Dhurandhar (2025)

A Marathon Spy Epic That Never Loses Its Pulse.

Clocking in at an imposing three hours and thirty-four minutes, Dhurandhar defies conventional wisdom about long runtimes. Instead of dragging, the film pulls the audience deeper with every passing act, sustained by a tightly constructed screenplay and a cast that treats every role—big or small—as an opportunity to leave an impression. Director Aditya Dhar proves once again that scale and substance can comfortably coexist.

Although Ranveer Singh headlines the project, Dhurandhar is far from a one-man spectacle. Dhar smartly distributes narrative weight across his ensemble, ensuring each character carries significance. The performances feel rich and layered, much like a hearty, traditional meal—each element distinct, yet contributing to a deeply satisfying whole.

Akshay Khanna stands out with striking confidence as Rehman Dakait. Following his acclaimed turn in Chaava, he raises the bar here with a performance brimming with controlled menace, effortless style, and razor-sharp dialogue delivery. Every scene he appears in crackles with intensity. Sanjay Dutt enters the narrative like a sudden surge of adrenaline, shifting the film into a higher gear with his commanding presence and unmistakable charisma.

R. Madhavan and Arjun Rampal may have limited screen time, but they make every moment count, lending gravitas and credibility to the espionage-driven narrative. Sara Arjun, as the emotional anchor and romantic interest, delivers a sincere and restrained performance that adds warmth to the otherwise high-stakes world.

Ranveer Singh’s character arc is one of the film’s biggest strengths. His transformation unfolds gradually, allowing the audience to fully invest in his journey. The performance balances raw intensity with mass appeal, setting the stage for an even more explosive continuation in the much-anticipated second part.

On the technical front, Dhurandhar is polished and purposeful. Aditya Dhar’s direction maintains narrative momentum while giving space for characters to breathe. Sashwat Sachdev’s background score enhances tension and emotion without overpowering the scenes, while the clever use of classic Bollywood tracks injects nostalgia and thrill at just the right moments. Vikash Nowlakha’s cinematography captures the film’s scale with finesse, and Shivkumar V. Panicker’s crisp editing ensures the lengthy runtime never feels indulgent.

In the end, Dhurandhar emerges as a rare spy thriller that combines ambition, performance-driven storytelling, and technical excellence. It’s immersive, confident, and unapologetically grand—an experience that lingers long after the final frame fades to black.