Dhurandhar: The Revenge Review: Expansive and Purposeful!

Dhurandhar: The Revenge, directed by Aditya Dhar, is the kind of sequel that arrives with weight, both in terms of expectations and, quite literally, the runtime. Clocking in at nearly four hours, this is not just a film; it’s a commitment. Naturally, the first thought that crosses your mind before walking in is: how am I going to sit through this? And more importantly, can the film justify that length? Because when a film stretches this far, it’s a gamble—not just for the audience, but for the filmmaker as well. If it fails to engage, those four hours can feel like eight. Thankfully, that’s not the case here.

Related – “Dhurandhar 1” Review: Meticulously Crafted Spy Thriller!

Picking up directly after the events of the first film, the story follows Indian agent Jaskirat Singh Rangi, now deeply embedded in Karachi’s underworld under the alias Hamza Ali Mazari. With the death of Rehman Dakait creating a dangerous power vacuum, Jaskirat begins his calculated rise through the ranks, slowly positioning himself as a key figure within Pakistan’s criminal and political network. What starts as an infiltration mission soon evolves into something far more complex, as he attempts to dismantle terror operations from within while maintaining his carefully constructed identity.

From the very beginning, Dhurandhar: The Revenge manages to hold your attention. The narrative is packed with enough story progression, character development, action sequences, tension, and twists to keep you invested. The film constantly gives you something to latch onto—whether it’s a high-stakes confrontation, an emotional beat, or a reveal that shifts the dynamics.

For the most part, the runtime doesn’t weigh the experience down. However, that doesn’t mean it’s flawless. There are definitely moments where the pacing dips, stretches where scenes linger longer than necessary or could have been trimmed altogether. These portions don’t derail the film, but they do remind you of its length.

Comparing it to the first film is inevitable. The original had a certain freshness to it—it introduced us to this world, these characters, and did so with a sense of excitement. There were songs, lighter moments, and a sense of discovery that made it more “fun” as an experience. With Dhurandhar 2, that novelty is naturally gone.

We already know these characters and the world they inhabit. So, the sequel leans heavily into its core, action and revenge. It becomes more focused, more intense, and more driven by narrative progression than by spectacle or musicality. While it may not replicate the same “fun” factor of the first film, it compensates by delivering a tighter, more serious continuation of the story. This is a film that will be remembered for its action and how effectively it carries forward its narrative without losing engagement.

What really stands out is how well-crafted the characters are. Spy thrillers work best when the characters feel layered and purposeful, and that’s exactly what Aditya Dhar achieves here. Every primary and supporting character feels important. There are no fillers—everyone has a role to play, a motive to pursue, and moments to shine. The writing ensures that every dialogue and action carries weight.

Even the newer additions blend seamlessly into the story. A particularly interesting inclusion is Brigadier Jahangir, played by Suvinder Pal Vicky, whose presence adds depth to Major Iqbal’s arc and gives us insight into what shaped him into the antagonist he becomes. It’s these layers that elevate the film beyond just a straightforward spy thrillers from the YRF Spy Universe.

The action, as expected, is top-notch. The opening sequence set in Jaskirat’s (Ranveer Singh) hometown immediately establishes the tone. It’s intense, gripping, and visually commanding. Throughout the film, there are several moments that feel grand in scale, thanks to strong choreography, well-designed setups, and effective cinematography by Vikash Nowlakha. These sequences aren’t just about spectacle; they’re integrated into the story, pushing it forward while maintaining tension.

Musically, Shashwat Sachdev, the composer, delivers a powerful background score that complements the film’s intensity. However, the issue lies in its placement. There are moments where the scene builds up perfectly, and you expect the score to elevate it further, but it either arrives too late or doesn’t hit as hard as it should. It’s a similar issue seen in films like Kalki 2898 AD, where the composition is strong, but the usage doesn’t always match the emotional peak of the scene. On the technical front, while casting by Mukesh Chhabra deserves credit, equal praise should go to the hair, makeup, and prosthetics team.

Performance-wise, the film is incredibly strong across the board. Ranveer Singh takes center stage and delivers a performance that demands attention. This role requires him to navigate a wide emotional spectrum, anger, pain, guilt, and internal conflict, and he handles it with conviction. There are standout moments in the film that are elevated purely because of his performance.

Sara Arjun, despite having a relatively smaller role, leaves an impact, especially in her scenes with Ranveer, which add emotional weight to the narrative. Arjun Rampal as the antagonist is menacing and effective, bringing a sense of danger that the film needs. The supporting cast, including Sanjay Dutt, Rakesh Bedi, and R. Madhavan, all contribute solid performances.

In the end, Dhurandhar: The Revenge is a bold and ambitious sequel that largely succeeds in what it sets out to do. It may not have the same sense of novelty or fun as its predecessor, and it does stumble slightly with pacing and background score placement, but it more than makes up for it with strong writing, compelling performances, and high-quality action. Most importantly, it keeps you engaged throughout its massive runtime—a feat in itself. This is a film that embraces scale, intensity, and character-driven storytelling, delivering a big-screen experience that feels both expansive and purposeful.

‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ Rating – 3.5/5