Dhurandhar, the latest Bollywood espionage thriller directed by Aditya Dhar, has emerged as one of the most talked-about Hindi films of 2025. Headlined by a powerful and restrained performance from Ranveer Singh, the movie has drawn massive audiences to theatres while generating widespread discussion for its ambitious scale, intense storytelling and uncompromising cinematic tone. Released amid high expectations, the film has sparked debate, appreciation and analysis, firmly positioning itself as a landmark release of the year.
Set against the backdrop of covert intelligence operations and escalating geopolitical tension, Dhurandhar follows the journey of Kabir Anand, a deep-cover Indian intelligence officer whose identity is buried beneath layers of secrecy. When a classified mission collapses under unforeseen circumstances, Kabir is pulled into a dangerous web of betrayal, national security threats and personal loss, forcing him to navigate a world where trust is scarce and survival uncertain.
Unlike conventional Bollywood spy movies that rely on predictable hero-versus-villain storytelling, Dhurandhar adopts a more layered and mature narrative approach. The film presents multiple parallel storylines involving intelligence agencies, underground criminal networks, political power centres and covert operatives working across borders. This structure adds realism and emotional depth, drawing audiences into a morally complex universe where loyalty is fragile and truth is often manipulated.
Ranveer Singh’s performance in Dhurandhar is widely regarded as one of the most intense and disciplined portrayals of his career. Moving away from flamboyant roles, the actor delivers a controlled, gritty and emotionally restrained performance. His character is driven by duty rather than recognition, and Singh effectively conveys the psychological burden of living a life in constant shadows. Critics and audiences have described the role as career-defining, praising his restraint and emotional maturity.
The supporting cast adds significant strength to the narrative. Akshaye Khanna delivers a subtle yet commanding performance, while veteran actors Sanjay Dutt and R. Madhavan bring gravitas and credibility. Each character is thoughtfully written, ensuring that even secondary roles contribute meaningfully to the film’s progression rather than serving as filler.
Technically, Dhurandhar stands out as a cinematic spectacle. The film balances tightly choreographed action sequences with quiet, tension-filled moments of introspection. The cinematography captures both the expansive scale of international intelligence operations and the intimacy of personal conflict. A carefully composed background score enhances suspense without overpowering the narrative, maintaining a consistent emotional rhythm.
With a runtime exceeding three hours, the film demands patience from viewers. While some critics argue that the length could have been trimmed for sharper pacing, others believe the extended runtime allows for richer character development and detailed world-building. The slow-burning first half gradually builds momentum before culminating in a gripping final act with a dramatic cliffhanger.
The film has also sparked controversy due to its depiction of terrorism, intelligence warfare and cross-border conflict. Supporters argue that it reflects the harsh realities of modern espionage rather than glorifying violence. The filmmakers have clarified that the story is entirely fictional and intended purely as cinematic storytelling.
At the box office, Dhurandhar has delivered a strong performance, recording impressive openings across multiplexes and single-screen theatres. Packed shows, repeat viewership and sustained footfall indicate that the film has connected with audiences across age groups and regions. Social media platforms have been flooded with reviews, discussions and fan theories.
The ending clearly hints at a sequel, suggesting that Dhurandhar could be the foundation of a larger spy franchise. In an industry often criticised for playing safe, the film stands out for its ambition, confidence and narrative depth, reaffirming the enduring power of big-screen storytelling in Indian cinema.
