by Bollywood has always had an appetite for grandeur—larger-than-life heroes, towering emotions, sweeping battles, and stories that refuse to be confined to the ordinary. Yet, every few years, a film comes along that pushes the boundaries of scale, daring to challenge what mainstream cinema can be. In 2025, that film is Dhurandhar. With its colossal runtime of 214.01 minutes, a gritty narrative, and intense frames drenched in violence and raw emotion, Dhurandhar is not just another action entertainer. It is a cinematic statement.
The anticipation surrounding the film has been steadily growing. With Ranveer Singh returning to a fully-fledged mass-action avatar, Aditya Dhar taking the director’s chair after his critically acclaimed Uri: The Surgical Strike, and an ensemble cast that includes performers like Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun, the expectations are sky-high.
But before the film even hits theatres, it has made history. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has granted Dhurandhar an ‘A’ certificate, which marks a major milestone in Ranveer Singh’s 15-year-long career—this is his first-ever adult-rated film. Beyond that, its runtime makes it Bollywood’s lengthiest mainstream film in 17 years, matching the iconic Jodhaa Akbar (2008), the last Hindi film to cross the 214-minute mark.
This exclusive deep-dive explores everything that makes Dhurandhar the most talked-about release of the year—its unprecedented runtime, the censorship modifications, why the film required an ‘A’ rating, its explosive cast, and what the audience can expect from this monumental cinematic journey.
A 214-Minute Spectacle: Why Dhurandhar’s Runtime Matters
Films that cross the three-hour mark are rare in the current climate of short attention spans and fast-paced content consumption. Yet Dhurandhar boldly stretches to 3 hours, 34 minutes, and 1 second. That is a massive narrative canvas, one that only a handful of filmmakers attempt, and even fewer succeed at.
But what does a lengthy runtime signify?
1. A Story Too Big for Constraints
Director Aditya Dhar reportedly envisioned Dhurandhar as a story with multiple layers—ideological conflicts, personal wounds, political stakes, and large-scale action sequences that required breathing space. A narrative of such magnitude cannot be compressed without sacrificing essence. The runtime suggests the film is built on world-building rather than quick thrills.
2. Old-School Bollywood Meets New-Age Storytelling
Classic Hindi cinema often embraced long runtimes, using them to explore character arcs and build emotional depth. Dhurandhar seems to bridge this nostalgia with modern cinematic techniques—slick action, psychological complexity, and gritty realism.
3. Risk and Reward
Producing a film of this length in today’s market is both bold and risky. Longer films reduce the number of daily shows in theatres, which directly affects box-office revenue. But when a filmmaker and producers like Jio Studios and B62 Studios commit to such a length, it means they have immense confidence in the film’s ability to hold its audience.
The audience response to the runtime alone will be a fascinating chapter in Bollywood’s evolving relationship with epic-length storytelling.
Ranveer Singh’s First ‘A’ Certificate Film: A Turning Point in His Career
In a career spanning more than a decade, Ranveer Singh has played everything—from a wild lover boy to a menacing historical king to a street-smart underdog rapper. His films have touched upon violence, sensuality, and emotional extremes, yet none of his performances until now have landed him an adult rating.
Dhurandhar changes that.
Why an ‘A’ Certificate?
Despite being an action entertainer, the film’s tone is darker, more violent, and emotionally heavy than Ranveer’s previous commercial outings. It combines political tension, brutal confrontations, and psychological trauma, which collectively push it past the threshold of a standard UA certificate.
The CBFC highlighted several key reasons:
- Intense violent frames, especially in the first half.
- Graphic fight sequences in the second half.
- Use of strong language, one instance of which was muted.
- Themes involving addiction, requiring anti-drug and anti-smoking disclaimers.
- A politically sensitive narrative, necessitating name changes for certain characters.
The ‘A’ certificate, rather than diminishing the film’s appeal, actually increases intrigue. For audiences who crave grounded, high-intensity cinema, it signals that Dhurandhar is not restrained by the conventions of family entertainment—it is designed for mature viewers seeking bold storytelling.
A New Phase for Ranveer Singh
This rating marks Ranveer’s entry into a more rugged, no-holds-barred form of cinema. While he has always been known for flamboyance, versatility, and high-energy performances, Dhurandhar promises a performance carved from grit and emotional depth. Industry insiders suggest this might become one of his most defining roles, much like his transformative turns in Padmaavat and Gully Boy.
What the CBFC Changed: A Rare Insight into the Cut List
Censorship in India is a meticulous process, and Dhurandhar underwent several modifications before receiving clearance. These edits illuminate the film’s rawness and intensity.
Here is what the CBFC mandated:
1. Addition of Hindi Voiceover in Disclaimer
The film’s opening disclaimer originally lacked a Hindi voiceover. To ensure accessibility and compliance, the duration was extended to include a clear voiceover explaining the nature of the content and disclaiming endorsements.
2. Anti-Drug and Anti-Smoking Slides Added
Scenes where characters consumed addictive substances were required to display static disclaimers, a common CBFC condition often seen in films involving substance use.
3. Violent Visuals Replaced in the Beginning
The opening moments were reportedly too graphic. CBFC ordered deletion of certain visual shots and replacement with milder, yet appropriate scenes to convey the same narrative impact.
This indicates the film dives straight into darkness from the first frame.
4. Reduction of Violence in the Second Half
The second half apparently features some of the film’s most brutal sequences. CBFC asked the makers to tone down several visuals. While the narrative remains intense, the explicitness has been slightly reduced.
5. Character Name Change
Political sensitivities required the renaming of a character who was originally portrayed as a minister. This correction ensures the film does not unintentionally reference real-life individuals or offices.
