Dhurandhar (2025): Ranveer Singh’s dual-role spy thriller walks a dangerous line
Ranveer Singh enters the Karachi underworld as Hamza Ali Mazari, his eyes scanning a room of gangsters with controlled intensity. The performance hinges on dual identity shifts – from covert agent restraint to gangland camouflage – with no room for overt heroics. In the infiltration sequences, Singh’s micro, expressions sell the constant threat of exposure.
Aditya Dhar’s direction aims high but stumbles on length
Aditya Dhar balances espionage setup with gangster, politics material, using ensemble framing to connect intelligence operations to criminal ecosystems. The weakness is the 214, minute runtime, which reduces momentum in the second half. Pacing drags, and tighter editing could have sharpened the spy, thriller tension.
Genre, core execution: spycraft meets gangland hierarchy
The central spy mechanism is an undercover identity inserted into an enemy network. Espionage beats are tied to gang hierarchy, informants, and political patronage – a welcome shift from narrower military operations.
Action is staged as intelligence tradecraft rather than standalone spectacle. The Karachi infiltration sequence, where the lead rises through the criminal ranks, demonstrates tradecraft, driven execution with gritty cinematography.
Threat escalation moves from infiltration to dismantling the ISI, underworld nexus. But the excessive length dilutes what could have been a taut payoff, leaving the third act feeling overextended.
Supporting cast adds texture, but not all roles land
Akshaye Khanna’s Rehman Dakait is the film’s magnetic anchor. His relaxed menace peaks in the dance sequence to a Bahranian rap song, a moment of unsettling charisma. Sanjay Dutt’s SP Chaudhary Aslam ties the plot to law, enforcement pressure, grounding the fictional underworld in institutional reality. Arjun Rampal and R. Madhavan appear as part of the political, crime network, though their specific roles remain underdeveloped – their casting signals the scale of the nexus but not its character depth. Sara Arjun’s inclusion in the ensemble is noted but not explored.
If you enjoy Hindi spy action thrillers, browse more such films on our site.
Controversy and political angle
The film attracted criticism for blending fictional elements with real historical events, including references to the Mumbai attacks and recorded terrorist audio. Some commentators described it as propagandistic, and the A certificate for violence with mandatory cuts reflects the friction. Audience reaction mirrors this divide: praise for Ranveer and Akshaye’s performances, complaints about the runtime and political framing. I found the second half a test of patience, despite some well, crafted sequences.
For those with the stamina, Dhurandhar offers a sprawling, if uneven, spy, thriller experience. Watch it on OTT where you can pause the 214, minute runtime and savor the performances.
Dhurandhar is a film of bold ambition and flawed execution – a solid 3 out of 5 for its leads and craft, but a tough watch for the impatient.
For another undercover performance with a similar identity, swap structure, check out our review of Michael review.
Meanwhile, Drishyam 3 verdict offers a different kind of franchise expansion worth exploring.
Ankit Jaiswal is the Chief Author, covering Indian cinema and OTT releases with honest, no-filler criticism. An SEO strategist by background, he brings a research-driven approach to film writing, cutting through hype to tell you exactly what's worth your time.
