Dhurandhar is a hard-hitting espionage drama with intense performances, grand ambition, and a raw, realistic approach to covert operations. With a 214-minute runtime and an A-certificate, it demands patience but rewards viewers with emotional depth, high stakes, and powerful action.
Dhurandhar Review: Ranveer Singh Anchors One of Bollywood’s Boldest Spy Thrillers Yet
Dhurandhar, released on December 5, 2025, storms into theatres with a promise — to deliver one of the grittiest, most ambitious spy thrillers Bollywood has attempted in years. Headlined by Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, this 214-minute espionage saga has already stirred up conversation for its scale, violence, and emotional complexity.
The film arrives with an Adults-Only certificate — a first for Ranveer Singh — and embraces darkness without hesitation. It explores geopolitics, underground networks, national security, and the emotional cost of living a life surrounded by lies, threats, and moral compromise.
So, does Dhurandhar live up to its hype? Let’s break it down.
A Raw, Unfiltered Espionage Drama
Unlike glossy action films that glamorize spies as superheroes, Dhurandhar aims for brutal honesty. The narrative dives deep into the grey areas of espionage — where victories come at emotional costs, where betrayal is routine, and where loyalty is a fragile currency.
What sets the film apart is its refusal to romanticize violence or politics. It embraces the shadows, both literal and psychological, giving the audience a grounded experience of the chaotic, unpredictable world of covert missions.
Ranveer Singh’s Intense, Career-Defining Performance
Ranveer Singh sinks his teeth into the role, delivering a performance full of rage, vulnerability, and emotional turbulence. This isn’t a high-energy flamboyant character often associated with him — it’s a brooding, morally conflicted man navigating a maze of enemies and inner demons.
His screen presence holds the film together, especially as he transitions from painful introspection to explosive action.
A Strong Ensemble Cast Adds Depth
Supporting performances add significant weight:
- Characters are morally layered, not caricatures.
- Antagonists have believable motivations.
- Allies are flawed, often unreliable.
The ensemble helps establish a world where trust is uncertain, politics are messy, and every character has something to hide.
Grand Storytelling on a Massive Scale
At its core, Dhurandhar is not just a story — it’s an expanded universe.
Multiple Storylines Interwoven Seamlessly
The movie incorporates:
- Complex political tensions
- International conspiracies
- Intelligence wars
- High-risk missions
- Personal vendettas
Despite its sprawling canvas, the narrative stays cohesive, building toward a high-stakes second half that hits hard emotionally and visually.
A Two-Part Vision
The makers have planned Dhurandhar as a two-part saga, with the second installment expected in 2026. The first part sets the foundation for a larger geopolitical story, hinting at even bigger revelations ahead.
Action That Feels Real, Not Choreographed
The action sequences are not stylized; they’re brutal, chaotic, and grounded. Hand-to-hand combat, urban warfare, chases, and ambushes feel uncomfortably real. The background score intensifies the tension, and the cinematography captures both the beauty and terror of conflict zones.
Every fight is driven by emotion, not spectacle — making the violence impactful rather than decorative.
Where the Film Challenges the Viewer
The Length — A Marathon Runtime
At 214 minutes, Dhurandhar is unapologetically long.
The first half invests heavily in building backstories, political landscapes, and character motivations. For some viewers, this deep setup may feel slow. The film demands patience, but the emotional and narrative payoffs justify the buildup.
A Dark Tone That Isn’t for Everyone
The film’s atmosphere is intense — from interrogations to psychological trauma to battlefield-like combat. Sensitive viewers or those expecting lighter entertainment may find it overwhelming.
This is deliberate, as the film intends to reflect the harsh reality of covert wars, but the mature tone narrows its audience.
A Risky Dependence on Part 2
Since this is part of a larger story, the climax of Part 1 opens more doors than it closes. The emotional arcs and political revelations hint at bigger conflicts to come. If Part 2 doesn’t deliver, the entire structure could feel incomplete — but for now, the anticipation works in the film’s favor.
Behind-the-Scenes Challenges and Controversy
Before its release, Dhurandhar encountered controversy due to alleged similarities with real-life military incidents. The censor board eventually cleared the film after confirming it was a work of fiction.
Some scenes involving violence and profanity were toned down, but the final version still retains its raw, intense flavour.
Who Will Enjoy Dhurandhar the Most?
Ideal for You If:
- You enjoy spy thrillers with depth and realism.
- You prefer morally complex characters.
- You appreciate layered stories that unfold slowly.
- You want a film with scale, political intrigue, and emotional stakes.
Not for You If:
- You prefer light, breezy narratives.
- You dislike long runtimes.
- You are sensitive to violence or dark themes.
- You expect a complete story in a single film.
Final Verdict: A Bold, Uncompromising, Must-Watch Thriller
Dhurandhar is not a film that plays safe — it takes risks in tone, storytelling, pacing, and emotional density. It doesn’t try to please everyone. Instead, it commits to its vision wholeheartedly.
Ranveer Singh’s performance, the ambitious scale, and the grounded realism make it a standout in modern Bollywood cinema.
While the length and intensity may polarize audiences, those who appreciate serious, high-stakes espionage dramas will find Dhurandhar gripping, powerful, and deeply rewarding.
If Part 2 lands well, Dhurandhar may go down as one of the most daring spy sagas Hindi cinema has produced.
Also Read : Andy Serkis’ Animated Animal Farm Secures Distribution: Full Details on the Adaptation
FAQs
What is Dhurandhar about?
It is a gritty spy thriller revolving around covert missions, political conspiracies, intelligence networks, and morally complex characters navigating national and personal threats.
What is the runtime of the film?
The film runs for 214 minutes (3 hours 34 minutes).
Is the movie suitable for families?
No. Dhurandhar carries an Adults-Only certificate because of intense violence, mature themes, and disturbing scenes.
Is it based on a real person or real events?
No. The makers have clarified that the film is entirely fictional, though it takes inspiration from real geopolitical environments.
Will there be a Dhurandhar Part 2?
Yes. The film is designed as a two-part saga, with the second installment expected to release in 2026.
Is the film worth watching in theatres?
Absolutely — the scale, action, and visuals are best experienced on a big screen.
Join our WhatsApp channel for more updates and information about celebrities and entertainment.
I’m Atul Kumar, founder of Cine Storytellers and an entertainment creator with 5+ years of experience. I cover films, celebrities, music, and OTT content with a focus on accurate, ethical, and engaging storytelling. My goal is to bring readers trustworthy entertainment news that informs, inspires, and goes beyond gossip.