Release Date : Dec 05, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 3.25/5
Starring : Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun and others
Director : Aditya Dhar
Producers : Aditya Dhar, Jyoti Deshpande, Lokesh Dhar
Music Director : Shashwat Sachdev
Cinematographer : Vikash Nowlakha
Editor : Shivkumar V. Panicker
Related Links : Trailer
Ranveer Singh teamed up with Uri director Aditya Dhar for the spy action thriller Dhurandhar. Amid decent buzz and controversies, the movie hit the big screens today. Let’s see how it is.
Story:
Following a few terrorist attacks in India by Pakistan, including the 2001 Parliament attack, IB Chief Ajay Sanyal (Madhavan) plans a bold mission to destroy the enemy country by targeting its underworld. To carry out this risky operation, Sanyal recruits a person who disguises himself as Hamza Ali Mazari (Ranveer Singh). Did Hamza Ali execute the work designated to him? The answers unfold on the big screens.
Plus Points:
The majority of mainstream Bollywood films in the spy genre have taken a commercial route, with Raazi being one of the few exceptions. Dhurandhar falls into the minority that handles the genre in a realistic, grounded, and intense way, highlighting the risky lives of spies who go to any extent to safeguard the motherland.
Director Aditya Dhar deserves applause for the approach he has taken and for staying true to his vision throughout. The way he showcases Pakistan’s underworld, the fierce gang wars, and the cruelty of certain groups is impressive. One of the best things about Dhurandhar is its solid casting and strong characterizations, which add depth and keep the film from feeling like another routine spy thriller.
Both halves have plenty of moments that make the film worth the ticket price. The drama is well-built from the beginning, following the journeys of multiple characters. The action sequences are brutal, enhancing the film’s realism. There is a second part as well, and the solid ending only increases curiosity for the sequel.
Every actor delivered a phenomenal performance. The show-stealers, however, are Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna. Ranveer’s role as Hamza requires restraint, and he nails it completely. When he explodes, he sets the screen on fire with his intense action avatar. At times, Akshaye Khanna takes center stage, and Ranveer shows his security as an actor by respecting the script.
One can’t help but fall in love with Akshaye Khanna as his recent performances are turning out to be magical. While Chhaava showcased his brilliance with minimal dialogues and scenes, Dhurandhar reveals the beast within, presenting him in a far more powerful role. Akshaye Khanna’s commanding screen presence and majestic portrayal dominate every frame, making him one of the film’s biggest assets. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, Sanjay Dutt, Rakesh Bedi, and others provide excellent support.
Minus Points:
The runtime is very lengthy, and this might not sit well with everyone. Some scenes and the marriage song in the second half, involving Ayesha Khan, could have been trimmed for more impact.
Without an iota of doubt, Dhurandhar is a sincere and well-made spy saga, but since Bollywood films have explored this genre heavily in recent times, some sections of the audience might not show interest, and this, unfortunately, acts as a hindrance.
Technical Aspects:
The soundtrack by Shashwat Sachdev is pretty good, and the background score is scintillating, elevating the electrifying moments. Vikash Nowlakha’s cinematography is solid, effectively capturing the film’s intense mood. The editing is decent, though the movie could have done with trimming a few scenes. The production design is fabulous.
Coming to director Aditya Dhar, he did an excellent job. It’s evident that he has a lot more content up his sleeve, and the way he kept the narrative engaging throughout such a lengthy runtime is no less than a big feat.
Verdict:
On the whole, Dhurandhar is a gripping spy action thriller that is both earthy and intense. The film has enough meat to keep us invested for the most part, while compellingly narrating the tale of a spy inspired by real events. Ranveer Singh plays his role with subtlety, and when the focus shifts to action, he unleashes his raw intensity. However, it is Akshaye Khanna who takes the cake with his outstanding performance. The lengthy runtime and gory scenes might not suit everyone, and the current oversupply of the genre is a major drawback. But if you enjoy realistic spy stories, this one ends up being a good watch. Recommended.
123telugu.com Rating: 3.25/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team