Dhurandhar Movie Review, If you ask what kind of film Dhurandhar is, the answer is simple—it’s intense, gripping, and deeply impactful. This is one of those rare spy thrillers that doesn’t end when the credits roll. Long after the film is over, its characters, emotions, and moral questions continue to linger in your mind.
When you step out of the theatre, it doesn’t feel like you’ve just watched a movie. Instead, it feels like you’ve lived through a hidden chapter of history—one that was never meant to be recorded. Dhurandhar goes beyond entertainment and forces you to think about the lives of those unsung heroes who work in silence, far away from recognition or glory.
Dhurandhar Movie Review – Cast & Characters (Roles Explained)
The main artists of the film and their roles are as follows:
- Ranveer Singh – An undercover RAW agent, the central character of the film
- Akshaye Khanna – A calm yet extremely dangerous mastermind villain
- Sanjay Dutt – Senior officer, a powerful supporting role
- R. Madhavan – Strategic and emotional anchor
- Arjun Rampal – Special cameo, a major turning point in the story
Story & Setting
Set in the politically tense 1980s, Dhurandhar explores the dark and dangerous world of covert intelligence operations. The film makes it clear from the very beginning that this story will never be found in official records—yet its contribution to national security is monumental.
At the heart of the narrative is a RAW undercover agent who has erased his past completely. No name, no family, no identity—only one rule: Nation comes first, even at the cost of self-destruction.
As the story unfolds, a massive international conspiracy against India is revealed. What makes this threat truly terrifying is its mastermind—a villain who doesn’t rely on noise or violence, but on patience, precision, and psychological warfare.
A Story That Exists Outside Official History
Set primarily during the politically volatile 1980s, Dhurandhar opens with a powerful declaration: the events you are about to witness will never be found in official records. This immediately sets the tone for what follows. The film positions itself as a hidden chapter of history—one that shaped national security but was deliberately erased from public memory.
During this era, global politics was undergoing massive transformation. Intelligence agencies across the world were engaged in silent wars, where information was deadlier than weapons. Against this backdrop, India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) conducts covert operations that determine the fate of millions—without acknowledgement, without applause.
At the center of this world stands one man: a RAW undercover agent whose existence itself is classified.
The Protagonist: A Man Without an Identity
Ranveer Singh plays the film’s central character—a RAW agent whose identity has been completely wiped out. He has no name, no family, no past, and no future beyond his mission. His life is reduced to one principle: nation above self.
Unlike conventional cinematic spies, this character is not glamorous. There are no fancy suits, no heroic poses, and no exaggerated dialogue. Instead, he is emotionally fractured, constantly alert, and psychologically isolated. His silence speaks louder than words, and his eyes carry the weight of years spent pretending to be someone else.
The film powerfully portrays the emotional cost of living undercover. Trust becomes a liability. Emotions become weaknesses. Human connections become dangerous distractions. The agent’s loneliness is not romanticized—it is suffocating, painful, and relentless.
Ranveer Singh: The Most Restrained Performance of His Career
Ranveer Singh delivers what can easily be considered one of the finest performances of his career. Known for his explosive energy and flamboyant screen presence, Ranveer completely suppresses those traits here. What replaces them is control, restraint, and internal conflict.
His performance relies heavily on micro-expressions—long pauses, vacant stares, and suppressed rage. He speaks less but communicates more. There are moments when his character does absolutely nothing, yet the screen feels heavy with emotion. This is not acting meant to impress; it is acting meant to immerse.
Ranveer’s portrayal makes the audience feel the psychological toll of espionage—the fear of exposure, the guilt of betrayal, and the slow erosion of one’s sense of self. His character is not heroic in the traditional sense, but profoundly human.
The Antagonist: Evil Without Noise
Akshaye Khanna plays the film’s antagonist, and his performance is nothing short of chilling. He portrays a mastermind villain who does not rely on brute force or loud threats. Instead, his power lies in intelligence, patience, and long-term strategy.
