Writer/Director: Aditya Dhar
Starring: Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt and Akshaye Khanna
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors in Bollywood have made movies that are as celebrated as Ranveer Singh. Ever since his rise to fame amid the 2000’s, Singh has become a beloved icon in the Indian film industry. Whether it is brave soldiers, doomed lovers or powerful rappers, Singh has made several memorable movies. Arguably, Singh’s finest strength as an actor has always been his versatility. He is one of those rare actors that has proven he has an abilities to thrive in practically every genre. Even if he isn’t the central focus of a movie, Singh has always left a lasting impression. Through his ability to portray larger than life characters audiences can relate to, Singh has become an Indian icon that audiences value. Throughout his strong career, Singh has made several memorable movies which are absolutely without a single doubt worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Singh and admire all films which he has crafted in his career. However, “Dhurandhar” absolutely stands out as his most bold movie. Released in 2025, Aditya Dhar’s movie offered a powerful portrait of terrorism in Pakistan. Packed with stunning action, spellbinding storytelling and brilliant performances, it’s a breathtaking Bollywood terrorism blockbuster. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Ranveer Singh, who embodies a terrorist leader on a mission. Although “Dhurandar” is a powerful Bollywood blockbuster, it isn’t flawless. The film is unevenly paced, building to an over-the top ending that glorifies terrorism. That being said, it offers engaging entertainment for fans of Ranveer Singh.
Set in Karachi, “Dhurandhar” tells a story of a spy that embarks on a journey to prevent a terrorist catastrophe. Ranveer Singh plays Hamza Ali Mazari, a mysterious traveller on a journey to discover his identity. Driven by a strong sense of vengeance, Hamza seeks to embark on an adventure to prevent acts of violence. However, Hamza’s life changes when he discovers grim reality of Pakistan’s underworld. Faced with a dilemma, Hamza questions whether it is truly possible for him to resolve terrorism causing trauma. As all odds are stacked against his favour, Hamza wonders whether it will be possible from him to solve terrorism danger.
Aditya Dhar is fascinated with the themes of terrorism in India. A brilliant filmmaker, Dhar has often made engaging movies about the lives of terrorists in danger. His iconic movie “Uri: the Surgical Strike” offered a powerful portrait of Indian soldiers seeking to prevent terrorism strike. With “Dhurandar”, however, Dhar made his first ever political film. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the politics of terrorism in Pakistan but he pulled it off expertly. Using strong cinematography, Dhar captures a life of a spy embarking on a journey to battle terrorism tragedy. Evoking Mani Ratnam’s “Dil Se”, Dhar efficiently uses handheld camerawork to convey the lives of terrorists facing a price to pay. For instance, handheld camerawork elevates the Karachi underbelly scene. During this intense scene, Hamza is introduced for the first time to the seedy underworld of Pakistan. Using strong handheld visuals, Dhar creates a portrait of terrorism that’s engaging. Handheld visuals are a complex technique. As Zoya Akhtar’s “Gully Boy” claimed, handheld camerawork elevates Indian movies about rappers. That being said, it works immensely in this movie. Using captivating visuals, Dhar captures the terrifying harshsip that spies in Pakistan are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Dhurandhar” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the most impressive Bollywood action movies you will ever watch. Evoking Karan Johar’s “My Name is Khan”, Dhar effectively uses cross-cutting to stage musical sequences about terrorism which are compelling. For instance, the cross-cutting enhances the Dhurandhar musical sequence. During this heartfelt scene, Hamza sings a melody that expresses his compelling views on terrorism. Using cross-cutting, Dhar creates musical sequences that are engaging. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing burden which terrorists bear. Using bold production, Dhad captures terrorists embarking upon a mission.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Dhurandhar” is a Bollywood movie about terrorism that’s compelling. Evoking Kunal Kohli’s “Fanaa”, Dhar expertly uses silence to capture terrorism which causes trauma. For instance, silence elevates the violence aftermath scene. During this unforgettable scene, Hamza faces a state of silence after witnessing terrorism violence. Through the use of silence, Dhar constructs a portrait of terrorism that audiences relate to. Silence is a tricky technique. As Karan Johar’s “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani” claimed, silence enhances Bollywood movies about broken families. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a fantastic screenplay, Dhar captures the lives of terrorists facing a price to pay.
One appreciates powerful performances.
Ranveer Singh delivers one of his greatest performances as Hamza. Singh achieved praise playing romantic men in Bollywood films. With “Dhurandhar”, however, he took upon his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a spy embarking upon a journey to overcome terrorism adversity but he pulled it off. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most provocative role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and resentments experienced by a spy embarking on dangerous missions. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most celebrated actors which is working in India today.
While the movie is mainly a bold showcase for Ranveer Singh, the supporting cast is also great and worthy of praise. Akshaye Khanna is amazing, bringing charisma to a terrorist leader seeking to overcome a big dilemma that causes trauma. Madhavan is magnificent, capturing the dedication of a leader embarking on a dangerous mission. Lastly, Arjun Rampal merits recognition. As a soldier, he brings heartfelt emotions to the movie.
Despite its strong performances, however, “Dhurandhar” can’t quite capture tensions endured by terrorists in danger. If there’s a shortcoming to the movie, it lacks engaging pacing. Dhar’s decisions to include subplots about romantic affairs into the movie is bold but hinders the pacing. Due to this decision, sequences that capture Hamza’s romantic affair aren’t as engaging as his journeys to overcome terrorism. Furthermore, the film lacks a compelling ending. It’s an over-the-top conclusion that fails to bring the movie to a conclusion. Therefore, “Dhurandhar” is one of those Bollywood films not everyone will adore.
Nevertheless, fans of Ranveer Singh would appreciate “Dhurandhar” and so will movie-gosrs seeking engaging entertainment. An engaging Bollywood drama, it celebrates an actor that’s beloved in India.
Nearly a year after the release of an iconic film about spies embarking on a mission to overcome terrorism, it’s a riveting reminder of a beloved Indian actor that has achieved stardom through his ability to portray great characters with wisdom in memorable films that don’t deserve criticism.
4/5 stars
The Film Buff 