After a two-year hiatus from the big screen, Ranveer Singh storms back with Dhurandhar– a sprawling espionage thriller that blends real-life geopolitics with high-stakes covert operations. In this Dhurandhar Movie Review, we dive into Aditya Dhar’s ambitious, three-and-a-half-hour saga that’s already buzzing for its scale, ensemble cast, and the promise of a massive cinematic universe.
The film arrives not just as Ranveer’s return, but as one of 2025’s biggest Hindi releases- inspired by RAW missions, the IC-814 hijacking, the 2001 Parliament attack, and the infamous Operation Lyari in Karachi. With a cast featuring R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi, Dhurandhar positions itself as a dense, politically charged actioner that wants to say a lot- sometimes to a fault.
The Plot: Spies, Shadows, and a City Teetering on Chaos
At the centre of Dhar’s story is Hamza Ali Mazhari (Ranveer Singh), an undercover RAW agent tasked with infiltrating Karachi’s terror networks from within. His mission puts him on a collision course with dangerous men- including Akshaye Khanna’s magnetic and menacing Rehman Dakait, Arjun Rampal’s icy ISI officer Major Iqbal (aka the “Angel of Death”), and Sanjay Dutt’s ruthless ex-SP Chaudhry Aslam Khan.
Parallelly, R. Madhavan plays IB Chief Ajay Sanyal, coordinating these covert missions amidst the political firestorms of 1999 and 2001. The stakes are national, the consequences personal, and the screenplay constantly oscillates between ground-level action and intelligence-room strategy.
The first half is world-building heavy- loaded with jargon, character setups, and layers of political detail. Some of this works beautifully, especially when the screenplay focuses on emotional beats or sharp dialogue, but certain segments feel over-explained and weighed down by subplots (including a slightly forced romantic thread).
The second half, however, is where Dhurandhar truly finds its pulse. The narrative tightens, the action becomes relentless, and Ranveer’s performance explodes in the final 30 minutes- easily his strongest work since Padmaavat.
Performances: A Solid Ensemble Backing a Fiery Ranveer
If there’s one area where Dhurandhar doesn’t falter, it’s the cast.
Dhurandhar thrives on its powerhouse lineup, and the cast delivers exactly what a film of this scale demands. Ranveer Singh leads with a fiery comeback, hitting peak form in the final act where his transformation adds real emotional weight and explosive intensity.
R. Madhavan is exceptional as Ajay Sanyas- steady, strategic and quietly commanding. His performance grounds the film and gives its espionage track real credibility. Akshaye Khanna, as Rehman Dakait, is the scene-stealer; his chilling calm and magnetic presence make every appearance unforgettable.
Arjun Rampal brings a cold, calculated menace as Major Iqbal, while Sanjay Dutt’s ruthless screen presence adds raw power whenever he shows up. Sara Arjun impresses in her debut, offering sincerity and emotional depth in a story dominated by chaos and conflict.
Together, the ensemble becomes one of Dhurandhar’s strongest pillars, elevating even the slower stretches of the screenplay.
This is one of those rare films where almost every actor leaves a mark.
Technical Craft
Shashwat Sachdev’s background score is a beast– pulsating through action sequences, elevating silences, and adding urgency whenever the screenplay meanders.
The action choreography is gritty and brutal, keeping with Dhar’s raw tone. The pacing does fluctuate, but the filmmaking ambition is unmistakable. Dhar builds a universe and isn’t afraid to let it unfold slowly- sometimes a bit too slowly.
And yes- don’t miss the post-credit scene. It sets up Part 2, releasing on 19 March 2026 (Eid).
What Works
- Powerful performances across the board
- High-voltage second half with gripping action
- Strong world-building inspired by real events
- Stellar background score
- Ranveer’s explosive final stretch
What Doesn’t
- Lengthy runtime that could have been trimmed
- Overloaded first half with heavy exposition
- Romantic portions feel out of place
- Occasional narrative dips
Also read: Khatarnak Jasoos
Final Verdict
Dhurandhar is an ambitious, gritty, big-screen thriller that delivers more often than it stumbles. While the long runtime and dense writing may challenge some viewers, the performances- especially Ranveer, Madhavan, and Akshaye Khanna- make the journey rewarding.
It’s intense, atmospheric, and very much built for theatres. A worthy comeback for Ranveer Singh and an exciting setup for an even bigger sequel.
The Review
Dhurandhar
Dhurandhar delivers a gripping blend of espionage, action and emotion, powered by standout performances and a thrilling second half, even though the runtime occasionally drags.
PROS
- Outstanding performances, especially Ranveer, Madhavan & Akshaye.
- Gripping, high-adrenaline second half with strong payoff.
- BGM and action sequences elevate the impact.
CONS
- irst half drags with heavy exposition.
- Romantic track feels unnecessary.
- Runtime could be trimmed for tighter pacing.
