The revised version of Akshaye Khanna’s Dhurandhar releases in theaters today
Espionage thriller Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, has released a revised version in theaters across the country after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ordered changes in some dialogues and muting words due to political sensitivity.
Aditya Dhar’s espionage thriller stalwart It has continued to dominate the Indian box office since its release on 5 December 2025. The film, starring Ranveer Singh and Akshay Khanna in the lead, has officially crossed the Rs 1,100 crore mark, surpassing previous blockbusters like this one. Pathan (2023), Jawan (2023), and ChhavaDespite his commercial success, stalwart It has faced controversy, with some labeling it propaganda for alleged political reasons.
To address the concerns, the makers of the film have released a revised version. On December 31, 2025, theaters across India received urgent instructions from distributors to change the Digital Cinema Package (DCP) of the film. According to a report by Bollywood HungamaThis change happened after the instructions of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
A source familiar with the revision process said, “The reason for the change is that the makers have muted two words and changed a dialogue in the film, as per instructions received from India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.” The updated version began appearing in theaters on January 1, 2026.
Industry insiders have identified one specific change in the new cuts. “One of the words removed from the new version stalwart ‘Baloch’,” an insider told the website, confirming the targeted edits in response to official guidance.
The film’s box office performance remains unaffected by these developments. In India alone, stalwart It has earned more than Rs 720 crore within 27 days of its release. Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of an Indian spy who infiltrates a terrorist group in Pakistan has been loved by the local audience.
While the film enjoys popularity domestically, it has faced challenges abroad. Remarkably, stalwart It has been banned in all Gulf countries, limiting its overseas reach.
The film stars Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi, along with Naveen Kaushik, Saumya Tandon, Naseem Mughal, Danish Pandor and Gaurav Gera in lead roles.
Following the box office success, the franchise is set to expand further. next part of stalwart It is scheduled to be released in theaters on March 19, 2026, indicating continued investment in the story despite recent controversies.
