Latest Hindi Movie Review: Dhurandhar
Overview
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar is a politically intense war-espionage thriller that blends nationalism with strategic warfare. Structured in chapters, the film interlaces real historical events with fictional missions. The first half grips with urgency and tension, but the extended runtime of over three hours gradually weakens momentum in the latter portions.
Performances
- Ranveer Singh delivers a gritty and emotionally layered performance, anchoring the narrative with conviction.
- Akshaye Khanna steals the spotlight as Rehman Baloch/Dakait. His restrained silences and intense breakdowns create some of the film’s most powerful moments.
- Sanjay Dutt brings gravitas as Chaudhary Aslam.
- Arjun Rampal fits seamlessly as the ISI chief, projecting cold authority.
- Supporting performances from Rakesh Bedi and Sara Arjun add meaningful depth.
Technical Aspects
- Production Design:Recreations of Karachi and conflict zones feel gritty and authentic. The dusty, war-torn environments enhance immersion.
- Cinematography:Visually raw and intense, pulling viewers into chaos and retaliation.
- Direction:Aditya Dhar balances realism and dramatic tension, though certain sequences feel indulgent.
Music
The background score heightens suspense, especially the track “Karvaan,” which amplifies tension in key scenes. The retro inclusion of “Hawa Hawa” adds unexpected texture and nostalgia.
Editing
The film’s primary drawback is its excessive length — exceeding 3 hours 30 minutes. Some prolonged sequences dilute impact. A tighter 2.5-hour cut could have strengthened narrative sharpness and emotional punch.
Positives
• Strong and bold political narrative
• Akshaye Khanna’s standout performance
• Effective integration of real events
• High production value and impactful BGM
• Layered depiction of Indo-Pak tensions
Negatives
• Overlong runtime
• Repetitive violence
• Open-ended climax lacking strong closure
• Fatigue in the final hour
Analysis
Dhurandhar is ambitious and thought-provoking, leaning more cerebral than overtly patriotic spectacles. It engages with sensitive geopolitical themes and sparks debate. While pacing issues hinder its overall impact, powerful performances — especially by Akshaye Khanna — and immersive world-building make it compelling for viewers drawn to war-politics narratives. It may exhaust at times, but it rarely feels insignificant.
Bottomline: Ambitious Warfare
Rating: 3.5 / 5
