The wait is over. Dhurandhar, directed by the National Award-winning Aditya Dhar (Uri: The Surgical Strike), has finally hit theatres today, December 5th. With a colossal runtime of 3 hours and 34 minutes and a star-studded ensemble led by Ranveer Singh, the film carries the weight of massive expectations. Does it deliver? Yes, but with a few caveats. This isn't your typical glossy Bollywood spy fest; it’s a dense, dark, and deliberate dive into the shadows of intelligence warfare.
The Story & Script
Set against the volatile backdrop of the late 90s and early 2000s—specifically post-IC-814 hijacking and the Parliament attacks—the film follows a high-stakes covert operation masterminded by IB Chief Ajay Sanyal (R. Madhavan). The objective? To infiltrate and dismantle a terror network brewing in the lawless lanes of Lyari, Karachi.
Ranveer Singh plays a young, raw agent (a character reportedly inspired by real-life unsung heroes) who infiltrates the gang of the dreaded Rehman Dakait (Akshaye Khanna) to get closer to the ISI puppet master, Major Iqbal (Arjun Rampal). The script, written by Dhar, prioritizes tradecraft over style. It focuses on the psychological toll of espionage—the fear of exposure, the loss of identity, and the "filth" one must wade through to serve the nation.
Direction & Screenplay
Aditya Dhar refuses to play to the gallery. Unlike the Tiger or Pathaan universe, Dhurandhar is grounded in grit. Dhar creates a suffocating atmosphere in the Karachi segments that feels perilous and real.
However, the screenplay is a double-edged sword. The decision to stretch the film to nearly 215 minutes is bold but exhausting. The first half is a slow burn, dedicated almost entirely to world-building and character dynamics. While purists will appreciate the detail, the casual viewer might find the pacing testing. The editing needed to be sharper; at least 20 minutes could have been trimmed from the first hour without losing narrative value.
Performances
Ranveer Singh:
This is Ranveer stripped of his vanity. As the undercover mole, he is phenomenal. He conveys fear and resolve with his eyes, delivering a restrained performance that explodes in the climax. It is arguably his most mature act since Lootera or 83.Akshaye Khanna:
Steals the show. As the unhinged yet calculating Rehman Dakait, he is terrifying. His unpredictable dialogue delivery makes him one of the most memorable villains in recent times.Arjun Rampal:
Rampal brings a menacing, cold aura to Major Iqbal. He doesn't say much, but his physical presence is intimidating, serving as the perfect foil to Ranveer.R. Madhavan & Sanjay Dutt:
Madhavan brings gravitas as the handler, anchoring the film emotionally. Sanjay Dutt, as the hardened SP Chaudhry Aslam Khan, is perfectly cast, bringing a rugged, old-school toughness to the screen.Sara Arjun & Rakesh Bedi:
Sara Arjun holds her own in a limited but crucial role, providing an emotional anchor in the chaotic narrative. Rakesh Bedi offers a rare, brief respite of grounded normalcy in a high-tension plot.Music & Technical Aspects
The background score is spine-chilling, particularly in the interval block and the final 30 minutes. It elevates the tension significantly. The cinematography captures the claustrophobia of the underworld brilliantly, using shadows and grim color palettes to set the mood. The action is not about flying cars; it’s hand-to-hand, brutal, and bloody, earning its 'A' certificate.
What Went in Favor
Authenticity:
The research shows. The jargon, the operational details, and the geopolitical context feel well-studied.The Ensemble:
It is rare to see so many strong actors (Akshaye, Ranveer, Madhavan) given meaty roles where no one overshadows the other.The Climax:
The final hour is relentless, edge-of-the-seat cinema that justifies the long buildup.What Went Against
The Runtime:
3 hours and 34 minutes is a daunting commitment. The film dips in energy midway through the second act.Lack of Commercial "Masala":
Audiences expecting a fast-paced actioner with item songs and breezy comedy will be disappointed. This is a serious, grim drama.Conclusion
Dhurandhar is a brave attempt to redefine the Indian spy genre. It trades swag for substance and spectacle for suspense. While the length is a hurdle, the payoff—fueled by Akshaye Khanna’s villainy and Ranveer Singh’s intensity—makes it a must-watch for lovers of serious cinema.
