Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar is not just a film; it is a cinematic statement—ambitious in scale, uncompromising in tone, and unapologetically intense. Clocking in at a formidable 214 minutes, this Hindi-language spy action thriller aims to place itself among the most detailed and hard-hitting intelligence dramas ever made in Indian cinema. Whether it always succeeds is debatable, but there is no denying its intent, craft, and sheer audacity.
From its very first chapter, “The Price of Peace,” Dhurandhar establishes a dark, uneasy atmosphere rooted in geopolitical realities that still haunt the subcontinent. Though officially classified as fiction, the film draws heavily from real-life incidents such as the 1999 IC-814 hijacking, the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and Operation Lyari. This grounding gives the narrative an unsettling authenticity that lingers long after the credits roll.
Performance-Driven Storytelling
At the heart of Dhurandhar lies a career-defining performance by Ranveer Singh. As Hamza Ali Mazari—later revealed as Jaskirat Singh Rangi—Singh undergoes a chilling transformation. His portrayal balances vulnerability, suppressed rage, and calculated brutality, making Hamza one of the most complex undercover agents seen on screen in recent years. Singh’s physicality and emotional restraint elevate the role beyond mere action-hero territory.
Akshaye Khanna is nothing short of magnetic as Rehman Dakait. He brings quiet menace and tragic depth to a character that could have easily become one-dimensional. Every scene featuring Khanna crackles with tension, and his arc is one of the film’s strongest pillars. R. Madhavan, as IB chief Ajay Sanyal, delivers a controlled, understated performance, embodying the moral ambiguity and heavy burden of intelligence leadership. Sanjay Dutt’s SP Chaudhary Aslam is raw and intimidating, while Arjun Rampal’s Major Iqbal is chillingly effective as a symbol of institutionalized cruelty.
The supporting cast—particularly Sara Arjun as Yalina Jamali and Gaurav Gera as Mohammad Aalam—adds emotional grounding to an otherwise relentless narrative. Their presence humanizes a story dominated by power, betrayal, and violence.
Direction, Cinematography & World-Building
Aditya Dhar’s direction is confident and meticulous. He treats the subject matter with seriousness, refusing to dilute its brutality for mass appeal. The eight-chapter structure helps compartmentalize the sprawling narrative, though it cannot entirely prevent pacing issues. Some stretches feel overextended, especially in the middle portions, and a tighter edit could have significantly improved the film’s overall impact.
Visually, Dhurandhar is stunning. Cinematographer Vikash Nowlakha captures Karachi’s underbelly, Ladakh’s stark landscapes, and Mumbai’s chaos with equal finesse. The production design and location work—spanning Thailand, Punjab, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh—add remarkable authenticity. Action sequences are brutal, grounded, and refreshingly free of unnecessary stylization.
Music, Sound & Atmosphere
Shashwat Sachdev’s music complements the film’s tone rather than overpowering it. The soundtrack, especially the title track and “Ishq Jalakar (Karvaan),” blends modern intensity with classic influences. Background scoring is used effectively to build tension without becoming intrusive. The song “Shararat” provides a brief stylistic departure, though it slightly disrupts the otherwise grim narrative flow.
Strengths, Flaws & Final Verdict
The biggest strength of Dhurandhar lies in its ambition—few Hindi films attempt such a layered, politically charged narrative with this level of detail. Its ensemble cast, strong performances, technical excellence, and morally complex storytelling make it a standout cinematic experience.
However, its length is also its greatest weakness. At over three and a half hours, the film demands patience and emotional stamina. Not every subplot lands with equal impact, and casual viewers may find it exhausting rather than immersive.
Still, for audiences who appreciate serious spy thrillers rooted in realism, Dhurandhar delivers an experience that is both unsettling and unforgettable. It sets the stage powerfully for its sequel, Dhurandhar: Part 2 – Revenge, and leaves viewers eager to see how the story unfolds.
For more in-depth and honest reviews like this, stay connected with Movie Ka Ticket, explore exclusive insights on MovieKaTicket.com, and don’t forget to check updates on the MovieKaTicket Films Review App—your trusted destination for cinema that matters.