Bollywood’s biggest success story at the box office is about to get an unexpected new chapter.
The spy thriller Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, has been performing exceptionally well since its December 5, 2025 release, breaking records and amassing massive ticket sales.
Despite this commercial momentum, the film has been re-released in theatres with a revised version beginning January 1, 2026. This update follows directives linked to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting — setting off fresh discussion among industry watchers and audiences alike.
Here’s a detailed look at why Dhurandhar is back in cinemas with edits, what specifically was changed, and what it means for audiences and the film’s legacy.
Why the Re-Release? Controversy and Government Review
According to multiple reports, distributors notified theatres nationwide on December 31, 2025 that a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) replacement was required for Dhurandhar before screenings on January 1. This revised cut reportedly reflects minor edits made to comply with instructions from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) after concerns were raised about certain content in the original theatrical version.
The movie — a high-octane espionage thriller centred on India-Pakistan tensions — became a box office juggernaut, but it also attracted criticism from some quarters for its perceived political messaging and portrayal of sensitive subjects. While the ministry has denied directly ordering specific edits in one statement, the new cut began circulating in cinemas without debate as 2026 began.
What’s clear is that the updated version involved changes to dialogue and the muting of specific words that were considered potentially controversial.
What Was Changed in the New Version
Multiple entertainment outlets have reported that the revised Dhurandhar removes or alters certain references in the dialogue. Among the changes:
- At least one use of the word “Baloch” was muted in the updated cut, with industry insiders citing this as one of the edits tied to Ministry concerns.
- Another word and one line of dialogue were also reportedly altered, though specifics on the second word and the exact conversation modified have not been officially disclosed.
Censors typically review content in films before release, but this re-release represents the rare case of a major studio film being adjusted after its theatrical run had already begun. Exhibition houses were instructed to download the updated DCP and screen that version from January 1 onward.
Box Office Performance Remains Strong
The re-release of Dhurandhar comes as the film continues to dominate box office charts. It has reportedly crossed the ₹1,100 crore mark worldwide, standing tall among the highest-grossing Bollywood films of 2025 and outperforming major blockbusters like Pathaan and Jawan in various markets.
Despite the edits and controversy, the film’s commercial success has not been derailed. Fans are still flocking to theatres, and the revised version aims to ensure the film remains on a smooth run into the new year.
The franchise isn’t slowing down either — a sequel, Dhurandhar Part 2, is scheduled for release March 19, 2026, promising to continue the story and build on the first film’s massive audience interest.
Reactions From Audiences and Industry
Reactions to the revised Dhurandhar version have been mixed:
Supportive Views
- Many fans see the re-release as a smart way for the studio to extend the film’s theatrical lifespan.
- Moviegoers pointed out that even with changes, the core of the film — its dramatic spy narrative and performances — remains intact.
Criticism or Curiosity
- Some critics have questioned the role of government in creative edits for political material, seeing the muting and dialogue change as an indication of narrowing artistic expression.
- A minority of viewers have expressed curiosity about the specific edits and how they might affect the storytelling — especially for repeat viewers.
Theatre Business Perspective
Many cinema owners welcomed the update, noting that renewed headlines and curiosity around the revised version could drive repeat ticket sales and keep busy screening schedules into early January.
Dhurandhar’s Place in 2025 Cinema and Beyond
Even before the update, Dhurandhar was already a defining film for Bollywood in 2025. Its box office dominance, combined with a storyline rooted in espionage and geopolitical drama, set it apart from lighter entertainment fare and traditional franchise action films.
The revised re-release underscores the film’s cultural footprint — it’s rare for a film to require updates during its theatrical window, especially one that has been widely celebrated by audiences. Whether the edits will influence the movie’s long-term critical reception or its place in the industry conversation remains to be seen.
Industry Context: Creative Freedom and Regulation
The Dhurandhar re-release highlights an ongoing tension in Indian cinema between creative storytelling and regulatory sensitivities. Given the film’s setting — involving espionage, terrorism, and cross-border conflict — it entered inherently sensitive thematic territory.
While the Ministry has officially stated it did not directly order edits, reports and distributor actions suggest some level of guidance on language sensitivities. Major films in India have occasionally faced calls for edits — usually from industry self-regulation bodies or classification boards — but a post-release revision at this scale is uncommon.
What Audiences Will See Now
For the most part, audiences returning to see Dhurandhar — or experiencing it for the first time in January 2026 — will notice only minor changes in dialogue. Plot, performances, visual sequences and overall structure remain the same.
The key differences are likely to be subtle audio edits, the removal of a specific term like “Baloch” and one altered clause of dialogue intended to address concerns raised during and after the film’s release.
Unless viewers are particularly attentive to the specific lines, the story’s impact, action sequences and emotional beats should play out as originally intended.
Summary
India’s blockbuster film Dhurandhar — starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna — has been re-released in theatres with a revised version following directives linked to India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The updated cut features muted words and slight dialogue changes and began showing in cinemas from January 1, 2026.
Despite these edits, the epic spy narrative continues to dominate the box office, having crossed over ₹1,100 crore globally and earning its place as one of Bollywood’s biggest hits of the year. The re-release serves both as a response to content concerns and a strategy to carry the film’s success into the new year and ahead of its sequel’s launch in March 2026.
