After nearly two years away from the big screen, Bollywood’s ever-energetic Ranveer Singh makes a thunderous comeback with Dhurandhar, an ambitious spy-action thriller that hit theatres on December 5. Directed by National Award winner Aditya Dhar, who earlier impressed audiences with Uri, the film arrives with massive anticipation and an ensemble cast featuring Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Akshaye Khanna, Sara Arjun and others. As soon as the first-day-first-show wrapped, #DhurandharReview took over social media, and reactions from viewers began pouring in with equal parts praise, frustration, and awe.

While the film’s scale, intent, and performances are widely applauded, Dhurandhar also finds itself weighed down by its staggering runtime—clocking in at 3 hours and 32 minutes—making it one of Bollywood's lengthiest releases in recent years. Critics and audiences alike agree that trimming a solid hour would have given the film a sharper, more gripping edge. Yet, despite its pacing woes, Dhurandhar lands enough punches to keep the spy-thriller faithful invested.

A Spy Thriller With Grit, Gore & a Grounded Vision

Unlike commercial espionage dramas that rely on slick action and larger-than-life heroes, Dhurandhar positions itself among the rare Bollywood titles—much like Raazi—that choose a realistic, intense, and morally complex approach. Aditya Dhar stays uncompromisingly true to this vision, depicting espionage as a world of deep-cover identities, underworld wars, and the brutal, unseen sacrifices made by spies.

The story unfolds in the aftermath of cross-border terror strikes—ranging from the IC-814 Kandahar hijacking in 1999 and the 2001 Parliament attack to global tragedies like 9/11 and India’s harrowing 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Using archival footage and a layered narrative, Dhar explores how intelligence agencies found themselves pushed to extremes, crafting covert strategies to dismantle terror networks operating through Pakistan’s underworld.

R. Madhavan delivers a commanding performance as IB Chief Ajay Sanyal, the mastermind behind one such operation. Faced with an escalating wave of attacks, Sanyal recruits a man to go undercover as Hamza Ali Mazari—played by Ranveer Singh—to infiltrate enemy ranks. What follows is a dark, violent journey that spans nearly a decade, weaving political tremors, intelligence rivalries, and gangland brutality with relentless tension.

Ranveer Singh: Fiery, Restrained & Fiercely Human

While Dhurandhar boasts a galaxy of powerful actors, Ranveer Singh remains its beating heart. Playing Hamza, he sheds the flamboyant persona he is often associated with, delivering instead a raw, wounded, and intensely measured performance. His character isn’t portrayed as a flamboyant super-spy like Pathaan or Tiger—he’s a simple man willing to bury himself in danger for his country. Moments of his emotional turmoil—pain, guilt, love, rage, unpredictability—hit with authenticity, especially in the film’s explosive final 30 minutes.

However, several viewers felt Ranveer was underutilised during long stretches, with subplots and secondary characters occasionally overshadowing him. His romantic scenes with Sara Arjun, in particular, were widely criticised. The pairing felt forced to many, and the noticeable age gap pulled viewers out of the narrative rather than deepening it.

Akshaye Khanna Steals the Show

If Ranveer is the film’s fiery core, Akshaye Khanna is undoubtedly its soul. Portraying a character loosely inspired by gangster Rehman Dakait, Khanna commands every frame with magnetic intensity. His recent streak of incredible performances continues, but Dhurandhar elevates him to a league of his own—mysterious, powerful, ruthless, yet strangely dignified. Many viewers walked out praising him as the film’s biggest asset.

Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R. Madhavan further elevate the narrative with authoritative performances. Even with a crowded ensemble, no character feels wasted—a testament to Dhar’s careful structuring. Rakesh Bedi also adds much-needed comedic relief, breaking the film’s suffocating tension without disrupting its tone.

Sara Arjun, though criticised for her romantic track with Ranveer, plays her role with sincerity and leaves an emotional mark.

A Story Told in Chapters: Dhar’s Signature Style

One of the most distinctive creative choices Dhar employs is narrating Dhurandhar in chapters—each functioning like a self-contained vignette that progresses the overarching story. This unconventional structure brings clarity and thematic completeness to each arc, even as the runtime stretches endlessly.

The final chapter, titled “Et Tu, Brutus?”, pays homage to Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, hinting at betrayal and hidden loyalties. One chilling sequence recreates real voice communications between terrorists and handlers during the 26/11 attacks—an intensely unsettling moment that left viewers shaken.

The camerawork by Vikash Nowlakha is equally immersive—sometimes unnervingly so. Whether it’s the dusty valleys of Afghanistan, the brutal streets of Lyari, or the desolate terrains of Balochistan, the cinematography brings a documentary-like realism. The violence is grisly but purposeful, never glamorised for spectacle.

Music & Background Score: A Vital Pulse

Shashwat Sachdev’s soundtrack plays a critical role in shaping the emotional and narrative beats of Dhurandhar. Tracks like “Ez-Ez,” the title theme, and “Ishq Jalakar-Karvaan” energise the film, though the item numbers feel unnecessary and disrupt momentum.

The background score, however, is sensational. Frenetic, haunting, and adrenaline-pumping when required, it amplifies both action and silence, making the film’s emotional arcs even more striking.

Where Dhurandhar Stumbles: The Runtime Problem

The biggest complaint across reviews—both professional and FDFS—is the film’s exhausting length. At 3 hours and 32 minutes, it tests audience patience, especially in the sluggish first half. Some scenes, particularly a marriage track involving Ayesha Khan, add little value and could have been trimmed.

Additionally, the recent surge of Bollywood spy thrillers may cause fatigue among viewers, making Dhurandhar feel familiar despite its unique craftsmanship.

Controversy Surrounding Major Mohit Sharma

Before and after release, Dhurandhar has been caught in a swirl of speculation claiming Ranveer’s character is based on decorated officer Major Mohit Sharma. Director Aditya Dhar issued an official clarification, stating the film is not a biopic or a portrayal of Sharma’s covert operations. Yet, the officer’s family has reportedly approached the Delhi High Court seeking clarity and a potential stay, citing concerns over national security.

The film instead explores the ideological strategies behind espionage, drawing from historical rhetoric such as Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s doctrine of prolonged conflict—a conceptual seed for the covert strategies that followed.

Part Two Announced: The Saga Continues in 2026

Dhurandhar concludes on a dramatic cliffhanger, immediately followed by the announcement of its sequel, releasing on March 19, 2026—Eid weekend. The film is set to clash with Yash’s highly anticipated Toxic and Ajay Devgn’s Dhamaal 4. Contrary to rumours, Ranveer’s character does not die in Part 1; the story has much more to explore, and Dhar hints that Part 2 dives deeper into the geopolitical complexities introduced here.

Final Verdict: A Raw, Gripping, Flawed Yet Powerful Spy Epic

Dhurandhar is not a perfect film. The pacing issues are undeniable, some tracks feel unnecessary, and the runtime will certainly alienate viewers who prefer crisp, fast-paced thrillers. But the film’s strengths—phenomenal performances, grounded storytelling, atmospheric action, rich cinematography, and audacious direction—make it a compelling experience.

Ranveer Singh delivers one of the finest performances of his career, while Akshaye Khanna’s brilliance lingers long after the credits roll. Madhavan, Dutt, and Rampal add further gravitas, making the ensemble one of the film’s biggest victories.

For viewers who appreciate realistic, intense espionage dramas inspired by real-world events rather than glossy fantasy, Dhurandhar is absolutely worth a watch—especially in theatres, where its scale and sound design truly shine.

*Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Vygr’s views.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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