Dhurandhar Movie Review: Is Ranveer Singh’s 3.5-Hour Spy Saga Worth The Hype or Just a Drag?

Okay, stop scrolling and listen up, besties! The moment we’ve been waiting for (and stressing over) is finally here. Dhurandhar has dropped, and the internet is screaming. We all saw the drama the cancelled screenings, the cryptic trailer, the IMAX mess abroad and we were all wondering: Is Aditya Dhar actually going to pull off a 3-hour-34-minute movie, or are we just signing up for a nap in the AC? Spoiler alert: I watched it so you don't have to go in blind, and oh boy... the tea is piping hot. This isn't your typical Bollywood masala fest; it’s a whole different beast. If you were worried about the runtime or the fact that it’s split into two parts, let me tell you—it was absolutely warranted. My jaw is on the floor. Let's get into it.

The Breakdown

The Plot: Not Just Another Spy Thriller

First things first, let’s set the scene. We aren't getting the usual "hero saves the world in a suit" vibe here. The story kicks off post-IC 814 and the 2001 Parliament attacks. R. Madhavan (playing the IB Chief with serious authority) sends our main man Ranveer Singh undercover into the badlands of Karachi. His mission? Infiltrate the Lyari gang wars and basically burn the terrorist nexus from the inside out. It’s giving realism, guys. We’re talking Akshaye Khanna as a dreaded gangster, Sanjay Dutt as a ruthless cop, and Arjun Rampal looking absolute demonic as an ISI agent.

The "Rent Free" Moments (The Good Stuff)

• The Aesthetics are a 10/10: Forget those fake-looking sound stages. They recreated Pakistan in Thailand across six acres, and it looks lived-in. The grime, the chaos, the streets—it feels real.

• Akshaye Khanna Supremacy: Can we just talk about Akshaye Khanna for a second? The man has Main Character Energy written all over him. His entry? Iconic. His swag? Unmatched. He steals every single scene he is in.

• The Violence is giving Animal x Kill: If you’re squeamish, look away. This is A-rated for a reason. It’s messy, it’s bloody, and it’s basically a brawl with no rules. That scene with Akshaye in the open market? Gnarly.

• Shashwat Sachdev Cooked: The BGM and the songs? Absolute bangers. He took classics like "Monica Oh My Darling" and "Hawa Hawa" and gave them a dark, modern twist. The sound design of gunshots mixing with the beats? Chef's kiss. 🤌

The "Math Ain't Mathing" Moments

Look, I love our faves, but we gotta be honest.

• Predictability: The movie is linear. You know who the snakes are from the get-go. There aren't any "M. Night Shyamalan" twists that will leave you shook. It’s more about the journey than the shock value.
  

• The Sara Arjun Situation: Okay, the internet is going to debate this. Ranveer Singh opposite Sara Arjun gave me slight heebie-jeebies visually because of the age gap. The movie does justify it (it's part of the spy game), and Sara acts her heart out, but that visual takes a second to get used to.
  

• Information Overload: You cannot doom-scroll during this movie. It is dense. If you blink, you miss a political connection.

The Political Tea

Aditya Dhar is not holding back. The commentary on the late 90s/early 2000s government is loud and clear. There are dialogues throwing shade at the "weak" leadership of the past and hinting at "Achhe Din." Some lines felt less like 2000s dialogue and more like they were written for a 2025 theatre reaction video. It’s spicy, and it’s definitely going to start some fights in the group chat.

Ranveer Singh: The Restrained Beast

If you’re expecting loud, flamboyant Ranveer, this isn't it—and that’s a good thing. He plays a spy who has to blend in, not stand out. He’s restrained, he’s observant, and he’s waiting to explode. You only see the "Ghayal Sher" peek out towards the end, setting up a massive Part 2.

TL;DR

• Movie: Dhurandhar (Part 1)

• Director: Aditya Dhar (Yes, the Uri guy)

• Star Cast: Ranveer Singh, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun.

• Runtime: 3 Hours 34 Minutes (Plan your bathroom breaks!)

• Vibe: Gritty, violent, spy-thriller, historical fiction.

• Music: Shashwat Sachdev (Saregama).

• Part 2 Release Date: 19th March 2026.

Fans Also Asked

Is Dhurandhar really 3.5 hours long and is it boring? Yes, the runtime is a massive 3 hours and 34 minutes! However, because it’s so information-dense and sets up the Lyari gang wars in detail, it doesn't feel like fluff. But be warned: it demands your full attention, no scrolling allowed.

What is the release date for Dhurandhar Part 2? Mark your calendars, bestie! Dhurandhar Part 2 is confirmed to release on 19th March 2026. The ending of Part 1 sets up a total war for the sequel.

Is the movie suitable for families? (Censor Rating) Hard no for the kids. The movie features A-rated violence, gruesome brawls, and blood. It’s comparable to movies like Kill or Animal in terms of brutality.

What are the best songs in Dhurandhar? Shashwat Sachdev has reinvented classics. Look out for modern versions of "Monica Oh My Darling," "Hawa Hawa," and a banger track featuring Rehman Dakait (Akshaye Khanna) vibing in Balochistan that is going to go viral on Reels.