A tense, large-scale thriller with notable performances and ambition, slightly held back by pacing and narrative heaviness but still a compelling watch for fans of geopolitics and espionage dramas.
Movie: Dhurandhar
Cast: Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun
Director: Aditya Dhar
Producers: Aditya Dhar, Jyoti Deshpande, Lokesh Dhar
Run Time: 3 hours 32 minutes
Release Date: 5th December 2025
Dhurandhar attempts an ambitious political-action narrative, bringing together some of India’s most defining national-security moments and weaving them into a fictional covert mission that spans borders, ideologies, and decades of conflict. The film opens with a gripping recreation of the IC-819 Kandahar hijack, introducing Madhavan as a seasoned Intelligence Bureau officer caught between diplomacy, pressure, and the urgent demands of counter-terror strategy. These initial sequences carry strong tension and a sharp portrayal of bureaucratic versus security dynamics, giving the film a powerful start.
The second grounding pillar—the 2001 Parliament attack—is staged with emotional heft and cinematic scale. Rather than serving as mere historical checkpoints, these events fuel Ajay Sanyal’s (Madhavan) long-term covert vision: dismantling the intertwined ecosystem of terror outfits, mafia syndicates, and cross-border extremism. The transition from real history to fictional espionage is handled smoothly and creates narrative momentum.
Ranveer Singh’s entry marks a tonal and structural shift as the story expands into an undercover mission across the Afghan–Pakistan corridor. His arc—playing a young Baloch recruited to infiltrate Karachi’s criminal networks—forms the film’s most immersive stretch. His slow integration into Rehman Dakait’s (Akshaye Khanna) world adds grit, tension, and emotional layering, with Ranveer delivering a raw and grounded performance that fuels the second half.
Akshaye Khanna stands out with a controlled, menacing presence. His portrayal of Rehman Dakait—strategic, ruthless, and eerily calm—gives the narrative its most unpredictable energy. His dynamic with Ranveer is one of the film’s strongest elements.
Screenplay & Direction
The film’s ambition is both its strength and occasional drawback. While the screenplay maintains coherence overall, certain transitions between geopolitical flashpoints, intelligence operations, and gangland infiltration feel dense. The pacing dips in a few mid-sections, and some narrative threads could have been sharpened for greater clarity. Still, tight editing in the action sequences and well-placed emotional beats keep the story on track. The direction successfully maintains a tone of urgency and layered conflict throughout.
Performances
Madhavan delivers a refined, thoughtful performance—grounded and authoritative.
Ranveer Singh brings intensity and vulnerability, elevating the undercover narrative.
Akshaye Khanna is magnetic, stealing scenes with his quiet, calculated menace.
Technical Aspects
Production design is a major win, authentically capturing the distinct atmospheres of Kabul, Karachi, and Indian intelligence corridors. The background score effectively enhances tension, though a few dramatic cues feel overemphasized. The action is clean, realistic, and avoids unnecessary extravagance.
Verdict
Dhurandhar is a gritty political-action thriller that dares to blend real national tragedies with a fictional covert mission. Its scale is impressive, though occasionally overwhelming, and the density of its narrative may challenge some viewers. But strong performances, meticulous detailing, and impactful storytelling ensure it remains engaging.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
