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If you’re a fan of edge-of-your-seat spy thrillers with heart-pounding action and emotional depth, then “Dhurandhar” is the movie you’ve been waiting for. Released on December 5, 2025, this Aditya Dhar directorial has taken Bollywood by storm, proving that Indian cinema can deliver world-class espionage dramas that rival Hollywood’s best.
What Makes Dhurandhar Special?
Dhurandhar (meaning “Stalwart”) isn’t just another action movie—it’s an ambitious cinematic experience inspired by real-life covert operations. The film draws from actual events involving India’s Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and Operation Lyari, a government-led crackdown on criminal syndicates in Karachi, Pakistan.
Director Aditya Dhar, who previously gave us the blockbuster “Uri: The Surgical Strike,” returns after six years with an even more ambitious project. With a runtime of 214 minutes (3 hours and 32 minutes), Dhurandhar is one of the longest Indian films ever made—and trust me, every minute counts!
The Powerhouse Cast
One of the biggest strengths of Dhurandhar is its stellar ensemble cast:
- Ranveer Singh leads as a mysterious R&AW agent who infiltrates Pakistan’s underworld
- Akshaye Khanna delivers a knockout performance as gangster Rehman Dakait
- R. Madhavan plays National Security Advisor Ajit Doval
- Sanjay Dutt portrays a character based on Pakistani police officer Chaudhry Aslam Khan
- Arjun Rampal takes on the role inspired by militant-turned-terrorist Ilyas Kashmiri
- Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi round out the cast with memorable supporting roles
Each actor brings their A-game, creating characters that feel authentic and deeply human despite the larger-than-life circumstances.
The Story That Hooks You From Frame One
The narrative kicks off with the traumatic 1999 Kandahar hijacking and the devastating 2001 Parliament attack. These events set in motion Operation Dhurandhar, a covert mission that sends an Indian agent deep into enemy territory.
Ranveer Singh’s character assumes the identity of Hamza Ali Mazari, working at a juice shop in Karachi’s Lyari area while navigating dangerous gang rivalries. What unfolds is a masterclass in spy tradecraft, featuring Shakespearean betrayals, political intrigue, and breathtaking action sequences.
The beauty of Dhurandhar lies in how it balances multiple narrative threads—the agent’s dangerous mission, the complex web of criminal politics in Karachi, and the larger geopolitical tensions between nations. It’s a chess game played with human lives, where one wrong move could mean disaster.
Visual Brilliance and Technical Excellence
Let’s talk about what makes Dhurandhar a visual feast:
Cinematography
The film captures the gritty, dangerous atmosphere of Karachi’s underworld while maintaining stunning visual composition. Every frame is meticulously crafted to enhance the tension and drama.
Action Sequences
The action is described as gritty and realistic, avoiding the over-the-top CGI spectacles that plague many modern action films. The hand-to-hand combat feels visceral and intense.
Background Score
The background music receives a perfect 10/10 rating from viewers, elevating emotional moments and amplifying the tension during crucial scenes.
Key Facts About Dhurandhar
- Release Date: December 5, 2025
- Runtime: 214 minutes (3 hours 32 minutes)
- Director: Aditya Dhar
- Production: Jio Studios and B62 Studios
- IMDB Rating: 8.4/10 (early ratings)
- Box Office: Crossed ₹180 crore in just six days
- Certificate: A (Adults Only) due to strong violence
- Language: Hindi
- Genre: Spy Action Thriller
- Sequel: Dhurandhar Part 2 scheduled for March 19, 2026
Dhurandhar vs Other Spy Thrillers: A Comparison
Dhurandhar vs Pathaan
- Storyline: Dhurandhar offers deeper narrative complexity and character development
- Realism: More grounded approach compared to Pathaan’s stylized action
- Runtime: Dhurandhar is significantly longer (214 min vs 146 min)
- Tone: Darker and more serious versus Pathaan’s mass entertainment approach
Dhurandhar vs War
- Character Focus: Dhurandhar provides more ensemble character depth
- Plot Complexity: Multi-layered espionage narrative vs straightforward action
- Violence: Dhurandhar is more graphic and intense
- Inspiration: Based on real events unlike War’s fictional premise
Dhurandhar vs URI: The Surgical Strike
- Director: Same director (Aditya Dhar) with evolved storytelling
- Scope: Dhurandhar is more ambitious with international intrigue
- Scale: Bigger budget and longer runtime
- Approach: More noir and gritty compared to URI’s patriotic fervor
Read Also: Yodha Movie (2024)
What Critics Are Saying
The film has received mixed-to-positive reviews, with critics praising several aspects while noting some concerns:
The Praise:
- Outstanding performances from the entire cast
- Impressive world-building and atmosphere
- Intelligent writing and complex character arcs
- Technical excellence in cinematography and music
- Successfully holds audience attention despite epic runtime
The Criticism:
- Some feel the pacing could be tighter in certain sections
- Concerns about overt jingoism in places
- Critics noted perceived narrative inconsistencies
- The lengthy runtime might test patience for some viewers
Why the Runtime Works
Yes, 214 minutes is long—really long. But here’s the thing: the film manages to construct this lengthy narrative without losing the audience. The extended runtime allows you to fully immerse yourself in the complex, dark world of espionage and underworld politics.
