Movies. Cinema. Two things without which I genuinely believe life would feel incomplete (P, however, would strongly disagree). But disagreement aside, I love watching films. Which is exactly why, when Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R Madhavan, hit the screens, it was non-negotiable for me. And if it was non-negotiable for me, it automatically became a package deal for P.
We did struggle to get tickets during the first week—because of course we did—but eventually, we managed to book ourselves a late-night show on a busy Thursday. Slightly exhausted, mildly annoyed… and completely unprepared for what followed. Because, boy oh boy, what a cinematic treat it turned out to be.
So without further ado, here are the things we absolutely loved about Dhurandhar: a film that places Ranveer Singh-Akshaye Khanna front and centre and never lets you look away.
Dhurandhar: A Masterpiece Walking the Tightrope, Without Ever Losing Balance
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When the trailer dropped, something in me instinctively thought, “ahh, here we go again, another political film.” But after watching Dhurandhar, I can safely say that it never loses sight of what it truly is at heart: a spy film that pulls back the curtain on heroes who operate in the dark, and the quiet, often brutal struggles they endure.
With Ranveer Singh leading the charge as Hamza Ali Mazari, Dhurandhar takes us deep into Lyari, Karachi—a city shaped by politics, violence, and power plays. Lyari is ruled by multiple gangs, but it’s Akshaye Khanna’s Rehman Dakait who commands attention and fear in equal measure. And Ranveer’s character? He’s there with a very clear agenda—to get inside.
Time and again, the film drives home a chilling line: “Jisne Lyari pe kabza kar liya, usne Karachi pe kabza kar liya. Aur jisne Karachi pe kabza kar liya, usne Pakistan pe kabza kar liya.” It’s in this high-stakes chessboard that we witness the many layers of Hamza’s journey—his conflicts, his risks, his silences. Those are stories we’re deliberately not unpacking here, because some experiences are best discovered on the big screen.
What we will share, instead, is what P and I genuinely loved about this espionage-led spyverse—and why we’re already looking forward to what Dhurandhar: Part 2 promises to bring.
1. Casting: Brilliant, Bold, and Completely Unmatchable
Half the battle is won the moment Dhurandhar’s cast comes together, and Aditya Dhar nails it. Every actor feels deliberately placed, never ornamental.
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R Madhavan’s Ajay Sanyal carries the calm, razor-sharp mind of a Chanakya-like strategist. Arjun Rampal’s ISI Major Iqbal is deeply unsettling—cold, ruthless, almost butcher-like. Akshaye Khanna as Rehman is dangerously attractive—equal parts villainous and magnetic, the kind of forbidden fruit you shouldn’t admire but inevitably do. Sanjay Dutt’s SP Chaudhary Aslam radiates a visceral hatred for Rehman—one you don’t just see, you feel.
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And then there’s Ranveer. What do I even say? He’s a master of his craft. It’s been a while since we saw him this raw, and Dhurandhar sits perfectly in his zone. As Hamza, he’s ruthless and intimidating—but it’s the vulnerability of Jaskirat Singh Rangi that lingers. Watching him move between these layers is a treat. Give us more of this Ranveer!
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Sara Arjun brings a refreshing innocence to the screen—a young star clearly in the making. Gaurav Gera is a genuine surprise, almost unrecognisable and quietly excellent as Hamza’s aide. Even Rakesh Bedi, as the confused, power-hungry politician, leaves a mark.
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Put together, this is a cast I didn’t feel even slightly guilty spending my money on. When casting is this sharp, the film already has a head start—and Dhurandhar proves exactly why.
2. Dhurandhar Storyline: Layered, Intelligent, and Quietly Powerful
What truly bowled us over was how the film’s story—simple at its core—unfolds in layers, revealing new facets every half hour. Aditya Dhar, who both directs and writes Dhurandhar, deftly draws from real moments in India’s history and weaves them with an unseen perspective from across the LoC.
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As viewers, we’re pulled into the lives of Hamza, Rehman, Iqbal, and Chaudhary Aslam—fully immersed in their choices, conflicts, and consequences—without ever losing sight of what the film is really about: the behind-the-scenes heroes who protect the nation in silence. Honestly, this is one of the most well-written Bollywood stories we’ve seen in a long time.
3. Music & BGM: Where Sound Becomes Story
What we truly loved was how the music and background score don’t just sit in the film; they move the story forward. Retro Bollywood tracks, given a modern edge through rap and upbeat arrangements, keep the narrative flowing without ever feeling like a break.
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Every song feels seamlessly woven into the storyline, never forced. Even the lyrics seem written for the moment, especially the climax track Dhurandhar (“Na de dil pardesi ni, tenu nitt da rona pey juga”), which hits hard emotionally.
Shashwat Sachdev delivers a masterclass album, elevated further by voices like Diljit Dosanjh, Sonu Nigam, Afsana Khan, and Jasmine Sandlas. Hanumankind’s rap is a clear standout, adding raw intensity where it matters most. Special mention to Flipperachi’s Fa9la—the viral high point of Rehman Dakait’s arc.
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A banger album after a long time, and what makes it special is how every track fits perfectly into the story being told!
4. Style of Direction: Bold, Layered, and Refreshingly New
What we loved was the distinct style of cinema Dhurandhar brings to the table. It takes cues from documentary-style filmmaking, yet remains commercial enough to feel like a complete Bollywood experience. The film is neatly divided into seven chapters, and each one peels back the story, revealing its characters layer by layer.
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Aditya Dhar truly displays his directorial prowess here, guiding his actors to deliver performances that feel raw, controlled, and deeply memorable. Every character arc is handled with intention, and the results are performances that won’t just be remembered—they’ll be talked about for a long, long time. Way to go Aditya!
5. The Duration: Long on Paper, Effortless on Screen
At 3 hours and 34 minutes, Dhurandhar did feel slightly daunting when I booked the tickets for P and me. My mind was racing—what if the film is bad, what if it’s boring, how will I sit through three-and-a-half hours of high-testosterone cinema? You get the drift.
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But the moment the film began and we were pulled into Hamza’s world, neither of us wanted it to end. Many might argue that the film is too long, but I honestly didn’t feel it—thanks to the powerful performances, sharp direction, and banger music. The first half takes its time building the world, setting up a second half that fully delivers. Not once does it feel dragged or forced.
In the end, Dhurandhar justifies its length, and then some.
Prinkled’s Parting Thoughts
Dhurandhar firmly earns its place among the finest Bollywood films of 2025. What it reiterates is that a skilled director—one who understands the delicate balance between politics and reality—can engage audiences without ever preaching or influencing them. The film also proves that even actors who’ve stayed away from the limelight can make you fall in love with their craft all over again, purely on the strength of their performances. We wholeheartedly recommend Dhurandhar—if for nothing else, then for the powerful, assured brand of storytelling that Aditya Dhar brings to Indian cinema.
Not reading it to avoid spoilers. Will come back after watching it 😛