CBFC Orders Multiple Cuts in Dhurandhar: The Revenge Ahead of Release

Post by : Saif Nasser

The upcoming Bollywood film Dhurandhar: The Revenge has come into focus even before its release, not just for its scale and star cast, but also for the cuts ordered by India’s film certification board. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has asked the makers to make several changes to the film, mainly due to its intense violence and strong language.

Directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, the film is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. It is the second part of the Dhurandhar franchise and is set to release on March 19, 2026, with a large-scale rollout across multiple languages.

According to reports, the CBFC reviewed the film and suggested a list of cuts before granting it an ‘A’ certificate, which means the film is meant only for adult audiences. The board raised concerns over scenes showing graphic violence, bloodshed, and certain dialogues that were considered too harsh or offensive.

The cuts reportedly include trimming or modifying violent sequences, reducing the length of certain action scenes, and muting or changing specific words used in dialogues. Some scenes showing intense confrontations and brutal action were either shortened or edited to make them less disturbing for viewers.

This is not the first time a film in the Dhurandhar series has faced censorship issues. The earlier film also received an ‘A’ certificate and had certain scenes and words modified before release due to similar concerns about violence and language.

The latest changes have sparked discussion among film lovers and industry experts. Some believe that such edits are necessary to maintain a balance between creative freedom and public sensitivity. They argue that films released for a wide audience should avoid content that may be too extreme or offensive.

On the other hand, many feel that repeated cuts can affect the original vision of filmmakers. Directors often design scenes carefully to tell a story in a certain way, and removing or altering parts of it may change the impact of the film.

In the case of Dhurandhar: The Revenge, the film is known to be a high-intensity action thriller with a strong focus on revenge and espionage. Because of this, violent scenes are a major part of the storytelling. The need to edit such content raises questions about how much creative freedom filmmakers truly have.

Despite the controversy, the excitement around the film remains high. Advance bookings have been strong, and the film is expected to draw large crowds due to its star power and scale. The involvement of a popular actor like Ranveer Singh and a successful director like Aditya Dhar has added to audience expectations.

The CBFC’s decision also highlights a larger issue in the Indian film industry — the ongoing debate around censorship. Over the years, filmmakers and authorities have often disagreed on what should or should not be shown on screen. While censorship aims to protect viewers, especially younger audiences, it also raises concerns about limiting artistic expression.

In today’s time, where digital platforms offer a wide range of uncensored content, the role of traditional film certification boards is being questioned more than ever. Many viewers now have access to global content with fewer restrictions, which makes strict cuts in theatrical films seem outdated to some.

However, others argue that cinema halls still serve a mixed audience, and some level of control is necessary to ensure that content remains suitable for public viewing.

In conclusion, the cuts ordered in Dhurandhar: The Revenge show the ongoing struggle between creativity and regulation in Indian cinema. While the film moves closer to its release, the debate around censorship continues.

What remains to be seen is how these changes will affect the final viewing experience. For now, audiences are eagerly waiting to see whether the film lives up to its massive expectations despite the edits.