MUMBAI: With Uri, Aditya Dhar didn’t just deliver a hit — he ignited a nationwide patriotic wave.
In 2025, he returns with Dhurandhar, a film that is bigger in ambition, sharper in craft, and far more emotionally explosive. If Uri was a battle cry, Dhurandhar is a full-scale cinematic war — layered, political, ruthless and deeply human.
At the heart of Dhurandhar lie two of the most defining chapters of modern Indian history — the 1999 IC-814 hijack and the 2001 Parliament attack. Dhar does not treat these events as mere plot points; he uses them to dissect the fragile, high-pressure machinery behind national security.
The film shows how a nation can be forced into impossible decisions, where every move is a gamble and the price of hesitation can be catastrophic.
One of the strongest triumphs of Dhurandhar is its integration of real archival footage and original terror communications. From 9/11 to major global attacks, the juxtaposition of real visuals with unfolding drama sends chills down the spine.
This isn’t propaganda — it’s a brutal reminder of how unstable the world truly is and how India survives through relentless intelligence, precision, and resilience.
Performances That Hit Like a Storm
Ranveer Singh delivers one of the finest performances of his career. As Hamza, he is broken yet blazing, emotional yet calculating — a man shaped by trauma and sharpened by duty. His transformation from a raw operative to a cold, strategic mind is a visual masterclass.
R. Madhavan brings commanding dignity as the IB Chief, grounding the narrative with maturity and authority.
Akshaye Khanna, with minimal screen time, creates a chilling, unforgettable presence.
Sanjay Dutt adds volcanic intensity, while Arjun Rampal’s quiet menace lingers long after his scenes end.
Sara Arjun makes an impact far beyond her limited screen time.
Sound, Craft & Authentic Detail
The background score is a weapon in itself — it tightens the tension, deepens the melancholy and turns action sequences into adrenaline surges.
Cinematography, editing and lighting combine to create an atmosphere of constant urgency — you’re never allowed to relax.
Whether it’s infiltration, political negotiations or high-stakes intelligence manoeuvres, the world-building feels global and grounded.
A Film Driven Less by Gunfire and More by Mind Games
Dhurandhar isn’t violent for the sake of thrill.
Its real battle lies in political chess, bureaucratic clashes, hidden agendas and Hamza’s personal demons.
The interval hits like a shockwave, and the second half digs deeper into the cracks of power and patriotism. This shift is exactly what elevates the film above conventional action cinema.
A Bigger Universe, A Bigger Vision
Producers Jyoti Deshpande, Lokesh Dhar and Aditya Dhar’s team create a massive, deeply researched spy universe that feels both cinematic and frighteningly real. The scale is never just for spectacle — it serves the story.
And the ending? It plants the seeds for a sequel that promises to be not just bigger, but explosive — the final, decisive chapter of this strategic war.
Eid 2026 is now more than a release date — it’s an event waiting to erupt.
Verdict
With its blend of real history, fierce patriotism, emotional weight, political truth, and powerhouse performances, Dhurandhar isn’t just a film — it’s an experience carved straight into the conscience of the viewer.
If there is one movie every Indian must watch on the big screen this year, it is Dhurandhar.
Because some stories demand the roar of a theatre.
4/5 stars
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