Dhurandhar Movie Review: Ranveer Singh’s Power-Packed Comeback That Roars!

After two years away from the cinematic thunderdome, Ranveer Singh is back, and he hasn’t just returned—he’s detonated an action spectacle on the big screen. Directed by the maestro behind Uri: The Surgical Strike, Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar is the spy thriller we didn’t know we were waiting for, offering a raw, visceral, and emotionally charged look into the dark heart of covert operations.

Is it the masterpiece the makers promised? Does it live up to the pre-release hype, which was as massive as its reported budget? Let’s dive deep into the first-day reactions and break down exactly what makes this film a compelling, albeit lengthy, cinematic experience.

The Plot: Beyond Black & White Espionage

Dhurandhar (meaning ‘Stalwart’) isn’t your usual glamourised, gadget-heavy spy film. It dives headfirst into the geopolitical tension of the early 2000s, tracing a dangerous, clandestine mission conceived by the Intelligence Bureau in the wake of national tragedies like the IC-814 hijacking and the 2001 Parliament attack.

Ranveer Singh, as a young recruit thrust into Karachi’s terrifying underworld, is the key. The film spends its considerable runtime—a massive 3 hours and 34 minutes—meticulously detailing the grit and moral grey areas of infiltration. It’s a high-stakes game of shadows, where the lines between duty, personal trauma, and survival blur with every meticulously choreographed action sequence.

Ranveer Singh: The Beast Unleashed

Let’s be honest, everyone was holding their breath for Ranveer Singh’s comeback. And what a comeback it is! Shedding the flamboyant charm of his recent roles, Ranveer transforms into an intense, almost brooding figure.

His performance as the central agent is being hailed by early reviewers as phenomenal—a perfect blend of physical brutality and quiet, deep emotion. Whether it’s the visceral, hand-to-hand combat that feels genuinely painful to watch, or the moments of quiet desperation as his character navigates the labyrinthine politics of the mission, Ranveer is absolutely magnetic. This isn’t just a star turn; it’s a dedicated, power-packed performance that anchors the film’s massive scale and proves his versatility beyond a doubt.

The Ensemble Cast: When Villains Steal the Show

While Ranveer carries the weight of the film on his broad shoulders, Dhurandhar is a true ensemble piece. Aditya Dhar has assembled a dream cast, and they deliver.

The standout star, according to almost every review, is Akshaye Khanna. Playing the primary antagonist—a powerful, complex crime lord—Khanna is simply mesmerizing. He carries an aura of menacing quietude that makes him truly fearsome. Every scene he inhabits is instantly elevated; he doesn’t just act, he rules the frame.

• R. Madhavan as the sharp, strategic Intelligence Chief adds a cerebral layer to the story, contrasting nicely with the raw action on the ground.
• Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Rampal also contribute powerful, memorable turns, making the conflict feel genuinely high-stakes.
• The supporting cast, including newcomer Sara Arjun, provides the necessary emotional grounding, preventing the film from becoming just another two-dimensional patriotic war cry.

The Aditya Dhar Signature: Technical Excellence and Intensity

Aditya Dhar, who set a new standard for patriotic action with Uri, continues his excellent technical run here.

• Action: The action sequences are relentless and raw. They feel less like stylised movie fights and more like desperate, brutal confrontations. The choreography and execution are top-notch, keeping you absolutely glued to the screen.
• Background Score (BGM): This is the film’s silent hero. The BGM is zabardast (tremendous), intensifying the drama and the final act to give viewers genuine goosebumps. It truly makes the scale feel gigantic.
• World-Building: The film’s attention to detail in portraying the volatile, gritty Karachi underworld is commendable. You are fully immersed in this dangerous, high-risk world.

The One Big Caveat: Length and Momentum

No review of Dhurandhar can be complete without addressing its elephant in the room: the runtime. At nearly 3 hours and 34 minutes, it is one of the longest mainstream Hindi films in years, and the length is indeed felt.

Many viewers have pointed out that the first half, while gripping and setting up the complex world, feels stretched and could have benefitted from tighter editing. The setup takes its time, and while the momentum picks up dramatically in the second half, the initial pace might test the patience of some.

It’s clear that Dhar is building a vast, interconnected world (especially since a second part has been confirmed for 2026), and this first film acts as an elaborate foundation.

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch Theatrical Experience

Dhurandhar is a flawed but solid entertainer. It’s an unapologetically intense, high-adrenaline spy thriller that marks a resounding success for director Aditya Dhar and, most importantly, for Ranveer Singh.

If you are looking for a paisa vasool experience—a true spectacle with powerful performances, an intricate plot, and bone-crunching action—then rush to the theatres. Ranveer Singh has silenced any doubters with this intense performance, proving he is a dhurandhar (stalwart) of Hindi cinema.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) — A roaring, high-energy blockbuster revival.

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