Anticipation for Ranveer Singh’s much-awaited film Dhurandhar has reached a peak, not only marking the actor’s return to cinemas after two years but also because it sets a rare milestone in Bollywood. With a runtime of 214 minutes (3 hours 34 minutes), the film surpasses all major Hindi releases since Ashutosh Gowariker’s Jodhaa Akbar (3 hours 33 minutes) in 2008, making it the longest Bollywood film in 17 years.
CBFC clearance and modifications
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) recently approved Dhurandhar, granting it an ‘A’ certificate—the first such rating in Ranveer Singh’s career. The board stated that several modifications and excisions were carried out by the producers to comply with existing laws and CBFC guidelines, though the runtime remained unaffected.
Key changes included replacement of certain opening visuals deemed excessively violent, removal of a few intense shots in the second half, alteration of a character’s name, muting a cuss word, and inclusion of anti-drug disclaimers in scenes depicting addictive substances. The CBFC confirmed that these adjustments were implemented through selective removals, replacements, and insertions without affecting the narrative structure.
Legal challenge addressed
The film’s release faced a legal hurdle when the parents of late Major Mohit Sharma approached the Delhi High Court seeking a stay, claiming the story mirrored their son’s life without permission. Director Aditya Dhar refuted the claims on X, stating that Dhurandhar is entirely fictional and that permissions would have been sought if it were based on a real individual.
Following a detailed reassessment, the CBFC reaffirmed its certification, declaring the film a work of fiction with “no direct or indirect resemblance” to Major Sharma’s life. The board also clarified that additional review by the Indian Army was unnecessary, effectively removing the final obstacle before the scheduled release on December 5.
Star-studded cast
Alongside Ranveer Singh, Dhurandhar features Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the action drama has generated significant buzz for its scale, ensemble cast, and extended runtime, promising an immersive cinematic experience for audiences.
Conclusion
With CBFC clearance and legal hurdles resolved, Dhurandhar is all set for its December 5 release, marking a notable moment in Bollywood history for its length, content certification, and star-studded ensemble. The film is poised to draw viewers back to theatres, capitalising on Ranveer Singh’s comeback and the high expectations surrounding its action-packed narrative.