Bombay Velvet Deleted Scenes -

The history of the 2015 period drama Bombay Velvet is largely defined by what was left on the cutting room floor. Director Anurag Kashyap has frequently discussed how studio pressure and censorship transformed his original 188-minute vision into a tamer, 149-minute theatrical cut. The Lost "Director's Cut"

The original edit of Bombay Velvet was approximately 188 minutes (over 3 hours). Due to the high budget of roughly

crore rupees, producers were desperate for a shorter runtime and a "U/A" certificate to maximize box office potential. This led to approximately 25 to 30 minutes of footage being removed during post-production. Key Categories of Deleted Scenes

Based on interviews with Kashyap and reporting from the time, the deleted material falls into several critical categories:

The Childhood Narrative: A significant portion of the lead characters' backstories was removed. This included the detailed childhood of Johnny Balraj (Ranbir Kapoor) and Rosie Noronha (Anushka Sharma), which Kashyap believes was essential for the audience to invest emotionally in their relationship.

Intimate Moments & "Passion": The director intended to show Johnny and Rosie as a couple who "could not keep their hands off each other". However, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) demanded the removal or reduction of multiple kissing and lovemaking scenes to grant a "U/A" rating.

Violence and Language: Various instances of "excessive violence" and abusive language were snipped or beeped out. This included specific expletives like "son of a bitch" and "haramzada".

Subplots and Side Characters: Some subplots that built the 1960s underworld milieu were shortened or removed. Kashyap has noted that he even recorded his own voice into parts of the film as a form of protest against the extensive editing. The Role of External Editors

In an attempt to "save" the film, the studio proposed bringing in a Hollywood editor from 20th Century Fox. While Kashyap resisted, the film was eventually reviewed by Martin Scorsese and his longtime editor Thelma Schoonmaker. While they understood the studio's pressures, the final theatrical version remained a "perforated" version of Kashyap's dream. Impact of the Cuts

Kashyap has often stated that if he had retained the missing 25 minutes, the film might have been better received, as the theatrical version felt "patchy" to many critics. He describes the post-production experience as the most "traumatic" of his career, feeling that the heart of his "Rs 90 crore art film" was lost to commercial anxiety. Bombay Velvet goes to Revision Committee gets UA ... - IMDb

Unraveling the Mysteries of Bombay Velvet: A Look at the Deleted Scenes

Introduction

In 2015, David Dhawan's period drama Bombay Velvet starring Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif hit the theaters. The film, set in the 1960s, was an attempt to recreate the magic of Bollywood's golden era on the big screen. Although it received mixed reviews, the film's visuals, music, and performances were widely appreciated. Interestingly, the film's director, David Dhawan, and the editors decided to leave out some intriguing scenes that could have altered the narrative. Let's dive into the world of Bombay Velvet's deleted scenes and explore what could have been.

The Deleted Scenes: A Sneak Peek

According to various interviews with the cast and crew, several scenes were deleted from the final cut of the film. Here are a few of the most notable ones:

The Extended Sequence of Johnny and Ruby's First Meeting: In an interview, Ranbir Kapoor revealed that the scene where Johnny (Ranbir Kapoor) and Ruby (Katrina Kaif) first meet was much longer and more intense in the original version. The deleted portion showed the chemistry between the two leads, highlighting their initial attraction and setting the tone for their tumultuous relationship.
The Character of Kayo's Backstory: The film's supporting character, Kayo (played by Nolan Gould), had a significant backstory that was omitted from the final cut. According to an interview with David Dhawan, Kayo's character was initially supposed to have a deeper connection with the main characters, especially Johnny.
The Sequence Featuring Rekha's Cameo: One of the most anticipated aspects of Bombay Velvet was Rekha's cameo appearance as a nightclub singer. However, her role was significantly reduced in the final version. The deleted scenes included a lengthy performance by Rekha, which showcased her acting and singing prowess.

Why Were These Scenes Deleted?