Think of it like a binge-worthy web series compressed into one theatrical experience. You’re not just watching a mission unfold; you’re living alongside these characters, understanding their motivations, and feeling the weight of every decision they make.
The Emotional Impact
Beyond the action and thrills, Dhurandhar packs an emotional punch. Particularly powerful is the scene depicting the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which evokes shock, disgust, and sadness. These moments ground the film in real human tragedy, reminding us of the stakes involved.
The film doesn’t shy away from showing the cost of espionage work—the moral compromises, the psychological toll, and the sacrifices made in the name of national security.
Box Office Performance
Dhurandhar has proven to be a commercial success despite initial uncertainty:
- Opened strong with positive word-of-mouth
- Crossed ₹180 crore within six days
- On track to become Ranveer Singh’s third highest-grossing film
- Currently the fifth highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025
- Digital rights acquired by Netflix for ₹130 crore
The film’s success demonstrates that audiences are hungry for intelligent, well-crafted spy thrillers that don’t underestimate their intelligence.
Should You Watch Dhurandhar?
Watch it if you love:
- Intelligent spy thrillers with depth
- Character-driven narratives
- Realistic action sequences
- Ensemble casts delivering powerful performances
- Films based on real events
- Complex political dramas
Skip it if:
- You prefer shorter, fast-paced movies
- Graphic violence makes you uncomfortable
- You’re looking for light, family entertainment
- You’re not in the mood for a serious, intense experience
The Verdict
Dhurandhar is a bold, ambitious film that pushes the boundaries of Indian commercial cinema. It’s not perfect—the runtime might feel excessive to some, and there are moments where the pacing dips—but it’s a genuinely impressive piece of filmmaking.
This film represents intelligent writing, peak performances, and a thoughtfully built experimental take on commercial cinema. It proves that Bollywood can create sophisticated spy thrillers that compete with the best international offerings.
With a sequel already scheduled for March 2026, Dhurandhar is clearly aiming to build a comprehensive cinematic universe. If this first installment is any indication, we’re in for an exciting ride.
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Final Rating: 4/5 Stars
Dhurandhar is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates well-crafted cinema. Grab your popcorn, settle in for the long haul, and prepare to be transported into the shadowy world of espionage where heroes operate in the grey areas of morality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Dhurandhar based on a true story?
Yes, Dhurandhar draws inspiration from real-life covert operations conducted by India’s Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). The plot is loosely based on Operation Lyari, an actual government-led crackdown against criminal gangs in Karachi’s Lyari area. While the film takes creative liberties for dramatic effect, it’s rooted in actual geopolitical tensions and espionage operations that occurred between India and Pakistan.
2. Why is Dhurandhar rated A (Adults Only)?
The film received an A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) due to strong violence throughout the movie. It contains graphic action sequences, disturbing scenes including depictions of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, intense underworld violence, and mature themes related to terrorism and espionage. The film also includes strong language and content inappropriate for younger audiences, making it strictly for adult viewers only.
3. How long is Dhurandhar and is it worth the runtime?
Dhurandhar has a runtime of 214 minutes (3 hours and 32 minutes), making it one of the longest Indian films ever made. While this might seem daunting, most viewers report that the film maintains engagement throughout. The extended length allows for deep character development, complex plot layers, and immersive world-building. However, if you prefer shorter films or have limited attention span, you might find certain sections slow-paced.
4. Will there be a Dhurandhar Part 2?
Yes, Dhurandhar Part 2 is officially scheduled for release on March 19, 2026. This first film is part of a two-part series, meaning the story continues in the sequel. Director Aditya Dhar has crafted an expansive narrative that requires two films to tell completely. Given the first film’s strong box office performance and positive audience response, expectations are high for the follow-up installment.
5. Where can I watch Dhurandhar online?
Dhurandhar is currently playing exclusively in theaters following its December 5, 2025 release. Netflix has acquired the digital streaming rights for both parts for ₹130 crore, so the film will eventually be available on that platform. However, there’s no official streaming date announced yet. Given the film’s theatrical success, it will likely have an extended cinema run before moving to digital platforms, possibly several weeks or months after release.
