The Hindi film Dhurandhar, currently India’s highest-grossing domestic release of 2026, has been slightly modified after objections from the Junagadh Baloch Makrani community. The changes come after a dialogue by actor Sanjay Dutt sparked protests and legal action from the community.
A line delivered by Dutt’s character, Chaudhry Aslam, originally stated: “Magarmachh pe bharosa kar sakte hai, par Baloch pe nahi” (You can trust a crocodile, but not a Baloch). This dialogue prompted strong reactions, leading Ejaz Makrani, president of the local society, to file a police complaint. The complaint targeted the actor, dialogue writer, and director, alleging defamation and hate speech.
Another legal action came from lawyer Nabil Baloch, who issued a notice demanding a public apology and immediate censorship of the controversial dialogue. Both petitioners threatened to escalate the matter to the Gujarat High Court if no action was taken. During a recent hearing, Justice A P Mayee asked the petitioners to provide evidence proving that the dialogue defamed the Baloch community.
In response, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued directives to adjust the film. The revised Digital Cinema Package (DCP), implemented in theatres on December 31, mutes the word “Baloch” in certain instances and modifies the dialogue in line with the ministry’s instructions.
Despite the controversy and subsequent edits, Dhurandhar’s box office performance remains strong. Within 29 days of release, the film has grossed approximately INR 7.4 billion, surpassing the previous record-holder, Chhaava, which also faced criticism for historical portrayals earlier this year. Analysts note that the controversy has not affected audience turnout, with viewers continuing to engage with the period spy thriller for its star cast and action sequences.
This development highlights the sensitive balance between creative expression and community sentiments in the Indian film industry. It also underscores the role of regulatory bodies in addressing complaints while maintaining commercial viability.
