In the crowded landscape of Bollywood spy thrillers, Dhurandhar stands out as a bold, ambitious entry. Directed by Aditya Dhar, this Hindi action drama blends gritty underworld intrigue with high-stakes espionage. Released just days ago, it has sparked intense buzz among fans. Ranveer Singh leads a stellar ensemble in a tale inspired by real events. The film dives deep into themes of loyalty, revenge, and national pride. If you’re searching for a Dhurandhar movie review that covers every angle, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s break it down.
Movie Overview
Here’s a quick snapshot of the film’s key details in a handy table:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Movie Title | Dhurandhar |
| Release Date | December 5, 2025 |
| Language and Genre | Hindi, Spy Action Thriller |
| Director | Aditya Dhar |
| Producer | Jyoti Deshpande, Aditya Dhar, Lokesh Dhar |
| Production House | Jio Studios, B62 Studios |
| Running Time | 3 hours 34 minutes |
| Budget (Approx.) | ₹250–280 crore |
| Box Office Collection (Approx.) | ₹268.60 crore worldwide |
This big-budget spectacle reflects its scale. The numbers show it connected with audiences right from day one.
Cast and Crew
The ensemble shines bright in Dhurandhar. Here’s the main lineup:
- Ranveer Singh as Hamza: The enigmatic undercover agent at the story’s heart. His transformation is raw and riveting.
- Akshaye Khanna as Rehman Dakait: A cunning mafia don whose swag steals scenes. Khanna’s finesse elevates the tension.
- R. Madhavan as Ajay Sanyal: The sharp Intelligence Bureau chief driving the operation. Madhavan’s intensity grounds the chaos.
- Sanjay Dutt: In a pivotal supporting role as a hardened operative. His presence adds gravitas.
- Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal: The ISI officer with chilling menace. Rampal’s limited screen time packs a punch.
- Sara Arjun: Plays a key ally with quiet strength. Her debut here feels natural and assured.
No major cameos, but the cast feels like a dream team. Standout performances include Singh’s feral energy and Khanna’s sly charm. They make every confrontation electric.
Storyline / Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Dhurandhar unfolds against real terror milestones like the 1999 IC-814 hijack and 2001 Parliament attack. It follows Hamza, a mysterious operative who infiltrates Karachi’s brutal Lyari gang wars. Tasked by IB chief Ajay Sanyal, he rises through the ranks of a shadowy underworld nexus tied to the ISI. The central conflict pits personal vendettas against national duty. Betrayals loom large, and loyalty hangs by a thread.
The emotional core? A man’s inner fire clashing with the cold machinery of espionage. Dhar weaves patriotism into the grit without preaching. It’s tense, layered, and hooks you early. No major twists spoiled here—just know it builds to a saga that screams sequel.
Direction, Screenplay, and Editing
Aditya Dhar’s vision pulses with audacity. Fresh off Uri, he crafts a world that’s immersive and unforgiving. The storytelling spans chapters, mirroring a gangster epic more than a straight spy flick. It echoes The Godfather in its family-like bonds amid bloodshed.
The screenplay, co-written by Dhar, Shivkumar V. Panicker, and Ojas Gautam, crackles with sharp dialogues. Lines land like punches, blending Urdu flair with Hindi fire. Pacing starts brisk but stretches in the second half—those 3+ hours test patience at times. Yet, unique techniques keep it fresh: non-linear flashbacks reveal backstories organically. Editing by Shivkumar V. Panicker ties the sprawl together. Cuts are crisp during action, but quieter moments breathe. Overall, it’s a director’s cut that rewards focus.
Cinematography, Visuals, and Music
Vikash Nowlakha’s camera work is a feast. Karachi’s underbelly comes alive in shadowy alleys and rain-slicked streets. Handheld shots amp up the chaos during gang clashes. VFX handles explosions and chases with polish—no cheap greenscreen here. The visuals evoke a lived-in menace, blending 90s grit with modern sheen.
Shashwat Sachdev’s score is the film’s secret weapon. Pulsing synths build dread, while retro Bappi Lahiri remixes nod to nostalgia. Songs like “Ishq Jalakar” fuse rap and melody for anthemic highs. The background music syncs perfectly with emotional beats—think swelling strings during betrayals. Together, they heighten the patriotic fury and heartbreak. It’s not just heard; it’s felt.
Performances
Ranveer Singh roars back as Hamza. Gone is the over-the-top energy; here, he’s restrained yet scorching. His eyes convey rage and vulnerability in equal measure. A scene of quiet reckoning? Pure chills. Akshaye Khanna matches him as the suave villain—his smirks and stares ooze control. Their chemistry simmers like a powder keg.
Madhavan anchors the Indian side with steely resolve. Sanjay Dutt brings weathered wisdom, his baritone booming in key monologues. Arjun Rampal’s icy poise as the antagonist lingers. Sara Arjun holds her own, adding warmth to the testosterone storm. Supporting turns from Rakesh Bedi and others flesh out the web. Emotional peaks—like a father’s lament—hit hard, thanks to this crew’s synergy. It’s ensemble gold.
Audience and Critics’ Response
Dhurandhar has divided yet dazzled. Critics praise its ambition but nitpick the bloat. Audiences? They’re all in. Here’s a table of major ratings:
| Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
| IMDb | 8.5/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Critics) | 50% |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Audience) | 95% |
| Google Users | 88% liked it |
Sentiment leans positive. Critics call it a “muscular thriller” with “outstanding craft,” per Times of India (3.5/5). Bollywood Hungama hails it 4.5/5 for “big-screen magic.” Social media buzzes with praise for action and Singh’s arc. According to online discussions on Movierulz and other film forums, users have been actively debating the film’s storyline twists and powerhouse performances. Pakistani reactions mix intrigue with edge, per Instagram reels. It’s a word-of-mouth winner, especially among thriller buffs.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Explosive Performances: Singh and Khanna redefine intensity. The cast elevates every frame.
- Immersive World-Building: Dhar’s Karachi feels real and ruthless. Action sequences are top-tier.
- Sonic Brilliance: Sachdev’s score weaves emotion and edge seamlessly.
Weaknesses:
- Overlong Runtime: At 3+ hours, it drags in subplots. Trims could tighten the grip.
- Pacing Hiccups: Second half meanders before the rush. Some tropes feel familiar.
These flaws don’t derail the ride, but they temper perfection.
Final Verdict
Dhurandhar is a beast of a film—raw, relentless, and richly rewarding for patient viewers. It redefines Indian spy tales with heart and havoc. Thriller lovers and action fans will devour it; families, skip for the violence. Patriotic pulses will race. My take? A solid 8/10. Catch it in theaters before the sequel hype builds.