Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar Sets Record Runtime, Gets A Certificate for Violence

There was a time when unusually long films were quite uncommon. But with advanced technology and filmmakers’ growing creative ambitions, multi-part movies have become the norm. One such film that is currently generating buzz in Bollywood is “Dhurandhar.” Directed by Aditya Dhar and featuring Ranveer Singh in the lead, this action-packed thriller is set to arrive in theatres on December 5. The movie recently completed its censor formalities and received an A certificate, with the CBFC stating that the intense violence makes it suitable only for audiences aged 18 and above.

What’s surprising everyone is the film’s runtime—a massive 3 hours and 34 minutes. With this, Dhurandhar has entered the list of the longest movies ever made in Indian cinema and becomes the first Hindi film in 17 years to reach this length. The last Bollywood film of similar duration was Hrithik Roshan’s “Jodhaa Akbar” (3 hours 50 minutes), released in 2008. Recently, “Pushpa 2” also ran for 3 hours and 21 minutes.

As for the storyline, the film connects two major historical events— the 1999 IC-814 plane hijack and the 2001 Indian Parliament attack. Madhavan plays Ajay Sanyal, the head of India’s Intelligence Bureau, who designs a covert mission to dismantle a major terrorist network operating out of Pakistan. A 20-year-old young man from Punjab, portrayed by Ranveer Singh, is selected for this risky operation. The film explores what happens after this youth—who was serving time in prison due to a revenge-driven crime—is recruited. It follows his struggles, the deadly challenges he faces, and how he attempts to destroy a powerful underworld network in Karachi.

Meanwhile, the director has addressed speculation linking the film to the life of Major Mohit Sharma. He clarified, “This is not a biographical film. If I ever create a biopic on Major Mohit Sharma, I will do so with his family’s approval and make a formal announcement. His contribution to the nation is unforgettable, and I would honour that with the respect it deserves. He is not depicted in ‘Dhurandhar.’”

However, Major Mohit Sharma’s parents took the matter to the Delhi High Court, requesting a private screening before release and asking the court to temporarily halt distribution. After the court’s directive, the CBFC re-examined the film and confirmed that the movie does not reflect or relate to Major Mohit Sharma’s personal life story.