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. bombay velvet deleted scenes
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
deleted scenes Anurag Kashyap's Bombay Velvet represent a missing "Director's Cut" that fans and critics believe could have fundamentally altered the film's legacy. While the theatrical release ran for 149 minutes, the original director’s cut reportedly spanned 188 minutes , leaving nearly 40 minutes of footage on the cutting room floor. The Impact of the Deleted Scenes
The removal of these scenes was largely driven by pressure to recover the film's massive budget and meet Censor Board (CBFC) requirements for a UA certificate Emotional Depth & Romance: Looking at the "lost" version of Bombay Velvet
Director Anurag Kashyap has noted that the most significant losses were intimate and character-building scenes between the leads, Johnny Balraj ( Ranbir Kapoor ) and Rosie Noronha ( Anushka Sharma
). He intended for them to be a couple who "could not keep their hands off each other," but the CBFC mandated the removal of almost all kissing and passionate intimacy. Narrative Pacing:
Critics argue that the theatrical version felt rushed, particularly in the first 30 minutes, where romance and atmosphere were sacrificed for a faster pace. Political Subplots:
Several complex political subplots that wove into the tabloid wars and real estate scams of 1960s Bombay were simplified or removed, leading to what some called "inconsistent" storytelling. Specific Cut Content: A quieter denouement where Kaizad reflects on choices,
Notable removals included a scene of a politician harassing a woman and several instances of "abusive" language. The Role of Editing
Some trimmed scenes alter the emotional tone of the climax:
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.
Bombay Velvet (2015), directed by Anurag Kashyap, is a stylized period crime drama set in 1960s Bombay that blends noir influences with Bollywood melodrama. While the theatrical cut delivered a polarizing mix of visual ambition and narrative unevenness, several deleted scenes—released in interviews, DVD extras, and by cast/crew—offer useful context about characters, plot motivations, and pacing choices that shaped the final film.
The intrigue surrounding deleted scenes often leads to discussions among fans and film enthusiasts. For 'Bombay Velvet', these conversations highlight the film's ambition and its attempt to portray a bygone era through a captivating narrative. While one can only speculate on the impact of these scenes on the overall reception of the film, they undoubtedly constitute an interesting aspect of 'Bombay Velvet's' history.
There was a character named Raymond, played by British actor and model, Keith Michael Douglas, which was significantly cut down from the final version of the film. Raymond was a character with more prominence in the initial script, who was supposed to be a key figure in Johnny's journey. His presence added another layer to the narrative but was eventually reduced.