In an unusual move, Dulquer Salmaan's period drama 'Kaantha' has received a significantly shorter version in theaters just one week after its initial release. The production house confirmed this development through an official social media announcement.
Audience Feedback Drives Changes
The decision to trim the film came directly from audience suggestions requesting a more engaging and tighter screenplay. According to the production team's statement, "Peak cinema now got sharper, experience the new trimmed cut in theatres." This marks a rare instance where filmmakers have responded so quickly to viewer feedback during a film's theatrical run.
What Was Cut From The Film?
Reports indicate that approximately 12 minutes have been removed from the original runtime, with most edits concentrated in the movie's second half. The trimming primarily focuses on tightening transitions between key dramatic confrontations involving Ayya (played by Samuthirakani) and TK Mahadevan (Dulquer Salmaan's character).
Box Office Performance
Despite the editing changes, 'Kaantha' has achieved a significant milestone by crossing the Rs 21 crore net mark at the Indian box office by day 9. The film demonstrated a strong opening, collecting approximately Rs 20.75 crore during its first week.
However, industry trackers have noted concerning trends in the second week. According to Sacnilk website data, the film earned only Rs 30 lakh on day 8, followed by a slight improvement to Rs 47 lakh on day 9. This indicates the film is struggling to maintain stability in its second week and has yet to enter the safe commercial zone.
About The Film
Directed by Selvamani Selvaraj, 'Kaantha' features Dulquer Salmaan alongside Bhagyashri Borse and Rana Daggubati in major roles. The film explores themes of toxic rivalry set against a 1950s cinematic backdrop.
Critical reception has been mixed, with ETimes review noting: "Where Kaantha stumbles is in its transparency. Red herrings get tossed around, but once the pieces align, the trajectory feels obvious." The review also questioned the lack of discretion in how the central affair unfolds, suggesting that more subtlety might have made the blackmail plot feel more earned.
The quick response to audience feedback demonstrates the evolving relationship between filmmakers and viewers in today's competitive entertainment landscape, where theatrical performance can directly influence creative decisions even after a film's release.
