Dhurandhar Review: Meticulously Crafted Spy Thriller!

Dhurandhar, written and directed by Aditya Dhar, is rooted in geopolitical tensions and historical intelligence failures that shaped India in the late 90s and early 2000s. Drawing inspiration from documented terror attacks and the criminal underworld of Karachi, the film situates itself at the intersection of espionage, gang warfare, and national security. With a sprawling runtime and a cast packed with familiar faces, the film sets out to depict the mechanics of covert operations rather than a single heroic mission, framing its story through long-term intelligence planning and infiltration rather than immediate spectacle like the YRF Spy Universe.

Related: Best Bollywood Movies on Netflix You Shouldn’t Miss!

The narrative unfolds in the aftermath of incidents like the IC-814 hijacking and the Indian Parliament attack, prompting IB director Ajay Sanyal to initiate a high-risk counter-terror operation. His strategy involves recruiting Jaskirat Singh Rangi, an unlikely asset who is trained and embedded deep within Karachi’s criminal ecosystem under the alias Hamza Ali Mazari. As Hamza gains the trust of powerful gang figures and navigates the violent nexus between organized crime and the ISI, the operation steadily escalates, revealing the cost of sustained undercover work.

Much of the discourse surrounding Dhurandhar since its release has revolved around labels. It has been called propaganda-driven, excessively violent, aggressively patriotic, anti-Pakistan, and steeped in toxic masculinity. However, after sitting with the film for several days, those descriptors feel reductive rather than accurate. The film does not sensationalize its subject matter beyond what the situations themselves demand. The brutality, political tension, and moral rigidity on display are not exaggerated for effect but emerge organically from the environments the story inhabits. When violence erupts, it mirrors the documented savagery of gang wars and terror networks rather than indulging in stylized excess.

Importantly, Dhurandhar does not invent threats to justify its narrative. The events it references and the systems it critiques are grounded in historical reality. Cross-border terrorism, institutional corruption, and criminal syndicates operating with political protection are not fictional constructs introduced for dramatic convenience. The film’s approach is observational rather than declarative. It presents a chain of cause and consequence without pausing to sermonize.

Patriotism here is functional, not ornamental. It exists because the characters operate within state machinery designed to respond to real attacks, real losses, and real failures. The film’s masculinity, often cited as a flaw, is portrayed less as a virtue and more as an occupational hazard shaped by secrecy, endurance, and emotional suppression. In that sense, this film feels less like an ideological statement and more like a reflection of the grim realities it chooses to depict.

Now coming to the actual core aspects of the movie, Dhurandhar very clearly carries that familiar Aditya Dhar signature. Much like Uri: The Surgical Strike and Article 370, the narrative is divided into chapters, giving the film a structured and methodical flow. This organization helps ground an otherwise sprawling story, especially one that spans multiple years, locations, and real-world events.

At its heart, the core story is genuinely gripping. It is tense, immersive, and consistently engaging, even when the runtime stretches. Dhar also smartly incorporates real footage and audio recordings from actual terror attacks. This approach works in the film’s favor, reinforcing the gravity of the subject matter and reminding us that the terror depicted is rooted in lived history, not cinematic exaggeration.

What also stood out was the decision to largely situate the film in Pakistan, particularly within Karachi’s criminal underbelly. The depiction of Lyari and its gang wars adds texture and authenticity to the narrative. Rather than presenting the setting as a vague backdrop, the film explores how these gang conflicts shaped the region and became entangled with larger geopolitical agendas. This grounding makes the story more relatable and disturbing, especially for us who have grown up witnessing the ripple effects of such terror.

The characters are sharply written, supported by hard-hitting dialogue that rarely feels ornamental. Ranveer Singh delivers a controlled and internalized performance as Hamza Ali Mazari. His portrayal of vulnerability, regret, and moral conflict is especially effective in moments where his actions unknowingly aid attacks on India. That internal collapse registers clearly in his eyes and body language.

Furthermore, the romantic subplot with Sara Arjun’s Yalina does slow the pacing at points, particularly given the already lengthy runtime, and this is where I thought the movie should move a bit quick. However, the narrative does justify her age and relevance to the mission, ensuring the relationship serves a purpose rather than existing as filler.

Akshaye Khanna, however, is the film’s standout. As Rehman Dakait, he completely inhabits the role. Every gesture, pause, and line delivery radiates menace and charisma in equal measure. His performance commands attention whenever he is on screen. Sanjay Dutt brings weight to SP Chaudhary Aslam, Arjun Rampal is imposing as Major Iqbal, and R. Madhavan lends restraint and authority to Ajay Sanyal. Supporting players like Danish Pandor as Uzair and Naveen Kaushik as Donga further strengthen the ensemble, making the criminal network feel lived-in, authentic and dangerous.

The technical craft of Dhurandhar deserves equal praise. Aditya Dhar’s musical sensibilities, similar to Sandeep Reddy Vanga, shine through his use of older tracks and contemporary compositions that fit seamlessly into the narrative. Shashwat Sachdev’s work on the songs, background score, and sound design is particularly impressive, heightening tension without overwhelming scenes. Production designer Saini S. Johray and set decorator Ashita Jha convincingly recreate the streets of Karachi, while the makeup, hair, and prosthetics teams led by Preetisheel Singh D’Souza, Renu Das, and Smita Das add authenticity to the real-life portrayals.

Overall, Dhurandhar is an ambitious, meticulously crafted spy thriller that thrives on its realism, performances, and technical precision. While its length and occasional pacing issues hold it back from being airtight, the film remains immersive and compelling. Aditya Dhar delivers a film that is intense, grounded, and confident in its storytelling, making this movie a significant entry in contemporary Hindi political thrillers.

‘Dhurandhar’ Rating – 3.75/5

---