This villain does not rush. He observes. He calculates. He waits.
Akshaye Khanna’s character believes that the most effective way to destroy an enemy is not through violence, but through manipulation—of systems, people, and perceptions. His calm demeanor makes him far more dangerous than any screaming tyrant.
What truly elevates the film is the psychological warfare between him and Ranveer Singh. They rarely confront each other directly, yet their presence is felt in every move, every setback, and every twist. This mental chess game becomes the backbone of Dhurandhar.
A Battle of Minds, Not Muscles
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its refusal to rely on mindless action. While there are action sequences, they are grounded, realistic, and purposeful. Violence is never glorified—it is treated as a last resort.
The tension in Dhurandhar comes from uncertainty. From not knowing who can be trusted. From realizing that the enemy may not be across the border, but within the system itself.
As the mission progresses, the protagonist begins to suspect internal leaks and hidden agendas. The film skillfully explores the idea that in intelligence agencies, betrayal is often more dangerous than any foreign enemy.
Supporting Characters That Add Weight and Credibility
Sanjay Dutt – Authority and Experience
Sanjay Dutt plays a senior RAW officer whose role may be limited in screen time, but immense in impact. He represents the old guard—men who have seen too much, lost too many, and still carry the burden of responsibility.
His presence adds seriousness and emotional gravity to the film. When he speaks, it feels like a verdict. When he remains silent, it feels like a warning.
R. Madhavan – The Emotional Anchor
R. Madhavan’s character provides balance to the narrative. He represents the human side of intelligence work—the acknowledgment that behind every mission are people with families, emotions, and fears.
His calm, measured performance adds warmth to an otherwise cold world. He reminds the audience that strategy without humanity can be just as dangerous as recklessness.
Arjun Rampal – A Cameo That Changes Everything
Arjun Rampal appears in a special cameo that introduces a major turning point in the story. Though brief, his role alters the trajectory of the narrative and lays the foundation for Dhurandhar Part 2.
His character raises new questions and challenges everything the audience thought they understood about the story.
Cinematography: Visuals That Serve the Story
The cinematography of Dhurandhar is subtle yet powerful. The film avoids flashy visuals and instead opts for realism. Locations such as the dense jungles of Thailand, the unforgiving deserts of the UAE, and dimly lit urban environments are used to reflect the psychological state of the characters.
Each frame feels intentional. Nothing is added for mere spectacle. The camera often lingers, allowing scenes to breathe and emotions to surface naturally.
Music and Background Score: Silence as a Weapon
Unlike typical Bollywood films, Dhurandhar uses very few songs. The background score plays a crucial role in building tension. It rises quietly during moments of suspense and retreats during emotional scenes, allowing silence to amplify the impact.
The music never overpowers the narrative—it supports it.
A Runtime That Demands Commitment
With a runtime of 3 hours and 34 minutes, Dhurandhar is undeniably long. This is a risky choice in today’s fast-content era. However, the length allows the film to develop its characters, conflicts, and themes with depth and clarity.
Yes, the film requires patience. It is not meant for casual viewing or distracted audiences. But for those who surrender to its pace, the experience is immersive and unforgettable.
The Climax: Emotional, Shocking, and Uncompromising
The climax of Dhurandhar is not designed to provide comfort. It is emotional, morally complex, and deeply unsettling. Long-buried truths are revealed, and characters once considered trustworthy are exposed.
The protagonist’s final choice involves a sacrifice that redefines heroism—not as victory, but as duty fulfilled at the cost of everything else.
This ending elevates Dhurandhar from a genre film to a meaningful cinematic experience.
A Clear Path to the Future
The film’s ending unmistakably hints that the story is far from over. Dhurandhar Part 2, scheduled for 19 March 2026, is set up not as a continuation, but as an expansion—promising deeper conflicts, higher stakes, and more uncomfortable truths.
