‘Dhurandar’ has emerged as one of the most talked-about action thrillers in Bollywood in recent times. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film has dominated the box office since its release on December 5, setting a new benchmark in Hindi cinema with worldwide earnings exceeding ₹1,300 crore. Featuring what many consider a career-best performance from Ranveer Singh and a chilling turn by Akshaye Khanna, the film delivers a potent commercial package.
The narrative centres on a fictional covert operation set against the backdrop of the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament. Ranveer Singh plays Hamza Ali Mazari, an Indian intelligence operative who infiltrates the criminal underworld of Lyari in Karachi. His mission is to dismantle a dangerous nexus between intelligence agencies and organised crime. The plot unfolds through a series of twists and moral dilemmas, keeping viewers engaged, although the film’s 214-minute runtime tests patience in places.
Performance is the film’s greatest strength. Ranveer Singh delivers a controlled and impactful portrayal, relying more on physicality, expression and presence than dialogue. Akshaye Khanna’s antagonist is cold, restrained and deeply unsettling, and is widely regarded as the standout element of the film. Strong supporting performances from R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal and child actor Sara Arjun leave a lasting impression despite limited screen time.
Aditya Dhar’s direction emphasises realism and sustained tension. The action sequences are graphic, with visible bloodshed, yet largely avoid exaggerated heroics. Cinematography plays a crucial role in shaping the film’s atmosphere, vividly capturing the dark and dangerous world of Karachi’s criminal networks.
The film’s use of ambient sound and classic Hindi songs is effective, adding texture to several scenes. However, some sequences feel temporally inconsistent and sit uneasily within the present-day setting.
While Dhurandar excels in performance and technical execution, its excessive length and relentless violence may prove off-putting for some viewers.
Overall, Dhurandar stands as a compelling thriller. Despite its flaws, it remains one of the most notable Hindi films of 2025 in terms of scale, acting and production values.
