“This is the New India; it will enter your home and it will strike.” This isn’t just a dialogue; it is the soul of Aditya Dhar’s latest offering, Dhurandhar. While the premise might sound simple on paper, the execution is nothing short of spectacular. From direction to performances, the hard work is evident in every frame, keeping you glued to your seat for the entire runtime. So, what is the film about? Is it worth the hype? Let’s find out.
The Story: A Tight Script That Flies by in 3.5 Hours
The film opens with the haunting memories of the Kandahar hijack. India’s IB Chief Ajay Sanyal (R. Madhavan) wants to launch a fierce retaliation against the terrorists, but the government ignores his plan. However, years later, after the Parliament attack shakes the nation, the government finally greenlights Sanyal’s ambitious covert operation—Mission ‘Dhurandhar’.
Under this plan, Hamza (Ranveer Singh) is sent to Pakistan via Afghanistan. His first objective is to infiltrate the gang of the Lyari mafia don, Rahman Dakait (Akshaye Khanna). Hamza succeeds by saving Rahman’s son, earning a place in the syndicate. Amidst this high-stakes game, Hamza manipulates Elina (Sara Arjun), the daughter of influential figure Jameel Yamali (Rakesh Bedi), into falling in love with him for his mission.
The plot thickens when Hamza, accompanying Rahman, meets ISI Chief Major Iqbal (Arjun Rampal). In a chilling sequence, Iqbal executes the 26/11 Mumbai attacks right in front of Hamza’s eyes. Meanwhile, political greed leads Jameel Yamali to offer SP Chaudhary Aslam (Sanjay Dutt) a contract to kill Rahman Dakait. Will Hamza save Rahman to keep his cover? Will the Pakistani establishment discover Hamza’s true identity? To see the fate of this mission, you have to watch this 3-hour-30-minute saga.
Performances: Powerhouses at Work
The casting is so spot-on that it surprises you repeatedly. The film begins with R. Madhavan. Though his screen time is limited, an actor of his caliber needs only a few scenes to leave a mark—his expressions speak louder than words.
Ranveer Singh proves his versatility yet again. No matter how flamboyant he is off-screen, he transforms completely for the camera. He has fewer dialogues here, but his silent intensity does the heavy lifting. He molds himself perfectly into every scene.
Akshaye Khanna has a significant and meaty role. Unlike his fleeting appearance in Chhaava, here he is present throughout. His acting has always been top-notch, but he also looks incredibly handsome, reminding us of his 90s charm. Sara Arjun, playing a 19-year-old, does full justice to her role, bringing innocence and beauty to the screen.
Sanjay Dutt has a smaller but impactful role with a fun entry and punchy dialogues. Arjun Rampal looks terrifying, just as he did in the trailer, delivering a decent performance. The surprise package is Rakesh Bedi, who plays a difficult, chameleon-like character with ease, providing much-needed comic relief. Supporting acts by Manav Gohil, Saumya Tandon, and others are also commendable.
Direction: Aditya Dhar’s Sharp Vision
Writer-director Aditya Dhar, who gave us Uri: The Surgical Strike, once again catches the audience’s pulse. He pays attention to the smallest details, authentically recreating the atmosphere of Pakistan. Several scenes are genuinely terrifying and hit you hard.
Dialogues like, “Do you know the most beautiful thing about destiny? It changes when the time comes,” leave a deep impact. The makeup and looks of the cast are meticulously designed. Even small roles are played by seasoned actors, ensuring no weak links.
Ideally, songs and romance slow down spy thrillers, but Dhar navigates this skillfully. The romantic sub-plot doesn’t feel forced but essential to the script. Since the film traverses real historical events, the use of raw footage and audio clips adds a layer of gritty realism, reminding us of the deep wounds terrorism has inflicted on India.
Action, VFX, and Music
The action sequences go beyond what was teased in the trailer. They are shot brilliantly and help pace the narrative. The violence is present but not gratuitous. The VFX is used sparingly and effectively. The background score shifts with the mood, and the use of old Bollywood songs during intense action scenes is a masterstroke.
Verdict: The Cinema of New India
Dhurandhar brings something fresh to the table. Here, the spy looks like a real spy, not a superhero. The story is grounded in reality. Despite the 3.5-hour runtime (2-hour first half, 1.5-hour second half), the film rarely bores you.
This is the new cinema of New India—unapologetic and gripping. A must-watch. Caution: Please note that this is an A-rated film containing strong language and bloodshed, so it is strictly not for children or family viewing.