Final Verdict: Cinema With Courage
Dhurandhar is not for everyone—and that is precisely its strength. It does not chase trends or mass appeal. Instead, it respects the intelligence of its audience.
This is a film about unsung heroes, moral ambiguity, and the personal cost of national security. With outstanding performances, intelligent writing, restrained direction, and emotional depth, Dhurandhar stands as one of the most mature and ambitious spy thrillers in Indian cinema.
If you value intelligent storytelling over spectacle, substance over noise, and emotion over exaggeration, Dhurandhar is a film you should not miss.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Dhurandhar Box Office Collection Day Wise (All Languages | India Net)
| Day | India Net Collection | Change (+ / −) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (1st Friday) | ₹28.00 Cr | — |
| Day 2 (1st Saturday) | ₹32.00 Cr | +14.29% |
| Day 3 (1st Sunday) | ₹43.00 Cr | +34.38% |
| Day 4 (1st Monday) | ₹23.25 Cr | −45.93% |
| Day 5 (1st Tuesday) | ₹27.00 Cr | +16.13% |
| Day 6 (1st Wednesday) | ₹27.00 Cr | 0.00% |
| Day 7 (1st Thursday) | ₹27.00 Cr | 0.00% |
| Week 1 Total | ₹207.25 Cr | — |
Week 2 Box Office Collection
| Day | India Net Collection | Change (+ / −) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 8 (2nd Friday) | ₹32.50 Cr | +20.37% |
| Day 9 (2nd Saturday) | ₹53.00 Cr | +63.08% |
| Day 10 (2nd Sunday) | ₹58.00 Cr | +9.43% |
| Day 11 (2nd Monday) | ₹30.50 Cr | −47.41% |
| Day 12 (2nd Tuesday) | ₹30.50 Cr | 0.00% |
| Day 13 (2nd Wednesday) | ₹25.50 Cr | −16.39% |
| Day 14 (2nd Thursday) | ₹23.25 Cr | −8.82% |
| Week 2 Total | ₹253.25 Cr | +22.20% |
Week 3 Box Office Collection
| Day | India Net Collection | Change (+ / −) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 15 (3rd Friday) | ₹22.50 Cr | −3.23% |
| Day 16 (3rd Saturday) | ₹34.25 Cr | +52.22% |
| Day 17 (3rd Sunday) | ₹38.50 Cr | +12.41% |
| Day 18 (3rd Monday) | ₹16.50 Cr | −57.14% |
| Day 19 (3rd Tuesday) | ₹17.25 Cr | +4.55% |
| Day 20 (3rd Wednesday) | ₹18.00 Cr | +4.35% |
| Day 21 (3rd Thursday) | ₹25.00 Cr | +38.89% |
| Week 3 Total | ₹172.00 Cr | −32.08% |
Week 4 Box Office Collection
| Day | India Net Collection | Change (+ / −) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 22 (4th Friday) | ₹15.00 Cr | −40.00% |
| Day 23 (4th Saturday) | ₹20.50 Cr | +36.67% |
| Day 24 (4th Sunday) | ₹22.50 Cr | +9.76% |
| Day 25 (4th Monday) | ₹10.50 Cr | −53.33% |
| Day 26 (4th Tuesday) | ₹11.25 Cr | +7.14% |
| Day 27 (4th Wednesday) | ₹11.00 Cr | −2.22% |
| Day 28 (4th Thursday) | ₹15.75 Cr | +43.18% |
| Week 4 Total | ₹106.50 Cr | −38.08% |
Week 5 (Partial Data)
| Day | India Net Collection | Change (+ / −) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 29 (5th Friday) | ₹8.75 Cr | −44.44% |
| Day 30 (5th Saturday) | ₹11.75 Cr | +34.29% |
| Day 31 (5th Sunday) | ₹12.75 Cr | +8.51% |
Total India Net Collection (Till Day 31):
By the end of its 31-day theatrical run, Dhurandhar has recorded a total India net collection of ₹739.75 crore across all languages.