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Dhurandhar: Why The Ranveer Singh Espionage Thriller Matters More Than It Moves

Dhurandhar is an important nationalist film that values patience and planning over brute force. But its ambition to say everything ultimately leaves the story saying too little, too late.

Team OTTplay

Jan 03, 2026

Still from Dhurandhar.

FROM THE MAKER of the previous super hit nationalist war movie, Uri (2019), director Aditya Dhar, comes the next big-screen, big-action, nationalist sentiment-generating 3.5 hours magnum opus, Dhurandhar (part 1).

The film is the story of Indian intelligence conceptualising a long and patient strategy of planting an undercover spy deep in the crime-politics-ISI nexus of Pakistan, with a view to bringing intelligence, as well as slowly destroying over time, the very source code of terrorism. After being frustrated for years at the lack of political will against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, Dhurandhar, played by Ranveer Singh, a convicted prisoner, is trained to be this agent. Starting by entering the Lyari gang in Karachi, he goes on to climb the mafia ladder, infiltrating its politics and becoming a central figure in the crime nexus, ready to change the game in part 2, due to release in March 2026.

Judging by the box-office success of the film, it is no surprise to see that the film is delivering the goods. It’s been a while since we’ve had a patriotic movie, which makes our neighbours in the West the most evil villains, takes the collective anger we feel as a society towards so many things within the country, and channels it towards something external. And of course, not-so-subtly reminding us of the ineffective Government we’ve had in the past, and how great our current leaders are. Of course, we all love to hate, and nothing like a feeling of catharsis, as we come together to beat up a common enemy.

But, it would be too short-sighted to leave Dhurandhar at that. Because, there are two aspects of the movie that are worth digging into.

Is it an important film? Yes.

Is it good storytelling as a movie? 6-7

First, it is an important film because it is completely different from the nationalistic-patriotic movies we’ve seen in the last few years. The films of the past have anchored the plot around war, especially around the border. The heroes are the soldiers and the people sacrificing their lives on the frontline for their motherland. The celebration is that of execution and action, and if anything, the bureaucracy is painted as a hindrance to getting things done. The agency, as a result, is given to the body and the physicality of making things happen. It is muscular, it is power, it is a show of strength and aggression and passion and testosterone and adrenaline, the heady cocktail which delivers the goods at the end, and leads to the happy ending.

Dhurandhar Character Guide: Who plays what in Aditya Dhar's espionage thriller

Dhurandhar by contrast, does the exact opposite. The agency is given, not to the body, but to the mind. The strength is in the strategy, which has a long-term view, ruthlessly overlooking the short-term losses. The power lies in the patience, to keep at it, one day at a time, moving slowly towards the end goal, walking, not running. The muscular physical strength exists, but it is metaphorically hidden behind the Pathan suits worn by the characters, not overtly displayed in Hrithik-SRK-style. The heroes are the intelligence agents and the people who are thinking, and planning, and plotting towards a vision of victory. Restraint is a virtue, and violence is a carefully used weapon, not an always-on mode.

The other critical reason why Dhurandhar is an important film is that it is a manifestation of the new confident India that we are all pleasantly surprised to see emerging (even though at times we wonder if we’re getting this right). Unlike the previous patriotic films, where India was always a victim underdog that fights back for revenge and justice, in Dhurandhar India takes destiny under its control, and turns a crisis into an opportunity towards creating a new sub-continent order, once and for all. India is no longer the ‘bechara’ in this new world, but an equal, sovereign, powerful State that is writing its own future. This gives us a very fresh and different kind of patriotic fervour that we’ve not had before. And for that, we cheer and applaud the film, and as citizens of this amazing country gives us the pride and the belief that we all need and desire.

HERE'S OUR CRITIC'S REVIEW | Dhurandhar: Aditya Dhar Marries Spectacular Craft With Deeply Skewed Politics

But, now coming to the storytelling that we also need and desire from a big film of this stature. And here, I would say, we are left wanting.

The attempt at telling a Tarantino-style Chapter approach to the story is clever, but doesn’t really make an impact, since the story is quite linear, and while the maker might feel that he’s being clever in not revealing Dhurandhar’s true purpose till later, as an audience, we know it from the first scene when Hamza enters the Pakistan border from Afghanistan.

The attempt at creating a John Wick-style raw blood and gore action is appreciated, but comes across as forced and unconvincing due to the actors, their body language and the lack of a consistent underlying violent undercurrent. There’s just too much talking and emotions, and drama for the violence to really stand out. If you want a good Bollywood blood fest, then I highly recommend watching Kill.

The storytelling, while it keeps us engaged in the moment on everything that’s happening, feels a little frustratingly meandering, as we get to the latter half of the film, making us wonder why did we spend so much time engaging with the inner emotions and dealings of Rahmat Dakait and Azad Pappu, and the Baloch movement, and the intricate layers of Lyari politics. The story goes so deep into the inner workings of Karachi machinery that we lose sight of the Indian purpose and emotion.

The saving grace is, of course, Ranveer Singh. He is brilliant as always. The sheer menacing strength of his body, that is restrained by his even stronger mind. The anger against the enemy and the passion for his country are reflected only through his eyes. The power of his blows and punches that he delivers as convincingly as the hits he himself receives. The understated, patient, potent, effective Dhurandhar could be no one else but Ranveer. And he hits it out of the park. Watch the film, if nothing else, just to watch him perform.

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All in all, an enjoyable and watchable film, but with lots of unfulfilled potential. Here’s hoping that the second part picks up on the storytelling aspect of the film, so we can look back and see Dhurandhar the complete film. as one of those disruptive movies that stir us enough to be in our memories for a long time, and not just a flash in the pan that we saw, liked somewhat and then moved on. The possibilities exist. Aditya Dhar, over to you.

The writer has a blog, Room With A View, with more of his thoughts on all things "books, booze, box office and other bakwaas". Click here to read.