Image Source: YouTube | JioStudios and B62 Studios
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has delivered two massive pieces of news regarding Ranveer Singh’s upcoming film, Dhurandhar, and both are sending shockwaves through the industry. The film has officially been certified with an ‘A’ (Adults Only) certificate and confirms a staggering runtime of 3 hours and 34 minutes (3h 34m).
This runtime officially makes Dhurandhar the longest Bollywood film in 17 years—a title last held by the 2008 epic Jodhaa Akbar (3h 33m). The bold creative decision to demand nearly three-and-a-half hours of audience attention is generating immense curiosity: is the content so dense it needs this duration, or is this a massive risk in the age of short attention spans?
The Runtime Shock: Longest Film in 17 Years
Comparison: Surpassing the Grand Epics
The confirmed runtime of 3 hours and 34 minutes immediately places Dhurandhar in a niche category reserved for historical epics and cinematic events. The comparison with Jodhaa Akbar (3h 33m) and other marathon films like Lagaan and Gangs of Wasseypur (combined) highlights the immense narrative scope director is aiming for.
The Risk Factor in the Reel Era
In 2025, when content is optimized for quick consumption, demanding nearly three-and-a-half hours of a viewer’s time is a significant commercial gamble. Longer runtimes translate directly into fewer shows per day in multiplexes, drastically limiting the film’s potential earnings, especially during its crucial opening weekend. The quality of the film’s execution must be flawless to justify the length.
The ‘A’ Verdict: Violence, Language, and Spy Thrills
Rare Certification for a Mainstream Star
The ‘A’ (Adults Only) certification is rare for a mainstream Ranveer Singh film, which typically targets a U/A rating to maximize family viewership. This signals an uncompromised narrative. Given the film’s confirmed Spy Thriller genre, the ‘A’ rating strongly implies the content features high levels of violence, intense action sequences, and potentially strong adult language—elements that the director chose not to sanitize.
The Promise of Unflinching Content
The ‘A’ rating, paired with the lengthy runtime, suggests that Dhurandhar will be an unflinching, hard-hitting espionage drama aimed squarely at an adult audience. This move prioritizes storytelling integrity and psychological intensity over mass family appeal.
The Content Test: The Return of the Intermission
Justifying the Density
The core debate trending online is whether the film’s content can justify its duration. A film running this long implies an extremely dense and complex plot, which must successfully hold the audience’s attention without dragging. The audience is effectively betting that the film’s quality will necessitate not just one, but potentially two full intermissions.
The Commercial Reality
The success of Dhurandhar will serve as a massive litmus test for the industry. If the film succeeds, it proves that audiences will dedicate time for quality cinema, regardless of length. If it struggles, it will reinforce the industry trend toward shorter, tighter films that are easier to schedule.
Conclusion: A Bold, Record-Breaking Gamble
Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar has secured its place in the history books before a single ticket was sold by achieving its record-breaking runtime. The ‘A’ rating and 3-hour, 34-minute duration signal a bold, uncompromising Spy Thriller that is taking a massive commercial gamble. The question isn’t just about box office numbers—it’s about audience patience. The success of this film will send a huge message to filmmakers about the future of film length in India.
