Quick Read
- Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh, released on December 5, 2025.
- Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film is inspired by real-life incidents including the IC-814 hijacking and Parliament attack.
- The cast includes Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, and Sara Arjun.
- The film’s 3hr 34min runtime has sparked debate; some found it gripping, others too long.
- Controversies include legal action over its real-life inspiration and cancelled morning shows.
Dhurandhar’s Arrival: Anticipation, Controversy, and Cinematic Firepower
When a film bursts onto the scene with Ranveer Singh in the lead, expectations run high. Dhurandhar, the spy thriller directed by Aditya Dhar, did more than just meet those expectations—it set off a wave of reactions that spanned the spectrum from adulation to fierce debate. Released on December 5, 2025, Dhurandhar has quickly become one of the year’s most talked-about Bollywood films, not just for its content but for the conversations it has ignited about artistic ambition, historical inspiration, and the fine balance between spectacle and substance.
From the moment its trailer dropped, Dhurandhar was enveloped in anticipation. Fans marked their calendars for Singh’s return to the big screen after a 2.5-year hiatus, and trade analysts watched pre-release ticket sales climb. Yet, the excitement was tempered by controversy: the parents of late Major Mohit Sharma moved court, alleging the film was based on their son’s life without consent. Aditya Dhar’s wife, actress Yami Gautam, made a heartfelt plea on social media against cancel culture, urging audiences to judge the film for themselves rather than falling prey to online campaigns.
Plot: High Stakes in Pakistan’s Underworld
Dhurandhar’s storyline is rooted in real events, weaving together threads from the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2001 Indian Parliament attack. The narrative follows India’s Intelligence Bureau Chief Ajay Sanyal (played by R Madhavan), who orchestrates a daring mission to infiltrate and dismantle a terrorist network based in Karachi. For this task, Sanyal recruits a 20-year-old Punjabi youth—imprisoned for a crime of vengeance—transforming him into a weapon capable of penetrating Pakistan’s ruthless Lyari mafia.
The film’s ambition is matched by its ensemble cast. Alongside Ranveer Singh, Dhurandhar features Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and R Madhavan. Sara Arjun, once a child star, makes her first appearance as an adult, opposite Ranveer Singh—a pairing that, given their age difference, has sparked its own share of discussion.
Early Reactions: Electrifying Performances and Relentless Action
The first wave of audience reviews hit social media with palpable enthusiasm. Many called it a “blockbuster,” with descriptors like “volcano,” “fire,” and “powerful action-packed theatrical” echoing across X (formerly Twitter). Ranveer Singh’s performance was widely hailed as “phenomenal,” with one user declaring he “carried the whole film on his shoulders.” Akshaye Khanna, too, emerged as a standout, with fans demanding awards for his “effortlessly commanding and charming” presence. Arjun Rampal’s “deadly” portrayal and R Madhavan’s gravitas further elevated the ensemble.
Aditya Dhar’s direction and the film’s background score also drew special praise. The action sequences were described as “mind-blowing” and “wild,” while the editing kept the pace “fast, sharp & pulse-racing.” The film’s patriotic fervor was unmistakable, with several reviews celebrating its intensity and emotional grit.
Mixed Reactions: Runtime, Release Hiccups, and Pricing
Yet, not all feedback was unequivocally positive. Dhurandhar’s runtime—3 hours and 34 minutes—makes it one of the longest Indian films in recent memory. While some found the relentless action kept things from getting dull, others argued that the film could have been trimmed by at least 30-40 minutes. The second half, in particular, was described as dragging, with the climax and tease of a sequel (“Dhurandhar 2”) leaving viewers both satisfied and wanting more.
Technical issues marred the film’s release, with morning shows cancelled in several locations and fans expressing frustration over the lack of availability in Mumbai’s iconic single screens, Gaiety and Galaxy. Pricing also became a talking point: tickets in premium Delhi-NCR theatres soared above ₹2000, with Mumbai shows selling out at ₹1600-1800—a reflection of both demand and the film’s blockbuster positioning.
Despite these challenges, Dhurandhar’s opening weekend looked promising. Advance bookings crossed 2.6 lakh tickets, grossing ₹9.23 crore on day one, and the film’s release on 5000 screens marked one of the widest for a Hindi film in years. The postponement of Akhanda 2 further helped Dhurandhar dominate screens in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Artistic Vision vs. Real-Life Inspiration
Dhurandhar’s roots in real-life incidents have fueled both its appeal and controversy. The leaked synopsis—detailing its inspiration from the IC-814 hijacking and Parliament attack—added to the sense of urgency and authenticity. Yet, the film’s depiction of sensitive events and its alleged connection to Major Mohit Sharma’s life have sparked legal and ethical debates about creative license and responsibility. Hrithik Roshan, responding to Yami Gautam’s post, articulated a broader concern: “Only true opinions have the potential where feedback helps us evolve… Without freedom of expression, without the truth helping us evolve, what job satisfaction can they or any of us hope for?”
For fans, these questions remain secondary to the visceral experience Dhurandhar provides. The film’s action, emotional stakes, and ensemble performances have established it as a “must-experience” theatrical event, even as it polarizes audiences over its length and narrative choices.
The Verdict: A Relentless Entertainer With Room for Reflection
Dhurandhar is not a film that plays it safe. Aditya Dhar’s direction is bold, sometimes even brash, and the cast rises to the challenge with performances that leave a mark. Ranveer Singh’s comeback is as explosive as fans hoped, and the supporting cast ensures every moment on screen is charged with tension and drama.
But Dhurandhar also invites viewers to consider the costs of cinematic ambition: Is a gripping narrative enough to justify a marathon runtime? Can a film inspired by real events do justice to history without losing itself in spectacle? These are questions audiences will continue to debate as Dhurandhar races through its opening week and beyond.
Dhurandhar proves that Bollywood, at its best, can blend real-world urgency with cinematic spectacle. While its length and controversies may divide viewers, the film’s impact—driven by powerhouse performances and bold direction—cements its place as a defining movie of 2025, challenging both audience expectations and the boundaries of the genre.