The primary reason for deleting these scenes seems to be the film's pacing and runtime. In an interview, David Dhawan mentioned that the film's initial cut was nearly 3 hours long, and the team had to make some tough decisions to ensure the narrative remained engaging and concise.

Moreover, some scenes may have been deemed too intense or gratuitous for a mainstream Bollywood film. For instance, the film's themes of crime, violence, and romance were toned down to suit a wider audience.

Conclusion

The deleted scenes from Bombay Velvet offer a fascinating glimpse into what could have been. While the film's final version received mixed reviews, it's intriguing to imagine how these omitted scenes might have altered the narrative. Perhaps, with the deleted scenes, Bombay Velvet could have been a more well-rounded film, exploring the complexities of its characters and their relationships.

Final Thoughts

Would you like to see a director's cut or an extended version of Bombay Velvet that includes these deleted scenes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Looking at the "lost" version of Bombay Velvet reveals a much deeper, more emotional film than the one that hit theaters. Directed by Anurag Kashyap, the theatrical release was heavily condensed from a nearly three-hour epic (roughly 2 hours 50 minutes) down to about 2 hours 20 minutes.

This massive editing process, which Kashyap later described as the "worst experience" of his life, stripped away the very soul of the characters to meet commercial run-time demands. The Critical "Losses" in Deleted Footage

The deleted scenes weren't just filler; they contained the film's emotional connective tissue:

The Vanished Childhood: The original cut featured an extensive prologue showing Johnny (Ranbir Kapoor) and Rosie (Anushka Sharma) as children. Removing this meant the audience lost the foundation for their bond, making their adult romance feel rushed and less impactful.

A "Sanitized" Love Story: Under pressure for a U/A certificate, the censor board (CBFC) cut nearly all physical intimacy between the leads. Kashyap intended them to be characters who "could not keep their hands off each other," but the final cut removed constant small gestures and several passionate kisses.

The City’s Origins: Much of the sub-plot regarding the reclamation of land and the early development of Bombay was cut. This included a sequence showing the inauguration of land reclamation, which grounded the film's historical stakes.

Character Nuances: Notable cut scenes included a raw, "mad moment" where Johnny and Rosie bicker and laugh after a physical altercation, and an iconic Raveena Tandon musical performance that was significantly shortened. The Impact on the Review

The editorial process behind Bombay Velvet (2015) is often cited as a primary reason for the film's compromised narrative, with nearly 40 minutes of footage removed between the director's original vision and the theatrical release. The Lost "Director's Cut" bombay velvet deleted scenes

Anurag Kashyap's original version of the film reportedly ran for 188 minutes (3 hours and 8 minutes), but producer pressure to recover a massive ₹100 crore-plus budget led to a tamer, faster-paced theatrical cut of 149 minutes. Key segments lost during this process include:

Extensive Character Backstories: A significant portion of the lead characters' childhoods was removed. This included scenes showing the evolution of the city and its impact on the protagonists, which Kashyap felt led to a loss of "emotional investment" in the characters.

The "Inauguration" of Mumbai: Early drafts and footage included the inauguration of land reclamation (specifically Nariman Point) to highlight the irony and politics of the city's development.

A "Bombay" Accent: Some deleted footage featured Anushka Sharma speaking in a specific Bombay accent, whereas the theatrical version leaned more toward a Delhi-inflected style. Censorship and Intimacy

Kashyap has described Bombay Velvet as his "most censored film," largely due to the intervention of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Passionate Lovemaking: A "sizzling" kiss and part of a passionate lovemaking scene between Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma were cut by the Revising Committee to secure a UA certificate for wider audience reach.

Constant Affection: Numerous small intimate moments—kisses during dialogue or pecks—were snipped out. Kashyap intended the characters to be two people who "could not keep their hands off each other".

