CBFC trims Dhurandhar The Revenge for TV debut

The action saga will debut on Star Gold on Oct 18 after the board ordered dozens of cuts to tone down its blood‑soaked scenes.

Star Gold has locked in the television debut of the Dhurandhar franchise for Sunday, 18 October, at 7 pm. The move comes after the film’s theatrical run shattered records and its streaming numbers kept the buzz alive. Because the original release carried an adult‑only rating, producers had to go back to India’s film certifying authority to secure a family‑friendly clearance.

The board granted a U/A 16+ certificate on 24 September, but not without a hefty edit list. A trade insider told Bollywood Hungama that officials asked the team to remove roughly forty‑five to fifty sequences, most of them drenched in graphic violence. The producers responded that they trimmed the offending bits while preserving the story’s punch.

The final television cut runs 219 minutes and six seconds – just over three hours and a half – compared with the theatrical version’s 229 minutes and six seconds. In plain terms, the TV edit is ten minutes shorter. The reduction may seem modest, but the excised material includes some of the most visceral moments, which the board flagged as unsuitable for younger viewers.

The franchise, helmed by director‑writer Aditya Dhar, follows a daring Indian operative who infiltrates a Karachi‑based gang. Ranveer Singh reprises his lead role, backed by an ensemble that includes Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal and child star Sara Arjun. The first instalment, released in December 2025, set the tone for a high‑octane spy saga, and the sequel, which hit cinemas on 19 March, pushed the box‑office envelope even further.

For fans, the shift from an ‘A’ rating to a U/A 16+ slot opens the film to a broader audience. Families who missed the theatrical window can now tune in together, albeit with the knowledge that some of the most intense set‑pieces have been softened. Industry watchers note that the board’s intervention is a reminder that television still adheres to stricter content norms, even as streaming platforms relax their standards.

The producers have expressed confidence that the trimmed version retains the narrative thrust. “We’ve edited out the disturbing scenes in a way that the impact stays intact,” the source said, echoing the sentiment that the film’s core – a spy’s cat‑and‑mouse game across borders – remains unscathed.

With the premiere date now public, promotional spots are already rolling out across social media. Star Gold is banking on the franchise’s massive fanbase to deliver strong ratings, and the network has hinted at a special behind‑the‑scenes feature to accompany the broadcast.

As the clock ticks toward 7 pm on 18 October, viewers will get a chance to experience the Dhurandhar saga in a slightly leaner package, while the industry watches how the board’s cuts influence future TV adaptations of big‑budget blockbusters.

What the cuts mean for the franchise

The ten‑minute trim may not alter the plot, but it does set a precedent for how high‑budget action films will be reshaped for the small screen. If the TV ratings hold strong, studios might pre‑emptively tone down certain sequences during post‑production, saving time and money on later edits. For now, the Dhurandhar team appears satisfied that the essence of their spy thriller survives the board’s scrutiny, and fans can look forward to a night of adrenaline on their living‑room sofas.