Dhurandhar Review: Ranveer leads the film, but Akshaye shines in this intricate web of war and politics.

By Ayush Sachan

Dhurandhar, Aditya Dhar’s most politically charged film, delves into India’s covert operations through real historical tragedies. Ranveer Singh delivers a compelling performance, but Akshaye Khanna stands out with the most captivating portrayal.

Aditya Dhar’s filmmaking has a distinct flavor. It’s never particularly shocking, but it’s also never dull. Dhar is a war cry enthusiast, prioritizes India above all else, and positions Pakistan as the ever-present adversary. Dharandhar wastes no time establishing its worldview. The mission is crystal clear: infiltrate Pakistan’s core, the very machinery that fuels global terrorism, and remain perpetually two steps ahead.

Ranveer’s chemistry with Sara Arjun works well too. She appears younger, but the age gap is justified within the story, and their dynamic adds occasional softness to an otherwise relentless narrative.

And then, the climax arrives, neither rushed nor satisfying. It simply exists, serving as an ending designed to pave the way for Part 2. There’s no cliffhanger, but there are ample hints of what lies ahead. The issue? At three hours and thirty-four minutes, the film tests your patience. With tighter editing, this could have been a concise and impactful 2.5-hour movie. Unnecessary shots linger, particularly on bloodied corpses and bullet-torn bodies. Violence should linger in the mind, not numb it.

The background score is exceptional, with Karvaan resonating throughout the film. The inclusion of classic songs like Hawa Hawa adds an unexpected layer of depth. While the film is ambitious and engaging, it can also be occasionally exhausting. However, it remains watchable throughout. Not every choice made by the filmmakers is successful, but the captivating world Dhar creates is compelling enough to keep the audience invested.

Dhurandhar is a sprawling, muscular, politically sharp thriller that bites off a lot, and thanks to Khanna’s explosive brilliance, chews most of it successfully.