Expletives: Strong language, including specific cuss words like "haramzada" and "son of a bitch," was removed at the board's insistence. Editorial Overhaul

The studio brought in an editor from 20th Century Fox to help shorten the film, a decision Kashyap initially resisted. Despite legendary director Martin Scorsese reportedly finding the film "satisfactory" after viewing a cut, the studio's fear of a long runtime ultimately forced the drastic reductions that fans and critics still debate today.

The 2015 period crime drama Bombay Velvet, directed by Anurag Kashyap, is one of the most discussed "what ifs" in modern Indian cinema. Originally conceived as a sprawling, three-hour epic, the film underwent massive structural changes after poor test screenings and pressure to make it commercially viable.

While a "Cinephile's Cut" or "Director's Cut" has long been rumoured to exist, the deleted scenes that have surfaced—and those only spoken of in interviews—reveal a much darker, more politically complex film than the one released in theatres. 🏗️ The Structural Overhaul

The most significant "deletion" wasn't just individual scenes, but the film's entire rhythm. The original cut was reportedly over 180 minutes long. Editors were tasked with hacking it down to 140 minutes, resulting in:

Abrupt Transitions: Characters appear in new social strata without clear explanation.

Lost Motivation: Johnny Balraj’s (Ranbir Kapoor) rise from a cage fighter to a club manager feels rushed.

Narrative Gaps: The intricate "Big City" politics involving the land grab of Mumbai’s mills were significantly thinned out. 🎬 Key Deleted Sequences 1. The Extended "Cage Fight" Beginnings

In the theatrical version, Johnny Balraj’s violent nature is established quickly. Deleted footage showcased his brutal life in the slums in much greater detail. These scenes highlighted his desperate hunger for "becoming a big shot," making his later transformation more earned. 2. The Rosie-Johnny Backstory

While the film focuses on their adult romance, Kashyap shot more sequences detailing their shared trauma.

The Intent: To show that they weren't just lovers, but two broken people from the same gutter.

The Result of Deletion: Their chemistry felt "glossy" rather than "gritty" to many viewers. 3. More of Kaizad Khambatta (Karan Johar)

Several scenes featuring the antagonist Khambatta were trimmed. These included:

Power Dynamics: Deeper interactions with the city's political elite.

The Manipulator: Scenes showing exactly how he groomed Johnny, treating him more like a pet than a partner. 4. The Political Subplot: The Mills of Mumbai

The film is set against the backdrop of the Nanavati case and the transformation of Bombay into a financial hub.

Deleted Content: Heavy dialogue scenes involving the trade unions and the dirty deals behind the reclaiming of land from the sea.

Impact: Without these, the stakes of the "Red Rooster" newspaper and the negatives Johnny steals feel less impactful to the average viewer. 🎷 The Music That Never Was

Amit Trivedi composed a massive jazz soundtrack for the film. Several musical sequences were shortened or relegated to background noise.

Full Stage Performances: Anushka Sharma’s Rosie had longer, uninterrupted jazz sets that were meant to establish the atmosphere of the 1960s club culture.

Atmospheric Loss: By cutting the music, the film lost some of its "Noir" soul. 🎞️ Will We Ever See the Director’s Cut?

Anurag Kashyap has frequently mentioned that a longer, more cohesive version of the film exists. However, due to the film’s status as a "box office disaster," the studio (Fox Star Studios) has shown little interest in funding the post-production (VFX and grading) required for an official re-release.

Fan Theory: Many believe the "Deleted Scenes" version would have garnered the critical acclaim the theatrical version missed, as it allowed the complex plot "room to breathe."

If you’re looking to explore this further, I can help you with:

A scene-by-scene breakdown of the leaked snippets found on YouTube. The history of the 2015 period drama Bombay

Information on the real-life historical events (The Nanavati Case) that inspired the cut scenes. A comparison of the original script vs. the final movie.

