As Devara: Part 1 gears up for its release on September 27, the film is already making headlines. While the pre-booking figures are creating buzz, especially with stars like NTR Jr., Saif Ali Khan, and Janhvi Kapoor leading the cast, recent news of a 7-minute scene being removed just three days before its release has caught everyone’s attention. Despite receiving a U/A certificate from the Censor Board, the film’s Hindi version has seen some significant last-minute trimming.
Why Were the Cuts Made?
The Central Board of Certification (CBFC) granted Devara: Part 1 its U/A certificate on September 18, with the film initially running at 177 minutes and 59 seconds. However, soon after, the filmmakers revisited the board, asking for permission to make edits. This led to the removal of two particular segments, cutting down the runtime by a full 7 minutes.
One of the removed scenes lasted 4 minutes and 41 seconds, starting with the line, “Kya re, are you selling fish to the sea dweller?” and ending with, “I will definitely spend a night with you.” Additionally, 2 minutes and 19 seconds were cut from the rolling titles. After these cuts, the Hindi version now has a runtime of 170 minutes and 58 seconds. Interestingly, these cuts were already made in the Telugu version earlier.
Edits in the Telugu Version Too
The Telugu version also faced changes before the final approval. Reports suggest that the CBFC ordered the removal of three scenes from the Telugu version back on September 11, with these changes being implemented by September 19. It’s speculated that the edits were made to streamline the film’s runtime, potentially to avoid screen-sharing conflicts in cinemas.
A Film in Two Parts
Devara: Part 1 is just the beginning of the story, with a second part expected to follow. While the exact release date for the second installment hasn’t been disclosed, the excitement surrounding Part 1 is palpable. The film is especially generating a lot of pre-release interest internationally, with pre-booking records being shattered in the US.
Saif Ali Khan plays a key antagonist in the film, adding to the overall anticipation. With the final runtime adjustments, it will be interesting to see how Devara: Part 1 performs at the box office and how the story progresses in its much-awaited sequel.
