Bollywood star Ranveer Singh’s action-packed spectacle, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, is poised for its highly anticipated television premiere, but audiences tuning in will witness a version notably different from its theatrical release. Reports from Bollywood Hungama suggest that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has ordered extensive modifications, resulting in a 10-minute shorter runtime for the small screen.
The Aditya Dhar directorial, which originally received an ‘A’ (Adult) certificate for its cinematic run, underwent a rigorous re-examination process to secure a ‘U/A 16+’ rating, deemed suitable for television broadcast. The CBFC cleared the revised version on September 24, 2026, marking a significant edit of approximately 45 to 50 scenes.
‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ TV Version to Feature Major Changes
The extensive list of cuts primarily targets the film’s intense action sequences and moments of graphic violence and gore, which were prominent in its ‘A’-rated theatrical release. While the modifications are substantial, sources quoted in the Bollywood Hungama report suggest that the editing has been meticulously handled to preserve the core narrative and impact of the scenes, rather than outright removal.
The theatrical cut of Dhurandhar: The Revenge clocked in at a substantial 3 hours, 49 minutes, and 6 seconds (229 minutes and 6 seconds). The newly certified television version, however, runs for 3 hours, 39 minutes, and 6 seconds (219 minutes and 6 seconds), precisely 10 minutes shorter. This substantial difference highlights the nature and volume of the changes applied across the dozens of modifications.
Broader Implications and CBFC’s Evolving Guidelines
This development comes amidst a period of notable changes in the CBFC’s certification landscape. In September 2026, the board introduced revised guidelines that put greater emphasis on content related to violence, communal messaging, and “anti-national” attitudes. These new rules, notified by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on September 16, 2026, also introduced mandatory warnings for drug-related scenes and updated age classification categories, including U/A 7+, U/A 13+, and U/A 16+, which the television version of ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ now falls under.
The board, now under the leadership of chairperson Shashi Shekhar Vempati since May 6, 2026, has been actively updating its system to align with contemporary broadcasting standards and societal sensitivities.
Filmmakers often face the challenge of adapting their theatrical releases for television, especially when the original content pushes boundaries, a common occurrence with action-thrillers. The need for a family-friendly or broader audience rating necessitates such cuts, ensuring compliance with broadcasting codes. The decision for Dhurandhar: The Revenge underscores the ongoing balance between creative freedom and regulatory oversight in the Indian entertainment industry.