The Unseen Bombay Velvet: A Deep Dive into the Deleted Scenes

Bombay Velvet, directed by Anurag Kashyap, was one of the most anticipated films of 2015. The movie, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar, and Deepika Padukone, was expected to be a game-changer in Indian cinema. Although it received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, there's no denying that Bombay Velvet was a visually stunning film that pushed the boundaries of Indian storytelling.

In a recent interview, Anurag Kashyap revealed that the film had undergone significant changes during its production. Several scenes were shot, only to be deleted later to ensure the film's pacing and tone were maintained. These deleted scenes, affectionately referred to as the "Bombay Velvet deleted scenes," offer a fascinating glimpse into the film's alternate narrative and character arcs.

What Were the Deleted Scenes?

According to various sources, including interviews with the cast and crew, the deleted scenes from Bombay Velvet include:

A subplot involving Kaizad, played by Karan Johar, and his connection to the villainous characters.
Additional sequences showcasing the romance between Ranbir Kapoor's character, Johnny, and Deepika Padukone's character, Roshan.
A pivotal scene where Johnny and his friends encounter a group of thugs in a Bombay alleyway.

These deleted scenes provide insight into the characters' motivations and backstories, which were only hinted at in the final version of the film.

The Significance of the Deleted Scenes

The deleted scenes from Bombay Velvet offer a unique perspective on the film's narrative. They allow viewers to understand the characters' actions and decisions in a more nuanced way. For instance, the deleted subplot involving Kaizad adds depth to his character, making him more than just a one-dimensional villain.

The additional romantic sequences between Johnny and Roshan also humanize their characters, making their love story more convincing and engaging. Furthermore, the deleted scene with the thugs highlights the harsh realities of life in Bombay during the 1960s, adding to the film's themes of crime, corruption, and social inequality.

The Impact on the Film's Narrative

The inclusion of the deleted scenes would have undoubtedly altered the pacing and tone of Bombay Velvet. Kashyap has stated that he was forced to make significant cuts to ensure the film's runtime and coherence. However, fans of the film have expressed a desire to see these deleted scenes, arguing that they would have enriched the narrative and character development.

The Fan Demand for the Deleted Scenes

The demand for the Bombay Velvet deleted scenes has been steadily growing since the film's release. Fans have taken to social media platforms, expressing their desire to see the deleted scenes and understand the film's alternate narrative. Several online petitions have been started, urging Kashyap and the film's producers to release the deleted scenes as a bonus feature or a separate short film.

The Possibility of a Director's Cut

Anurag Kashyap has hinted at the possibility of releasing a director's cut of Bombay Velvet, which would include the deleted scenes. In an interview, he mentioned that he had a "rough cut" of the film that included the deleted scenes, but it was too long and unwieldy. Kashyap has also stated that he would consider releasing the deleted scenes as a separate short film or a bonus feature on a future DVD/Blu-ray release.

Conclusion

The Bombay Velvet deleted scenes offer a fascinating glimpse into the film's alternate narrative and character arcs. While the final version of the film received mixed reviews, the deleted scenes provide insight into the characters' motivations and backstories, making the film more nuanced and engaging.

As fans continue to demand the release of the deleted scenes, it's possible that we may see a director's cut or a separate short film featuring these scenes. Until then, the Bombay Velvet deleted scenes remain a topic of interest and speculation among fans and film enthusiasts.

The Legacy of Bombay Velvet

Despite its mixed reception, Bombay Velvet has developed a cult following over the years. The film's visually stunning depiction of 1960s Bombay, its memorable characters, and its themes of crime and corruption have resonated with audiences.

The film's influence can be seen in many recent Indian films, which have attempted to replicate its unique blend of style, substance, and music. As a result, Bombay Velvet remains an important film in contemporary Indian cinema, and the demand for the deleted scenes is a testament to its enduring legacy.

The Future of Bombay Velvet

As the demand for the Bombay Velvet deleted scenes continues to grow, it's likely that we may see a re-release or a special edition of the film featuring these scenes. Anurag Kashyap has hinted at the possibility of a sequel or a prequel to the film, which would provide an opportunity to explore the characters and storylines in more depth.

