh, re-released in theaters on January 1, 2026, with a revised version. This updated cut follows specific directives from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India, which mandated changes to the film's content. The original film, directed by Aditya Dhar, debuted on December 5, 2025, and has already achieved significant box office success, surpassing ₹1,100 crore globally.
Ministry Directs Film Revisions
Distributors informed cinema halls nationwide via email on December 31, 2025, about replacing the film's Digital Cinema Package, or DCP. Thereason for this urgent change was to implement revisions ordered by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. According to sources, the filmmakers muted two specific words and altered one dialogue in the movie. Oneof the words confirmed to be removed from the new version of "Dhurandhar" is "Baloch." Details about the second muted word and the changed dialogue have not been publicly disclosed. Cinemas were instructed to download and play the revised version starting January 1, 2026.[timesofindia+16]
Dhurandhar's Record-Breaking Run
Before its revision, "Dhurandhar" had already established itself as a major cinematic success. The film, which features Ranveer Singh as an Indian spy infiltrating a terror group in Pakistan, has garnered immense popularity. It crossed the ₹1,100 crore mark in global box office earnings. In India alone, the movie had surpassed ₹720 crore in collections by its 27th day. This impressive performance positions "Dhurandhar" as the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025, outperforming other major titles like "Pathaan," "Jawan," and "Chhaava." The film also stars Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun in prominent roles.[timesofindia+9]
Political Undertones and International Impact
Despite its commercial triumph, "Dhurandhar" faced some criticism and controversy. A segment of the audience labeled the film as "propaganda" due to its perceived political undertones. The film's narrative, which explores Pakistan's socio-ethnic landscape and the intersection of terrorism and state machinery, has been a subject of debate. Internationally, the film encountered significant roadblocks. It was banned in all Gulf countries, a decision that reportedly led to an estimated loss of $10 million in box office revenue for the distributors. This international ban highlights the sensitive nature of the film's subject matter.[timesofindia+5]
India's Film Regulation Landscape
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting plays a crucial role in overseeing film content and broadcasting in India. Its directives often influence the final theatrical release of films, particularly when concerns about national sentiment, public order, or cultural sensitivities arise. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) operates under this Ministry, responsible for certifying films for public exhibition. While the CBFC primarily certifies films, the Ministry itself can issue directives for changes, especially for content that might be deemed problematic after initial release or during ongoing exhibition. Such interventions underscore the government's power in shaping cinematic narratives and ensuring adherence to national guidelines. The re-release of "Dhurandhar" with a revised version exemplifies this oversight, demonstrating the Ministry's capacity to mandate alterations even for commercially successful films.
Looking Ahead for the Franchise
The "Dhurandhar" franchise is set to continue its story with a second installment. The next part of the film is scheduled to hit theaters on March 19, 2026. The decision to re-release the current film with edits ensures its continued run in Indian cinemas while adhering to government directives. It remains to be seen how these revisions will be perceived by audiences and if they will affect the film's ongoing performance or the anticipation for its sequel. The makers, led by director Aditya Dhar, are navigating both commercial success and regulatory compliance as the franchise moves forward.[timesofindia+2]
The revised version of "Dhurandhar" continues its theatrical run across India, reflecting the ongoing interplay between creative freedom and regulatory oversight in the Indian film industry.
