The highly anticipated trailer for the upcoming Bollywood film, Dhurandhar, has dropped, igniting a fervent discussion across social media platforms. Starring powerhouses Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, and Akshaye Khanna, the film promises a gritty, intense narrative that has instantly captivated audiences. However, amidst the excitement for its stellar cast and compelling visuals, a significant concern has emerged among netizens: the potential interference of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The overwhelming sentiment echoed online is a collective plea to the regulatory body, often encapsulated by the phrase, “CFBC don’t mess this up,” reflecting a widespread fear that the censor board might become the film’s ‘biggest villain’.
Dhurandhar Trailer: A Glimpse into a Raw World
The recently unveiled trailer for Dhurandhar offers a stark departure from conventional Bollywood fare, hinting at a dark and unflinching portrayal of its subject matter. From the initial frames, the audience is plunged into a world of palpable tension, high stakes, and complex characters. Ranveer Singh appears in a never-before-seen avatar, shedding his often-energetic persona for a more brooding and intense role. Arjun Rampal and Akshaye Khanna, known for their powerful performances, seem to complement this raw aesthetic, promising a cinematic experience that pushes boundaries.
The trailer showcases sharp dialogues, visually impactful sequences, and an underlying sense of dread that suggests a mature theme. It hints at socio-political undertones or a crime drama that isn’t afraid to confront uncomfortable realities. The performances look compelling, the cinematography is gritty, and the overall mood is one of serious, impactful storytelling. This raw intensity, while appealing to a segment of the audience yearning for more realistic and less sanitised content, has simultaneously raised eyebrows about its potential fate at the hands of the CBFC, an entity often perceived as overly cautious in its approach to film certification in India.
Netizens’ Plea: “CFBC Don’t Mess This Up”
Following the trailer’s release, social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, have been abuzz with comments expressing both admiration for Dhurandhar and apprehension regarding censorship. Many users lauded the makers for daring to present such an edgy premise, but an equal number voiced their concern that the film’s essence might be diluted by cuts or modifications imposed by the CBFC. The hashtag #Dhurandhar and #CensorBoard were trending, with a significant number of posts revolving around the fear of artistic compromise.
The collective anxiety stems from a history of Indian films facing significant cuts, mutes, or even outright bans for content deemed too violent, explicit, or politically sensitive by the CBFC. Viewers are increasingly vocal about their desire for films to be presented as the creators intended, especially when dealing with mature or realistic subjects. The anticipation for Dhurandhar‘s raw depiction has heightened this sentiment, leading to an almost pre-emptive campaign against potential censorship. As one user on X succinctly put it, “The Dhurandhar trailer is pure fire, exactly what we need. But my biggest fear is the CBFC chopping it up. CFBC don’t mess this up! We want the director’s vision, not a sanitised version. #Dhurandhar #NoCutsPlease.” This comment perfectly encapsulates the prevailing mood among a significant portion of the online audience.
The Fine Line Between Certification and Censorship
The debate surrounding Dhurandhar and the CBFC highlights a recurring tension in the Indian film industry: the balance between creative freedom and regulatory oversight. While the CBFC’s mandate is to certify films for public exhibition, ensuring they adhere to certain guidelines and are appropriate for various age groups, its actions are often interpreted by filmmakers and audiences alike as censorship. In an era where Indian cinema is increasingly global and audiences are exposed to diverse content, there’s a growing demand for nuanced storytelling that doesn’t shy away from complex themes.
The makers of Dhurandhar, by presenting such a bold trailer, have implicitly challenged the conventional norms, and the public reaction shows a strong backing for their artistic integrity. The question now looms: will the CBFC recognise this evolving landscape and allow Dhurandhar to be presented in its unadulterated form, or will it become the very ‘villain’ netizens fear, ultimately shaping the viewing experience?
As the release date for Dhurandhar approaches, all eyes will not only be on the stellar cast and their performances but also on the certification decision by the CBFC. The hope is that the film will reach audiences as intended, allowing its powerful narrative and strong performances to resonate without hindrance, proving that mature Indian cinema can thrive without unnecessary constraints.




