As of December 05, 2025, Bollywood has a new adrenaline-pumping entry with Dhurandhar hitting theaters today. Directed by Aditya Dhar, known for his gripping URI: The Surgical Strike, this spy action thriller stars Ranveer Singh in a raw, transformative role. Inspired by real events like the IC-814 hijacking and the 2001 Parliament attack, it dives into covert ops between India and Pakistan. In this free Dhurandhar movie review, I’ll break down what works, what doesn’t, and if it’s worth your time. No spoilers here—just honest thoughts from a movie buff who’s seen countless thrillers.
Plot Overview: A High-Stakes Espionage Tale
Dhurandhar weaves a tense narrative around India’s Intelligence Bureau. The story centers on Chief Ajay Sanyal, who hatches a bold plan to take down a terrorist network in Pakistan. He spots potential in a young Punjabi man jailed for a personal vendetta. This recruit gets trained to infiltrate Karachi’s dangerous underworld.
The film draws from true incidents, blending history with fiction. It explores themes of revenge, loyalty, and national security. Runtime clocks in at 214 minutes, which feels long but builds suspense gradually. The first half sets up characters and backstory. Things pick up in the second half with intense action sequences.
What stands out is how it portrays the gritty side of espionage. No glamorous gadgets here—just raw determination and risks. If you’re into stories like URI or Baby, this fits right in. For a deeper dive into similar films, check our URI movie review.
Historical Inspirations Behind the Story
Dhurandhar isn’t pure fiction. It nods to Operation Lyari, a real crackdown on Karachi gangs. The 1999 hijacking and 2001 attack add authenticity. Aditya Dhar researched extensively, making the plot feel grounded. Yet, it takes creative liberties for drama.
Ranveer’s character arc is compelling. From a hot-headed youth to a calculated operative, his journey keeps you hooked. The Pakistan segments show cultural nuances without stereotypes. Overall, the plot delivers thrills but could trim some slow parts.
Cast and Performances: Ranveer Shines Bright
Ranveer Singh leads as the young recruit. He sheds his usual energy for a brooding, intense vibe. His physical transformation—bulked up and scarred—sells the role. Ranveer nails the emotional depth, especially in quieter moments. This might be one of his best yet.
R. Madhavan plays Ajay Sanyal, based loosely on Ajit Doval. He brings quiet authority, making every decision feel weighty. Sanjay Dutt as SP Chaudhary Aslam is a force. His no-nonsense cop energy adds grit. Arjun Rampal as ISI Major Iqbal is sleek and menacing—a perfect antagonist.
Akshaye Khanna and Sara Arjun round out the ensemble. Khanna’s subtle menace steals scenes. Sara adds emotional layers in her limited role. The supporting cast, including Rakesh Bedi and others, feels authentic. No weak links here.
Standout Moments from the Actors
Ranveer’s training sequences show his commitment. Madhavan’s mentorship scenes spark with tension. Dutt’s action bits remind us why he’s a legend. The chemistry between leads drives the film forward. It’s ensemble acting at its finest.
Direction and Technical Aspects: Aditya Dhar’s Vision
Aditya Dhar directs with precision. He co-wrote and produced too, showing full control. The film feels personal, like URI. He balances action with emotion, avoiding over-the-top patriotism.
Cinematography by Vikash Nowlakha captures diverse locations. From Punjab’s fields to Karachi’s streets (shot in Thailand and Mumbai), visuals pop. Editing by Shivkumar V. Panicker keeps pace, though some drags exist.
Music by Shashwat Sachdev elevates moods. The title track remake of “Na Dil De Pardesi Nu” sets a haunting tone. Songs like “Ishq Jalakar” fit seamlessly. Sound design amps up action—gunfights feel visceral.
Production Highlights and Challenges
Budgeted at ₹280 crore, it shows in scale. Filming spanned July 2024 to October 2025, hitting snags like food poisoning in Ladakh. Despite that, the output is polished. CBFC gave it an ‘A’ certificate for violence—fair warning for intense scenes.
Marketing was smart. Teaser dropped on Ranveer’s birthday, trailer at a grand event. It’s now streaming rights with Netflix post-theatrical run.
Pros and Cons: What Hits and Misses
Let’s list the strengths and weaknesses in this free Dhurandhar movie review.
- Pros:
- Ranveer’s career-defining performance.
- Gripping action in the second half.
- Authentic portrayal of real events.
- Strong ensemble cast chemistry.
- Impressive technical execution.
- Cons:
- Overlong runtime tests patience.
- Slow first half for character setup.
- Some predictable plot twists.
- Intense violence not for everyone.
Overall, pros outweigh cons if you love thrillers. It scores high on rewatch value for action fans.
Verdict: Is Dhurandhar Worth Watching?
Dhurandhar delivers a solid spy thriller experience. Ranveer Singh carries it with raw power. Aditya Dhar proves his mettle again. Despite the length, it’s engaging and thought-provoking. I’d rate it 4 out of 5 stars. Catch it in theaters for the big-screen impact. For more details, visit the film’s Wikipedia page.
If you’re into patriotic action, don’t miss this. It honors real heroes while entertaining. As a free Dhurandhar movie review, I hope this helps you decide.
FAQ Section
What is Dhurandhar about?
Dhurandhar is a spy thriller inspired by true events. It follows an IB chief recruiting a young man to infiltrate a terrorist network in Pakistan. No spoilers, but expect high-stakes action and drama.
Who stars in Dhurandhar?
The cast includes Ranveer Singh, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Akshaye Khanna, and Sara Arjun. Ranveer leads with a intense performance.
Is Dhurandhar based on a true story?
Yes, it’s inspired by events like the IC-814 hijacking, 2001 Parliament attack, and Operation Lyari. Characters draw from real figures like Ajit Doval and Chaudhry Aslam Khan.
Where can I watch Dhurandhar?
It’s in theaters from December 05, 2025. Streaming on Netflix later—no exact date yet.
How long is Dhurandhar?
The runtime is 214 minutes, or about 3 hours and 34 minutes. Pace yourself for the length.
This free Dhurandhar movie review wraps up my thoughts. Share yours in the comments!