6. Muting of a Cuss Word
Only one instance of profanity needed muting, suggesting that strong language is not widely used throughout the film.
7. Addition of Music and Scenes in End Credits
The filmmakers added musical elements and additional visuals during the credits, possibly to soften the exit mood of an otherwise intense film.
Once these changes were completed, Dhurandhar received its censor certificate on December 2.
The Massive Star Cast: A Powerhouse Lineup
Another significant reason for the film’s hype is its ensemble cast. Each actor brings their own legacy, fanbase, and performance style, forming a dynamic mix.
Ranveer Singh – The Relentless Force
Ranveer reportedly plays a character whose life is defined by trauma, vengeance, and unyielding spirit. Early glimpses hint at a performance marked by raging intensity and simmering emotional conflict.
Sanjay Dutt – The Veteran of Action Cinema
Known for his towering screen presence, Dutt plays a pivotal role that adds emotional weight and old-school heroism. His rugged aura fits seamlessly into the film’s raw tonality.
Akshaye Khanna – The Master of Psychological Depth
Khanna’s ability to portray intelligence, mystery, and moral ambiguity makes him one of the industry’s finest. His role in Dhurandhar is said to be layered and influential to the story’s political dimension.
R Madhavan – The Intellectual Powerhouse
Madhavan’s recent roles have highlighted his versatility, and in Dhurandhar, he reportedly embodies a character who bridges ideology and emotion.
Arjun Rampal – The Enigmatic Presence
Rampal has been part of several impactful ensemble films, bringing authority and intensity to his characters. His role adds further intrigue to the narrative.
Sara Arjun – The Heart of the Film
Young Sara Arjun is known for her emotionally compelling performances. In Dhurandhar, she reportedly plays a central emotional anchor, deepening the protagonist’s journey.
Aditya Dhar’s Vision: The Man Behind the Spectacle
After Uri, Aditya Dhar established himself as a director capable of merging realism with gripping entertainment. His filmmaking is meticulously detailed, emotionally driven, and visually dynamic.
With Dhurandhar, Dhar embarks on his most ambitious project yet.
Key elements of his vision:
1. Creating a Grit-Soaked, High-Stakes World
Reports suggest the film is grounded in socio-political tensions. Its world is brutal, complex, and operates under harsh moral realities. Dhar’s ability to balance action with emotional stakes ensures the film isn’t just visually spectacular—it is psychologically rich.
2. Deeply Layered Characters
Every main character in Dhurandhar supposedly has a compelling backstory, motivation, and internal conflict. This depth is necessary for a film of its scale and runtime.
3. Action Rooted in Emotion
Instead of stylized action alone, Dhar reportedly focuses on action that feels meaningful and consequential. The violence is realistic, sometimes unsettling, and reflective of the film’s thematic burden.
4. A Cinematic Tone That Does Not Hold Back
The very fact that the film earned an ‘A’ certificate demonstrates Dhar’s commitment to authenticity over commercial polish. The narrative does not dilute its shock value, emotional trauma, or political complexity to appeal to a mass family audience.
Why Dhurandhar Is One of the Most Important Films of 2025
Although it is pitched as an action entertainer, Dhurandhar is shaping up to be much more. It represents a convergence of artistic ambition, star power, large-scale production, and storytelling courage.
1. It Pushes Bollywood Beyond Comfort Zones
From runtime to rating to narrative intensity, the film breaks mainstream rules. Bollywood has often shied away from long, adult-rated films with heavy political undertones. Dhurandhar marks a shift.
2. It Signals a New Era for Mass Cinema
Post-pandemic, Indian cinema saw a rise in formulaic mass entertainers. But audiences are evolving. Viewers crave emotionally rich, content-heavy films. Dhurandhar might set the standard for high-intensity action dramas that combine depth with spectacle.
3. A Showcase of Performance Excellence
With actors like Ranveer Singh, R Madhavan, and Akshaye Khanna sharing screen space, the film promises a clash of towering performances that elevate the stakes of every scene.
4. A Triumph of Large-Scale Filmmaking
Creating a film of this magnitude—214 minutes long—is a monumental task. It reflects the determination of the cast and crew to craft something extraordinary, rather than easy or predictable.
Audience Expectations: What Viewers Might Experience
Although details of the plot remain carefully guarded, several aspects are clear:
Expect an Intense Emotional Journey
The film’s tone is dark and intense. Viewers may be confronted with themes such as:
- Political corruption
- Violence as a moral dilemma
- Abuse of power
- Personal trauma
- Justice versus vengeance
Expect Long, Immersive Scenes
The runtime allows for slow-burn character development. Emotional beats will unfold at a natural pace, giving the audience time to absorb motivations and conflicts.
Expect Hard-Hitting Action
The action sequences are likely realistic and emotionally charged rather than merely stylized set pieces.
Expect a Complex, Layered Narrative
With multiple characters, each with intersecting arcs, the story might explore several parallel conflicts, eventually converging into a large thematic resolution.
Conclusion: Dhurandhar Is More Than a Film – It Is a Cinematic Milestone
In a year packed with big releases, Dhurandhar stands out as a film that refuses to play safe. Its 214-minute runtime, ‘A’ certification, and gritty narrative tone make it a rare phenomenon in mainstream Indian cinema. It marks a turning point for Ranveer Singh, who ventures into darker, more emotionally demanding territory. It reinforces Aditya Dhar’s reputation as a filmmaker willing to push boundaries. And it brings together one of the most powerful ensemble casts of the decade.
Whether Dhurandhar becomes a blockbuster or a critical landmark remains to be seen. But what is undeniable is that it has already cemented its place in Bollywood’s narrative—bold, ambitious, and unapologetically grand.
