Dhurandhar’s 7½-Hour Director’s Cut: Can Audiences Bear It?

The makers of Dhurandhar are reportedly planning something unprecedented in Indian cinema, a massive 7-hour-30-minute extended director’s cut. The news has already sparked intense curiosity and debate across the industry, with an official announcement from Jio Studios expected soon.

This ambitious version will not see a wide release but will instead be screened exclusively on premium formats such as IMAX, Dolby Cinema (DC), HDR, and EPIQ screens. The idea is to present the film in its most immersive and uncompromised form, giving audiences a chance to experience the story exactly as envisioned by the filmmaker.

However, the biggest question remains, can audiences sit through a film that runs for over seven hours in theatres? While global cinema has seen a few long-format experiments, such a runtime is virtually unheard of in Indian theatrical history. 

It raises questions about viewer engagement, interval structuring, and overall theatrical viability. At the same time, the move signals a bold shift in storytelling, especially in an era dominated by OTT long-form content. 

If executed well, this extended cut could redefine cinematic experiences in India. Whether audiences embrace or resist it, one thing is certain, Dhurandhar is pushing boundaries like never before.