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Dhurandhar, the highly anticipated action-packed spy drama starring Ranveer Singh, has stormed into theatres on December 5, 2025, captivating audiences with its raw intensity and star-studded cast. Directed by Aditya Dhar, known for his gripping Uri: The Surgical Strike, this film marks a bold departure into the gritty world of espionage, blending real historical events like the IC-814 hijacking with fictional high-stakes intrigue. From its advance bookings crossing Rs 14 crore to rave early reviews praising Ranveer’s feral performance, Dhurandhar is poised for a strong box office opening despite some pacing concerns.
The film’s journey to the big screen has been marked by immense hype, fueled by Ranveer Singh’s transformation into a never-before-seen avatar and the ensemble of Bollywood heavyweights. As fans flock to cinemas, questions about its rating, cast dynamics, and overall impact dominate conversations. This comprehensive review dives deep into every aspect, from plot intricacies and performances to box office predictions, helping you decide if it’s worth your time and ticket price.
The Gripping Plot of Dhurandhar: A Spy Saga Rooted in Reality
At its core, Dhurandhar unfolds as a high-octane spy thriller set against the tense backdrop of Indo-Pak tensions, drawing inspiration from true events such as the Kandahar hijacking of IC-814 in December 1999. Ranveer Singh plays Hamza, a fierce undercover agent posing as a Baloch operative in the volatile Lyari neighborhood of Pakistan, where ethnic rivalries between Balochs and Pathans simmer dangerously. His mission: infiltrate the inner circle of gang leader Rehman Baloch, portrayed masterfully by Akshaye Khanna, to avert a larger catastrophe that intertwines personal vendettas with national security threats.
Aditya Dhar’s screenplay masterfully weaves historical milestones—the Mumbai terror attacks, street-level espionage challenges—into a fictional narrative that feels palpably real. Hamza’s isolation is palpably felt in scenes where he breaks down emotionally while eating on a bustling Pakistani street or witnesses his countrymen’s suffering amid celebrations across the border. These moments of vulnerability humanize the spy genre, steering clear of Bollywood’s glossy spy tropes seen in franchises like Pathaan or Tiger. The runtime stretches to a whopping 214 minutes, making it Bollywood’s longest film in 17 years since Jodha Akbar, certified ‘A’ by the CBFC for its violent content and mature themes.
The narrative builds to explosive climaxes, including brutal face-offs that test loyalties and push characters to their limits. Without spoiling the poignant ending—where Hamza’s diary scribbles reveal layers of guilt and resolve—Dhurandhar delivers Hollywood-level action sequences with practical effects and minimal VFX overload. However, the indulgent length occasionally drags, with some subplots feeling stretched, testing viewer patience in the latter half.
Stellar Cast and Performances: Ranveer Leads, Ensemble Shines
Ranveer Singh anchors Dhurandhar with what critics call his most intense and restrained performance yet, channeling a feral energy reminiscent of his Padmaavat antagonist but dialed into spy precision. Fans compare it to Alauddin Khilji’s vibe, praising his physical transformation, dialect work as a Baloch, and ability to explode on cue without overacting. This is Ranveer’s first ‘A’-rated film, allowing him to unleash unfiltered aggression in combat scenes that have early audiences roaring.
Akshaye Khanna steals much screen time as the cunning Rehman Baloch, ruling with a chilling presence that outshines even Ranveer in several confrontations. Sanjay Dutt brings gravitas to his antagonistic role, clashing memorably with Khanna in a raw, unglamorous showdown that grounds the film’s realism. R. Madhavan and Arjun Rampal add depth in pivotal supporting turns, while newcomers like Sara Arjun (as a key ally with subtle chemistry to Ranveer) and Gitikka Ganju Dhar make impactful debuts. Rakesh Bedi’s significant role hints at sequel potential, already teased for a swift follow-up.
Director Aditya Dhar, producing alongside Lokesh Dhar and Jyoti Deshpande, extracts career-best work from the ensemble, blending vulnerability with visceral action. The cast’s chemistry, especially in emotional breakdowns and high-stakes interrogations, elevates Dhurandhar beyond a typical masala thriller.
Critical Reception and Ratings: Hits and Misses
Dhurandhar has polarized early reviewers with its ambitious scope. NDTV hails it as an “indulgent spy thriller” driven home by Ranveer’s feral intensity and Khanna’s stellar turn, awarding high marks for engagement. Bollywood Hungama rates it 3/5, calling it a “big screen experience” for its scale but noting narrative bloat. Mid-Day praises the raw spy drama’s research but critiques pacing drags and uneven chemistry, especially in the climax.
First-day-first-show (FDFS) reactions on social platforms are electric: fans love the violent edge, labeling it India’s most brutal film with gripping songs and screenplay. Reddit discussions highlight Ranveer’s restraint and Khanna’s dominance, though some lament weak character arcs for female leads. Overall ratings hover around 3.5-4/5 from audiences, with word-of-mouth predicting a weekend surge despite mixed critic scores.
Box Office Buzz: Advance Booking and Day 1 Predictions
Advance bookings have been a rollercoaster for Dhurandhar, netting Rs 14 crore including blocked seats, with 2.25-2.6 lakh tickets sold nationwide. Sacnilk reports Rs 4.24 crore in final pre-sales, positioning it for a Rs 20 crore opening day—respectable but below grand expectations. Morning occupancy hit 15.49%, ranking 7th best of 2025, outpacing Sikandar and signaling strong fan pull in Maharashtra and Hindi circuits.
Low early footfalls gave way to 50% bookings for late shows, boosted by trailer hype and controversy immunity. Trade analyst Joginder Tuteja forecasts an impressive weekend if positive buzz sustains, potentially crossing Rs 100 crore in week one amid competition. Wide release strategy ensures accessibility, but its ‘A’ rating may limit family crowds.
Technical Brilliance: Action, Music, and Cinematography
Aditya Dhar’s vision shines through in cinematography capturing Pakistan’s underbelly with gritty realism—no glamorous slow-mo, just brutal, hand-held chaos. Action choreography rivals international standards, from street brawls to tactical infiltrations, earning comparisons to John Wick for intensity. The soundtrack features engaging tracks that amplify tension, with one emotional number underscoring Hamza’s turmoil standing out.
Editing could have trimmed 30-40 minutes for tighter pacing, but the immersive sound design and VFX in hijack recreations make it a theatrical must-watch. IMDb lists it as a star-studded saga, with the official trailer amassing millions of views pre-release.
Why Watch Dhurandhar? Verdict and Sequel Tease
Dhurandhar redefines Bollywood espionage with its unapologetic violence, historical nods, and powerhouse performances, making it essential for action aficionados. Ranveer Singh roars back ferociously, proving his range post-comeback, while the ensemble elevates a familiar genre. Flaws like runtime and minor drags aside, its highs—emotional depth, raw action—outweigh lows for a satisfying big-screen binge.
With Part 2 already in buzz, this kicks off a potential franchise. Head to theatres if you crave adrenaline over fluff; it’s not for the faint-hearted. Final rating: 3.75/5—explosive, indulgent, and unmissable.
