Director Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar: The Revenge, starring Ranveer Singh, Sara Arjun, and Sanjay Dutt, among others, has been performing exceptionally well across the world. However, in Bengaluru, the conversation around the film has taken a different turn, with the Kannada dubbed version not being available in theatres.
For a multi-language release, the absence of a Kannada version in Bengaluru has come as a surprise. While Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu versions are screening, the lack of a Kannada version has left audiences disappointed and raised questions about the film’s pan-India release.
The issue has also drawn attention from trade circles, as Bengaluru remains a strong market for theatrical releases across languages. The lack of a Kannada version has raised questions about release planning and execution. Whether it is due to delays in dubbing, certification, or last-minute logistical hurdles, there has been no official clarification so far.
Audience reactions have been direct. Many have pointed out that if a film is promoted as a pan-India release, it must be available in all major languages from day one. The expectation has shifted in recent years, with viewers demanding equal access rather than staggered or selective releases.
This is not the first time such a situation has occurred, but the scale of the Dhurandhar sequel has made the gap more noticeable. As collaborations between industries increase, so does accountability when it comes to distribution.
Despite the film’s strong global performance and ongoing buzz, the discussion in Bengaluru has moved away from its content. Instead, it is centred on the absence of the Kannada version and what it reflects about consistency in multi-language releases.
At present, there is no clarity on when the Kannada version will be released in the city. Until then, the issue continues to stand out, highlighting a disconnect between the idea of pan-India cinema and its on-ground execution.”
