Bombay Velvet Deleted Scenes ⟶ < WORKING >
In the annals of modern Indian cinema, few films have generated as much post-mortem intrigue as Anurag Kashyap’s 2015 magnum opus, Bombay Velvet. Budgeted at approximately ₹120 crore, it was meant to be the film that redefined the Hindi film industry—a period crime saga set against the jazz-infused, ambitious underbelly of 1960s Bombay. Instead, it became one of the most infamous box-office disasters in Bollywood history.
But for a certain breed of cinephile, the theatrical cut of Bombay Velvet is not the end of the story. It is merely a footnote. The real legend, whispered on film forums and Twitter threads, revolves around the "Bombay Velvet Deleted Scenes." These lost reels represent a cinematic Holy Grail: a hidden, darker, longer version of the film that, if restored, might redeem a flawed masterpiece.
This article dives deep into what those deleted scenes contained, why they were cut, and why the search for the "Kashyap Cut" continues to haunt Indian cinema.
Some trimmed scenes alter the emotional tone of the climax:
Deleted sequences deepen Kaizad’s (played by Ranbir Kapoor) origin as a small-time boxer and petty thief. These scenes include:
Kashyap’s original assembly reportedly contained longer, moodier shots and several musical reprises. The deleted footage often:
Anushka Sharma’s Rosie was criticized for being too much of a "manic pixie dream girl." However, the deleted scenes reveal a much darker arc.
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"
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 bombay velvet deleted scenes
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 production of Bombay Velvet (2015) resulted in a massive amount of deleted footage, primarily due to the film's original length exceeding four hours. To reach a theatrical runtime of approximately 158 minutes, significant narrative and stylistic portions were excised or condensed. Key Categories of Deleted Scenes Songs and Musical Sequences Raveena Tandon’s Appearance
: Entire jazz numbers featuring Raveena Tandon were removed to maintain the film's pace. Anushka Sharma’s Performances
: Multiple jazz sequences performed by Anushka Sharma (Rosie) were chopped or shortened. Censored Lyrics
: The word "dhobi" was ordered to be removed from a song by the Censor Board, and a reference where a lover places his beloved above God was also deleted. Intimate and Romantic Moments Passionate Scenes
: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) demanded the removal of a "steamy liplock" and other intimate scenes between Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma to grant a UA certificate. Early Character Development
: Early scenes establishing the romance between Johnny and Rosie were heavily condensed or "hurried," leading to what some critics felt was a lack of emotional depth in the theatrical version. Violence and Language In the annals of modern Indian cinema, few
The film underwent eight specific cuts by the CBFC to tone down action sequences and mute abusive language. The "Director's Cut" Legend
Director Anurag Kashyap has frequently discussed the existence of an original cut, estimated to be around 3 hours long . This version reportedly features: Anurag Kashyap's 'Bombay Velvet' a Rs 100-crore mess?
The Significance of Deleted Scenes in Bombay Velvet: A Deeper Dive into the Film's Narrative
Bombay Velvet, directed by Anurag Kashyap, is a period drama film set in the 1960s, inspired by the life of Omprakash Mehra, a notorious gangster from Bombay. The film received mixed reviews upon its release, but its ambition, visuals, and performances were widely praised. One aspect of the film that has garnered significant attention is the deleted scenes, which offer a unique insight into the narrative and characters. This essay will explore the significance of the deleted scenes in Bombay Velvet, analyzing how they contribute to a deeper understanding of the film's themes, characters, and plot.
The Context of Deleted Scenes
The deleted scenes from Bombay Velvet were removed from the final cut of the film due to pacing issues, tonal inconsistencies, and concerns about the film's overall length. However, these scenes have been made available through various interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and online platforms. They provide a fascinating glimpse into the film's creative process and offer an alternative perspective on the narrative.
The Character of Monica: A Deleted Scene Analysis
One of the most notable deleted scenes features Monica, a pivotal character played by Brazilian actress, Ana de Armas. The scene showcases Monica's backstory, revealing her troubled past and her relationship with Johnny, the film's protagonist, played by Ranbir Kapoor. This deleted scene humanizes Monica, making her more than just a femme fatale. It highlights her vulnerability, love, and loss, which are essential to understanding her motivations throughout the film.
In the deleted scene, Monica's character is fleshed out, and her emotional depth is revealed. This additional context makes her interactions with Johnny more nuanced, and their romance more believable. The scene also underscores the societal pressures and expectations placed on women during that era, adding a layer of complexity to Monica's character.
The Politics of Freedom: A Deleted Scene Exploring India's Turbulent 1960s
Another significant deleted scene depicts Johnny's involvement in the Indian independence movement. The scene shows Johnny, a young and idealistic man, attending a rally and getting caught up in the fervor of the freedom struggle. This scene provides essential context to Johnny's character, highlighting his desire for change and his disillusionment with the system. By engaging with the deleted scenes from Bombay
The deleted scene also offers a glimpse into India's turbulent 1960s, marked by significant social and political upheaval. The scene captures the mood of the era, with young people like Johnny seeking revolution and change. This additional context enriches the film's themes of rebellion, freedom, and the search for identity.
The Silencing of Women: A Deleted Scene Examining the Objectification of Women
A deleted scene featuring Leila, a character played by Manish Chopra, has also been making the rounds online. The scene showcases Leila's objectification and exploitation at the hands of men in the film. This scene serves as a powerful commentary on the objectification of women, highlighting the patriarchal norms that govern society.
The deleted scene underscores the vulnerability of women in the film, who are often reduced to objects of desire or mere plot devices. This additional context makes Leila's character more than just a marginal figure, and her story more than just a subplot.
Conclusion
The deleted scenes from Bombay Velvet offer a fascinating glimpse into the film's creative process and provide a deeper understanding of its themes, characters, and plot. These scenes humanize characters like Monica and Leila, add complexity to Johnny's character, and offer a glimpse into India's turbulent 1960s.
The significance of these deleted scenes lies in their ability to nuance the film's narrative, adding layers of depth and complexity to the characters and plot. They demonstrate the challenges of adapting a true story into a film, and the difficulties of condensing a rich and complex narrative into a coherent and engaging cinematic experience.
Ultimately, the deleted scenes from Bombay Velvet serve as a reminder of the importance of context and nuance in storytelling. They invite viewers to engage with the film on a deeper level, to consider the what-ifs and maybes that shape the narrative, and to reflect on the themes and characters that make the film so memorable.
Recommendations for Future Analysis
Future analysis of the deleted scenes from Bombay Velvet could focus on:
By engaging with the deleted scenes from Bombay Velvet, scholars and film enthusiasts can gain a deeper understanding of the film's narrative, characters, and themes, and appreciate the creative process that shaped this ambitious and visually stunning period drama.