For now, fans will have to continue to speculate about the deleted scenes and their significance to the film's narrative. However, one thing is certain – Bombay Velvet remains a film that continues to fascinate and intrigue audiences, and its legacy will endure for years to come.

Here’s a short article about the deleted scenes from the film "Bombay Velvet."

🎬 The Lost Soul of Bombay Velvet: Inside the Deleted Scenes

Anurag Kashyap’s Bombay Velvet (2015) remains one of the most debated films in modern Indian cinema. While the theatrical release received a mixed reception for its pacing and tone, die-hard fans and critics have long pointed to the cutting room floor as the place where the "real" movie resides.

The 18-Minute Prologue The most significant deleted footage is an 18-minute opening sequence that was chopped off before release to tighten the runtime.

In the theatrical cut, we are introduced to Johnny Balraj (Ranbir Kapoor) somewhat abruptly. However, the deleted scenes flesh out his backstory entirely:

The Origin: The original cut showed a young Balraj in the coal mines of Dhanbad. It established his struggle, his relationship with his mother, and the trauma that forged his "big shot" ambitions.
The Motivation: These scenes explained why Balraj was so desperate for fame and why he was so volatile. Without them, the character often felt inconsistent to general audiences.

Why It Matters By removing the prologue, the film lost its emotional anchor. The tragedy of Balraj wasn't just that he fell in love with the wrong woman (Rosie), but that he was a boy from the darkness of the mines trying to grab the glitter of 1960s Bombay.

Where to Find Them While an official "Director's Cut" has not seen a streaming release, the deleted scenes are frequently circulated on YouTube and film forums. Watching them transforms the film from a stylistic noir experiment into a tragic character study.

Did you see the deleted scenes? Do you think they would have saved the film? Let's discuss in the comments. The Extended Sequence of Johnny and Ruby's First

#BombayVelvet #AnuragKashyap #RanbirKapoor #DeletedScenes #Bollywood #FilmAnalysis

Future Insights

As more behind-the-scenes content and director's cuts become available, fans might get a clearer picture of the intended narrative and character arcs in films like 'Bombay Velvet'. Until then, the speculation and appreciation for what was envisioned versus what was shown on screen will continue to engage audiences.

The Lost Soul of Bombay Velvet: Uncovering the Deleted Scenes Bombay Velvet (2015)

was envisioned as an sprawling, uncompromising epic about the birth of a metropolis, but much of its original identity was lost in the editing room. Director Anurag Kashyap originally delivered a cut that was nearly four hours long

, but studio pressure and censorship requirements for a "UA" certificate forced it down to 149 minutes.

Here is a breakdown of the critical scenes and subplots that never made it to the big screen. 1. The Censored Romance

The most significant removals involved the central relationship between Johnny Balraj (Ranbir Kapoor) Rosie Noronha (Anushka Sharma) Intimate Moments

: Kashyap intended for the couple to have a "passionate relationship" where they could "not keep their hands off each other". The "Steamy Kiss"

: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) demanded the reduction of length for multiple kissing scenes and the removal of a "passionate liplock" to grant the film its UA rating. Constant Affection

: Numerous scenes of the couple "consistently kissing and talking" were snipped out, which Kashyap argues diluted the emotional stakes of their love story. 2. The City's Development Subplot

The film was originally a "cinephile's history" of Mumbai's expansion, much of which was sacrificed for pace. Land Reclamation

: Footage was filmed showing the inauguration of the land reclamation projects that eventually formed Nariman Point. Tram Sequences

: Extended sequences featuring trams were shot in Kolkata to replicate vintage Bombay but were largely trimmed down. 3. Missing Musical Numbers

While the soundtrack is beloved, several performances were cut to keep the runtime manageable. Arijit Singh’s Jazz Track

: A jazz-swing song by Arijit Singh was recorded and filmed but deleted from the final cut. Raveena Tandon’s Performance

: Multiple songs and appearances by Raveena Tandon, who played a jazz singer, were removed. 4. Violence and Dialogue

To avoid an "Adults Only" tag, the producers outsourced editing to "chop it down to size," focusing on softening the film’s gritty edge.

