Ranveer Singh’s blockbuster Dhurandhar—widely reported as the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025—is set to return to cinemas in a revised version from January 1, 2026, after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) issued directives seeking minor edits to the theatrical cut.
What’s changing in the new version
According to multiple reports, the revised cut involves muting certain words and modifying a dialogue, with at least one identified change being the removal/muting of the word “Baloch”.
The operational shift is also unusually direct: exhibitors were reportedly asked to download updated content and begin screening the revised version from January 1.
Why a post-release “revised cut” matters
It’s not uncommon for films to undergo edits ahead of release, but post-release revisions—especially after a major theatrical run—remain relatively rare, and they tend to draw attention for two reasons:
- They transform the discourse surrounding the film, particularly when the edit is associated with political sensitivity or public controversy.
- They create a second-wave theatrical hook, inviting repeat viewings and renewed coverage at a time when most films are transitioning to OTT.
In Dhurandhar’s case, reports have linked the revision to MIB directives and mention that the film faced online debate and criticism from some quarters, even as its box office performance stayed dominant.
Box office momentum is still part of the story
The revised run comes while Dhurandhar is still being discussed for its extraordinary collections—trade reports have placed it well beyond typical year-end benchmarks, with figures cited in the ₹700+ crore range domestically within weeks and ₹1,100+ crore worldwide in some tallies. (Exact totals vary by tracker and reporting methodology.)
What viewers should expect
For audiences walking in after January 1, the film experience will be largely the same, with the revised cut expected to feel like a minor compliance edit rather than a creative rework. The bigger story is the timing: Dhurandhar is entering 2026 not just as a record-setter, but as a film still actively evolving in public-facing form—something that keeps it in headlines well after opening month.
The larger takeaway
In a landscape where theatrical runs are increasingly short, Dhurandhar is doing something unusual: extending its cinema life through a revised cut that also underscores how mainstream blockbusters now operate at the intersection of entertainment, sensitivity management, and real-time public scrutiny.
By – Juhi