At its core, the film follows a high-stakes intelligence mission rooted in real geopolitical tensions. The narrative dives into the covert world of Indian intelligence, focusing on an operative whose methods are as controversial as they are effective. The plot isn’t about one single mission; it’s about the mindset behind decisions taken in silence, far away from public applause.

The movie keeps shifting between strategy rooms, tense field operations, and personal moments that reveal what this life actually costs. Power plays, betrayals, and long-term consequences form the backbone of the plot, making it more layered than your average action thriller.

Story-wise, the film takes a grounded approach. There are no random item songs or forced comic relief breaks. The screenplay builds steadily, trusting the audience to stay patient. Instead of relying on shock value, the story uses tension, silence, and sharp dialogues to move things forward.

What really stands out is how the narrative refuses to paint everything in black and white. Characters make decisions that feel uncomfortable but believable. You might not always agree with what’s happening, but you’ll understand why it’s happening. That realism is what keeps the story gripping without revealing too much.

Ranveer Singh leads the film, and honestly, this might be one of his most restrained yet intense performances. He plays the central intelligence officer with controlled aggression, ditching his usual flamboyance for something colder and more dangerous. His eyes do most of the talking, and it works.

The supporting cast adds serious depth. Sanjay Dutt steps in as a powerful authority figure whose presence commands attention without needing loud dialogues. Akshaye Khanna brings his signature calm menace, playing a character who operates on intellect rather than emotion. R. Madhavan appears in a key role that adds emotional and ideological contrast, grounding the narrative when it risks becoming too tactical.

Each character feels purposeful, not decorative, which is refreshing in a genre that often wastes good actors.

One of the biggest wins is the film’s tone. It doesn’t try to be overly patriotic or preachy. Instead, it lets actions speak. The background score slaps without overpowering scenes, and the cinematography captures both scale and claustrophobia beautifully.

Action sequences feel raw and practical. No unnecessary slow motion, no physics-defying stunts. Just clean, hard-hitting choreography that feels real. The dialogues are another highlight sharp, quotable, and perfectly meme-worthy for the youth crowd.

The pacing, for the most part, keeps you locked in. The film respects your intelligence and doesn’t over-explain its politics or strategies.

That said, the movie isn’t flawless. The second half slightly drags in places where tighter editing could’ve helped. Some subplots deserved either more exploration or complete removal, as they momentarily dilute the main narrative.

A few emotional beats feel undercooked, especially involving personal relationships. You get the idea, but you wish the film lingered a bit longer to make you feel it more deeply. Also, if you’re someone who prefers fast, spectacle-driven storytelling, the grounded approach might test your patience initially.

What’s instantly likable is the film’s confidence. It knows what it wants to be and sticks to it. Ranveer Singh’s transformation, the realistic action, and the morally grey storytelling make it stand out in the current Bollywood landscape.

What might not work for everyone is the film’s serious tone. There’s very little room for light-hearted moments, which could feel heavy for viewers looking for pure entertainment. The complexity of the narrative also demands attention; this isn’t a background-watch kind of film.

This is where the film really scores. It taps into themes of distrust, power, and blurred morality things today’s youth constantly debate online. The characters question systems, break rules, and deal with consequences, making them feel more human than heroic.

The film also understands aesthetic appeal. From costume design to color grading, it’s visually built for today’s Instagram-and-Reels generation without feeling artificial.

To wrap up this Dhurandhar movie review, the film is a solid, ambitious spy thriller that doesn’t play safe. It’s intense, stylish, and driven by performances that stay with you. While it has minor pacing issues, the overall experience feels fresh and bold.

If you’re into smart storytelling, grounded action, and characters that aren’t perfect, this one deserves your time. It might not be everyone’s comfort watch, but it’s definitely a conversation starter and sometimes, that’s way more exciting.