The story of the Bombay Velvet deleted scenes is a case study of creative vision clashing with censorship and commercial pressure. Director Anurag Kashyap has frequently cited heavy editing as a primary reason for the film's final "mediocrity" compared to his original intent. The Censored "Kissing" Report

A major portion of the deleted footage involved intimate moments between the lead characters, Johnny Balraj (Ranbir Kapoor) and Rosie Noronha (Anushka Sharma).

Heavy Snipping: Former CBFC chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani reportedly "deliberately" cut almost all intimacy from the film. Kashyap’s original vision was for two characters who "could not keep their hands off each other," constantly kissing and talking.

Revision for 'UA' Certificate: To secure a 'UA' (Parental Guidance) certificate and reach a wider audience, the length of several kissing scenes was significantly reduced.

Specific Cuts: Beyond intimacy, the censor board beeped out abusive terms, the word "dhobi," and removed a shot of a politician touching a woman inappropriately. The "Director's Cut" Narrative

Frequent collaborators and critics have noted that the version released in theaters was a "shrunk" or "perforated" version of Kashyap’s magnum opus.

Character Moments: Critics pointed to missing "mad moments" that would have fleshed out the characters, such as a scene where Johnny and Rosie bicker until she strikes him with a chair and laughs—a moment that redefined her character beyond being a victim.

Commercial Pacing: Assistant director Vasan Bala mentioned that when "commerce takes over," directors often force a faster pace to recoup high budgets, causing the film to lose its "breathing space".

Studio Interference: Heavy pressure to recover the nearly 120-crore budget led to a "tamer version" that lacked the grit of Kashyap's earlier work. Key Missing Elements & "What Ifs" Missing Element Description Passionate Romance

The film was meant to be a gritty, passionate love story, but censorship made it feel generic. Internal Rage

Kashyap even recorded his own voice shouting abuse and hid it in the background of the film out of anger toward the censor cuts. Historical Nuance

Many details of Bombay’s transformation were cut, leading some critics to suggest the footage would have worked better as a TV miniseries.

Despite its failure, Bombay Velvet remains a technical marvel with a "magnificent" jazz score. You can still watch the theatrical version on platforms like Netflix, though fans and the director himself still advocate for a true "Director's Cut" to be released. Bombay Velvet goes to Revision Committee gets UA ... - IMDb

The Unicorn Status: Where Are They Now?

To date, despite rampant speculation, the complete deleted scenes have never been officially released.

The DVD/Blu-ray Myth: When the home video rights were sold, fans expected an "Extended Cut." They received the same theatrical version with three short, inconsequential deleted scenes (clocking in at under 4 minutes) as extras. The deep cuts remain locked away.
The Leak Culture: A mysterious user on a private tracker claimed in 2018 to possess a "Workprint" of Bombay Velvet. The description matched Kashyap’s original vision. However, the file was never uploaded, and the user vanished. Most believe it was a hoax, but the hope remains.
The Legal Labyrinth: The rights to Bombay Velvet are currently tangled between Fox Star Studios (now owned by Disney) and Phantom Films (which has disbanded). Disney is notoriously reluctant to release alternate cuts of failed films. As one insider put it, "It's a tax write-off. The scenes are likely in a hard drive in a vault in Los Angeles, gathering dust."

Conclusion

The deleted scenes from 'Bombay Velvet' offer a glimpse into what could have been, presenting an alternate vision of the film. While the movie as it stands has its admirers and critics, these omitted moments remind audiences of the complexities involved in filmmaking and the tough choices directors and writers make to bring their vision to life.