Jio Studios and B62 Studios’ Dhurandhar (A) is a film about Pakistani terrorism in India, and India’s efforts to beat the neighbouring country at its own game.
IB chief Ajay Sanyal (R. Madhavan) comes up with a mission to know in advance what the Pakistani terrorists are planning in India, and to thwart their attempts. He calls it Mission Dhurandhar. How the Indian intelligence beat the Pakistani terrorists and destroy them forms the crux of the story — but not before the sinister plans of the Pakistani terrorists wreak havoc in India on 26th November, 2008.
Aditya Dhar’s story is novel because although it is about the escalating tension between the two neighbouring countries, this one gets into the mind of Pakistan. In other words, it deals with the action and plans made in Pakistan. In that sense, it is a story about the evil doers, made for India. The story is pretty engaging and keeps the audience hooked right from the word ‘go’. The research and the revelations are praiseworthy. Aditya Dhar’s screenplay, with additional screenplay by Shivkumar V. Panicker and Ojas Gautam, is extraordinary. It moves at a fast pace and sucks the viewers into the drama. The first half may be too lengthy, but there are so many characters which need to be established that the length appears to be necessary. The post-interval portion is crisper and even more entertaining. Some of the turns and twists in the screenplay are so outstanding that they gladden the heart. No doubt, the violence is gruesome and the film is lengthy (running time of 3 hours, 34 minutes), but they don’t matter in the overall scheme of things because the content is not only very engaging and entertaining but it is also compelling. The tension-ridden drama is interspersed with some light moments and a romantic track. Frankly, there’s so much happening in the drama that the audience don’t even realise that it’s a rather long film. Aditya Dhar’s dialogues are superb. A lot of swear words have been cleared by the CBFC (as the film has been certified for adults only), and they will be enjoyed by the masses. Point to be noted is that the swear words will not put off many ladies, because they are often used in context and don’t appear forced for effect.
Ranveer Singh lives the role of Hamza Ali Mazari. He plays the character with so much conviction that he comes out trumps. His body language, expressions and nuances are brilliant, like his acting. Akshaye Khanna is outstanding in the role of Rehman Dakait. He performs so wonderfully that watching him becomes a delightful experience. Sanjay Dutt does a fine job in a special appearance as SP Aslam Choudhary. Arjun Rampal shines as Major Iqbal. In the role of Ajay Sanyal, R. Madhavan leaves an excellent mark each time he comes on screen. Sara Arjun makes an impressive debut as Yalina Jamali, daughter of politician Jameel Jamali and beloved of Hamza. Rakesh Bedi entertains thoroughly as Jameel Jamali. His dialogues and expressions are to die for. This is one of his best performances ever. Danish Pandor is pretty impressive as Uzair Baloch. Gaurav Gera has his moments as Aalam. Manav Gohil is adequate as Sushant Bansal. Raj Zutshi is natural as General Shamshad Hassan. Saumya Tandon lends dignity to the character of Rehman’s wife, Ulfat. Naveen Kaushik is wonderful as Donga. Rouhallah Gazi has his moments as Siyahi. Ashwin Dhar is very natural as Arshad Pappu. Ankit Sagar is terrific as Javed Khanani. Mushtaq Naika is good as Altaf Khanani. Akash Khurana (as external affairs minister Devarat Kapoor) makes his presence felt. Bimal Oberoi (as Shirani), Asif Ali Haider Khan (as Babu Dakait), Azinkya Mishra (as Faizal Baloch), Hital Pujara (as Naeem Baloch), Nadeem Khan (as Akhlaq), and the others provide excellent support.
Aditya Dhar’s direction is brilliant. He has narrated a complex subject with so much clarity and conviction that the audience don’t get confused in spite of the presence of so many characters. Shashwat Sachdev’s music is a major asset. The songs are excellently tuned and come as a good relief in the tension-ridden drama. Some old Bollywood hit songs have been beautifully used after suitably and excellently remixing them. Irshad Kamil’s lyrics are terrific. Vijay A. Ganguly’s choreography is fair. Shashwat Sachdev’s background music is par excellence. Vikash Nowlakha’s cinematography deserves distinction marks. The film has been extraordinarily shot. Action and stunt scenes may be, by and large, gruesome, but the choreography (by Aejaz-Gulab, Sea Young Oh, Yannick Ben and Ramazan Bulut) of several of them is breathtaking. Saini S. Johray’s production designing, and Yogesh Bansode and Nilesh Choudhari’s art direction are remarkable. Shivkumar V. Panicker’s editing is super-sharp.
On the whole, Dhurandhar is a surefire hit. In spite of excessive violence and its more-than-normal running time and notwithstanding its adult certification, it will prove to be a richly rewarding film. Ladies and families may be hesitant initially to watch the film but they will also ultimately go to the cinemas once the positive word of mouth spreads, because the film lays bare what many of us are unaware of.
Released on 5-12-’25 at Inox (daily 14 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay by Jio Studios. Publicity & opening: excellent. …….Also released all over. Opening was superb at most of the places.
