Writer, Social activist
‘Dhurandhar’, directed by Aditya Dhar, emerges as a fictional spy saga intertwined with significant terror flashpoints in India’s recent history: the IC-814 Kandahar hijacking, the from Parliament attack, and the 26/11 attacks. The narrative centers on Operation Dhurandhar, orchestrated by IB chief Ajay Sanyal (played by R. Madhavan) and his undercover agent, Hamza Ali Mazari (Ranveer Singh). Mazari infiltrates the tumultuous Lyari underworld in Karachi, aiming to dismantle terror networks from within. The choice of Lyari, marked by politically charged chaos and rampant gang wars, sets a potent backdrop for the unfolding drama, suggesting that “yahaan arajakta phaili hai,” making it a strategic site for espionage.
Structured into chapters and stretching nearly 3.5 hours, “Dhurandhar” immerses viewers in its world with a patient build-up. Despite its considerable runtime, Dhar’s stylish and controlled storytelling keeps the audience engaged. Departing from a standard RAW-versus-ISI thriller, the film draws on the nuanced atmosphere of a Godfather-esque crime saga, hinting at a larger narrative universe.
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Ranveer Singh delivers a notably restrained and compelling performance as Mazari—brooding, layered, and intense. His transformation, complete with long hair, a rugged beard, and a piercing gaze, may invite comparisons to Ranbir Kapoor’s portrayal in “Animal,” yet his interpretation stands apart in both performance and tone. Sporting fitted, chest-revealing Pathani suits in various monochromatic shades, Singh reiterates his status as one of Hindi cinema’s most captivating dramatic actors when he approaches his craft with seriousness.
The film features a strong supporting cast, including Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Rakesh Bedi, and Danish Pandor, all of whom add depth to the narrative. Sara Arjun shines as a memorable 19-year-old likeable character. Akshaye Khanna stands out with the most captivating performance, his moves and acting has sparked significant buzz on social media, taking the film to a different level completely. He has out past each and every one by his acting and strong screen presence.
The soundtrack cleverly revives 70s and 80s Bappi Lahiri tracks, providing a modern backdrop that enhances the film’s momentum and atmosphere.
“Dhurandhar,” an extension of the nationalistic emotion seen in “Uri” with its “Yeh naya India hai, yeh ghar mein ghusega bhi aur maarega bhi” sentiment, veers into heavy-handed nationalism. As the first part of a planned two-part series, it is brutal, ambitious, and gripping, effectively holding the audience’s attention while building anticipation for the sequel. Dhar skillfully balances high-octane action with contemplative moments, allowing the narrative to unfold with intentional tension. The cinematography and production design vividly render a gritty world, immersing viewers in a morally complex landscape that has captivated large audiences and rendered “Dhurandhar” one of the year’s biggest hits.
