Dhurandhar Review: December 5, 2025 – Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar unfolds like a sprawling, high-stakes chess match where every move carries the weight of history. At its core, the film is a spy thriller, but it refuses to be boxed into a single genre, it is part political drama, part gangster saga, and part patriotic tribute. Ranveer Singh, in one of his most restrained yet magnetic performances, anchors the story with a quiet intensity that simmers beneath the surface. Gone is the flamboyance we often associate with him; here, he channels a controlled fire that makes his character both believable and compelling.
But if Ranveer is the anchor, Akshaye Khanna is the storm. His portrayal of Rehman Dakait is nothing short of mesmerizing, dangerous, unpredictable, and impossible to look away from. Every time he appears on screen, the tension spikes, and you’re reminded why Khanna remains one of Bollywood’s most underrated powerhouses. R. Madhavan, as the IB Chief, brings gravitas and calm authority, while Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Rampal lend their own weight to the ensemble, fleshing out a world that feels gritty and lived-in.
Dhurandhar Review in Short: Akshaye Khanna’s Villainy Overshadows Ranveer’s Heroics
Dhar’s direction is unapologetically ambitious. He weaves together threads from real-life tragedies—the IC-814 hijack, the Parliament attack, the 26/11 Mumbai siege, into a fictional narrative that feels both urgent and haunting. The recreation of Karachi’s Lyari underworld is particularly striking, immersing viewers in a world of shadows and danger. The cinematography in Dhurandhar is raw and immersive, the score pulsating and atmospheric, and while the runtime stretches beyond three hours, the film rarely loses its grip.
Yes, it could have been tighter. Yes, some tropes feel familiar. But Dhurandhar compensates with sheer scale and conviction. It’s not just telling a story; it’s making a statement about geopolitics, sacrifice, and the invisible battles fought by operatives who rarely get recognition.
Direction & Storytelling
Aditya Dhar crafts a tense, layered narrative that moves between India’s intelligence corridors and Karachi’s underworld. The film doesn’t shy away from political commentary, positioning Pakistan as the epicenter of terror networks, while also exploring the sacrifices of unsung operatives.
Technicals
- Cinematography: Gritty, immersive, with Karachi recreated in haunting detail.
- Music/Score: Atmospheric and powerful, heightening the tension.
- Editing: Could have been tighter—runtime is the film’s biggest hurdle.
- Performances
- Ranveer Singh delivers one of his most restrained yet magnetic performances, proving he can command intensity without flamboyance.
- Akshaye Khanna is the film’s dark jewel—his portrayal of Rehman Dakait is chilling, unpredictable, and unforgettable.
- R. Madhavan lends gravitas as the IB Chief, while Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Rampal add weight to the ensemble.