Aditya Dhar’s return is marked by his most politically explosive film — Dhurandhar, a sweeping and gritty thriller that portrays India’s covert operations intertwined with real historical tragedies. Alongside the energy of Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna is the one who gives the film’s most powerful and indisputable performance.

A Hard-Hitting Political Narrative

Dhar’s signature style is unmistakable — patriotic, intense, and deeply rooted in India’s security landscape. In Dhurandhar, he wastes no time setting the tone. The film plunges into the heart of Pakistan’s terror network, presenting India’s covert mission as an urgent, strategic response.

The first half unfolds across eight chapters, cleverly structuring the narrative as it moves through traumatic real-life incidents: the IC-814 hijacking, Parliament attack, and the 26/11 Mumbai siege. These events are stitched together to justify the birth of “Operation Dhurandhar,” a mission built on precision and brutality.

An Immersive World of Conflict

One of the film’s standout achievements is Dhar’s recreation of Karachi’s Lyari town. The setting feels raw, detailed, and unnervingly real. Unlike Uri: The Surgical Strike, which broadcast its patriotism loudly, Dhurandhar takes a more calculated, cerebral approach — pushing viewers to think, question, and even Google as the story unfolds.

Akshaye Khanna Steals the Show

Ranveer Singh plays Hamza Ali Mazhari with grit and conviction, but Akshaye Khanna’s performance as Rehman Baloch (Dakait) towers above everything else. His calm menace, emotional outbursts, and commanding presence elevate every sequence he appears in. It’s one of his strongest roles in recent years.

Sanjay Dutt adds gravitas as Chaudhary Aslam, Arjun Rampal is solid as the ISI chief, and Rakesh Bedi delivers surprising comic relief as politician Jamaal. Ranveer’s character is the emotional anchor, but the abundance of close-up shots often recalls shades of his earlier Khilji portrayal.

A Nuanced Portrayal of Pakistan

Interestingly, Dhar’s Pakistan is not a caricature. The political and internal complexities — including the Pakistan vs Balochistan conflict — are explored with surprising depth. Yet, the narrative remains firm in its messaging: Pakistan stands as the epicentre of terrorism, while India remains vigilant and several steps ahead.

High Stakes, Brutal Action, and a Few Excesses

The inclusion of real 26/11 footage — especially how live news coverage aided terrorists — hits hard. The film also touches on India’s internal vulnerabilities and media lapses.

The chemistry between Ranveer and Sara Arjun gives the unwavering story an emotional tenderness. But the whole runtime of three hours and thirty-four minutes is a significant minus. There are plenty of scenes that take too long, and among them is the graphic violence which might even get the audience desensitized to its power.

Music & Technical Brilliance

The background score is a major win — Karvaan stands out — and classics like Hawa Hawa add unexpected charm.

Final Verdict

Dhurandhar is ambitious, tense, and thematically heavy. Not everything lands perfectly, but Akshaye Khanna’s phenomenal performance and Dhar’s immersive world-building keep the film gripping. It’s a sprawling political thriller that bites off a lot — and thanks to Khanna, manages to chew through most of it.