Bollywood’s new spy thriller blends action and ideology as it reflects contemporary India‑Pakistan dynamics and sparks debate among global audiences.
MELBOURNE, 2 February 2026: Spying across borders is nothing new. During the Cold War, espionage was one of the most potent weapons wielded by both the United States and the Soviet Union—a theme that has inspired countless films and novels. The nuclear‑powered India‑Pakistan rivalry is no exception, with intelligence operations often shaping narratives on both sides. Unsurprisingly, it continues to offer fertile ground for filmmakers and audiences alike.
Dhurandar (meaning stalwart) is a 2025 Hindi‑language spy action thriller that has become a major box‑office hit—though also ideologically divisive, sharply splitting critics and audiences. Whether a film is “good” or “bad” remains subjective, and box‑office numbers alone cannot measure its artistic merit. A film review seeks to evaluate both the craft and the message—assessing direction, writing, technical finesse, and social impact rather than simply accepting or rejecting the work.
The story follows Indian intelligence agent Ranveer Singh, whose look recalls his Padmaavat appearance. Under “Operation Dhurandhar,” he assumes the identity of Hamza Ali Mazari to infiltrate Karachi’s underworld, embedding himself in Lyari’s mafia networks. Caught between rival gangs led by Rehman Dakait (Akshaye Khanna) and Babu Dakait, and shadowed by ISI officer Major Iqbal (Arjun Rampal), Hamza relays sensitive information to his Indian handler, IB Chief Ajay Sanyal (R. Madhavan)—a character seemingly inspired by India’s current National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval.
Hamza’s romance with Yalina (Sara Arjun), daughter of local politician Jameel Jamali (Rakesh Bedi), complicates his loyalties as terror plots against India unfold. The film blends high‑adrenaline action with music, style, nationalism, and references to real‑life security threats, ending with a revealing audio exchange between a terrorist handler and agent Hamza—followed by a teaser for a sequel.
Visually, Dhurandar is classic Bollywood masala: graphic violence, coarse dialogue, retro songs under chase sequences, a glossy item number, and a sprinkling of Urdu. The tone evokes earlier films such as Inquilab (where Amitabh Bachchan famously guns down MLAs in the Assembly). The story appears loosely inspired by Govind Nihalani’s Drohkaal, where undercover agents infiltrate a terror network—though Dhurandar shifts the setting across the border and updates the politics.
At three hours and thirty‑four minutes, the film stitches together fictional and real‑world threads into a fast‑paced, crowd‑pleasing narrative that reflects today’s hyper‑nationalist mood. With cheap mobile streaming expanding its reach, Dhurandar delivers exactly what producers dream of: big money and an even bigger message. If this movie is intended as a soft power, it is not up to the mark. Because for that real-life successful tales are needed, not a pot-boiler.
Ranveer Singh meets the physical and emotional demands of the role, though Sanjay Dutt’s brief appearance feels unclear. Sara Arjun, cast after reportedly 1,300 auditions, adds romantic charm but little dramatic weight. Akshaye Khanna, meanwhile, excels as Rehman Dakait, exuding menace and charisma—especially through lines like “Rehman Dakait ki di hui maut bahut kasainuma hoti hai” (“Rehman Dakait kills like a butcher”).
Shashwat Sachdev’s score mixes raw vintage tones with hip‑hop influences—a daring but occasionally uneven blend. Still, the nostalgic use of old Bollywood tracks adds richness and familiarity.
In essence, Dhurandar is a glossy Bollywood action spectacle tailored for a profit‑driven age—filled with violence, vengeance, and ideological undertones yet undeniably slick and entertaining. The audience now awaits what Hamza does next, as hinted by his handlers in the film’s closing moment.
CREDITS
Title: Dhurandhar (transl. “Stalwart”).
Language: Hindi.
Genre: Spy action thriller / espionage drama.
Director–writer: Aditya Dhar.
Main cast: Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun.
Producer banners: Jio Studios and B62 Studios (among others).
Currently streaming on Netflix.
