The makers of the film Dhurandhar have quietly edited certain dialogues after objections were raised over the use of the word “Baloch”. The change came after community leaders complained about misrepresentation and following existing content guidelines meant to avoid offensive or contemptuous ethnic portrayals.
The move has sparked a wider debate on creative freedom, sensitivity in storytelling, and how filmmakers respond to community concerns, especially when films touch on geopolitics, crime, and national security themes.
What the Film ‘Dhurandhar’ Is About
Dhurandhar is a high-octane action thriller that follows the story of an Indian intelligence agent who infiltrates Karachi’s underworld to break terror networks operating across borders. The plot revolves around dangerous gang politics, covert missions, and the complex world of espionage.
Actor Akshaye Khanna plays a powerful gangster figure in the film, originally referred to as “Sher-e-Baloch”, who is shown as being linked to criminal and terror-related activities. This particular reference became the center of controversy soon after the film’s release.
Why the Word ‘Baloch’ Became Controversial
Members and leaders from the Baloch community objected to the repeated use of the word “Baloch” in the film’s dialogues. They argued that associating the term directly with criminal or terror-related characters unfairly portrayed an entire ethnic group in a negative light.
According to the complainants, such portrayals risk reinforcing stereotypes and misunderstandings, especially when viewed by large audiences. The objections were formally raised with film distributors and certification authorities, urging corrective action.
Dialogue Changes Made After Release
Following the complaints, distributors reportedly swapped film prints on December 31, muting the word “Baloch” in key dialogues and slightly modifying certain lines. These edits were carried out after the film had already received clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Sources close to the production said the changes were made to stay aligned with CBFC guidelines, which clearly prohibit content that may be seen as contemptuous or derogatory toward any ethnic, religious, or social group.
Government Clarifies Its Role
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting later clarified that it did not directly order the changes. Officials stated that the decision to revise the dialogues was taken by the film’s producers themselves after concerns were raised.
According to the ministry, existing certification rules already encourage filmmakers to avoid language or imagery that could hurt community sentiments. The ministry emphasized that the revision was a voluntary step taken by the filmmakers within the legal framework.
Mixed Reactions From Public and Industry
The edits have triggered divided reactions across social media and the film industry. Some critics have accused the authorities of promoting “over-caution” and indirectly influencing creative expression. They argue that films based on crime and terrorism often require realistic portrayals and that frequent edits may weaken storytelling.
On the other hand, many filmmakers, legal experts, and social commentators defended the move. They believe cinema should be sensitive to real-world identities and avoid linking entire communities with criminal behavior.
Several voices also pointed out that changing a few words does not alter the core story of the film, but helps prevent unnecessary hurt and controversy.
Impact on Box Office and Audience Response
Despite the controversy, Dhurandhar continues to perform strongly at cinemas. Reports suggest the film has maintained good occupancy levels, with audiences largely focusing on its gripping narrative, performances, and action sequences rather than the edited dialogues.
Trade analysts say the quick resolution of the issue may have actually helped the film avoid protests or legal hurdles that could have affected its box office run. By addressing the concern early, the producers managed to keep the focus on the film itself.
A Larger Debate on Cinema and Sensitivity
The Dhurandhar episode highlights a recurring challenge in Indian cinema: balancing creative freedom with cultural sensitivity. Films dealing with terrorism, border conflicts, and underworld stories often draw inspiration from real-world regions and communities, which can sometimes lead to unintended offense.
Experts believe that filmmakers need to be more careful with naming conventions and character titles, especially in a diverse country like India where words carry deep historical and emotional meanings.
At the same time, many argue that dialogue between filmmakers and communities is a healthier approach than outright bans or prolonged legal battles.
What Lies Ahead
For now, the controversy around Dhurandhar appears to be settling down. With the dialogue changes implemented and clarifications issued, the film continues its theatrical run without further disruption.
The incident may serve as a learning moment for the industry, reminding creators to review scripts carefully and anticipate sensitivities when portraying real-world identities in fictional stories.
As Indian cinema continues to explore bold and complex subjects, the conversation sparked by Dhurandhar is likely to influence how future films handle representation, responsibility, and realism.
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