By Harash Gujral, Streaming Media Critic | Updated FEB 03, 2026 |ย Entertainment
Imagine a lone operative weaving through Karachiโs claustrophobic back alleys a world where every shadow is a threat and every choice carries the weight of a nation. This visceral tension is the heartbeat of Dhurandhar, Aditya Dharโs cinematic juggernaut that shattered box office records following its December 2025 theatrical debut. Now, having crossed the โน1,300 crore mark globally, the film has found a second life as a viral sensation on Netflix, currently trending at #1 across South Asia.
By blending gritty realism with high-stakes geopolitical drama, Dhurandhar has successfully redefined the Indian espionage genre. Moving beyond typical masala tropes, it offers a sophisticated exploration of intelligence work and moral ambiguity, fueled by a career-best performance from Ranveer Singh as Hamza Ali Mazari. The momentum isn’t slowing down, either; with the official teaser for the sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, dropping just today, the franchise is officially eyeing a massive March 19, 2026, release. For fans of masterclasses like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, this isn’t just a film you watch itโs a cultural event that continues to evolve.
About the Film
Directed by National Award winner Aditya Dhar, and backed by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, Dhurandhar stars Ranveer Singh in the lead role, supported by an ensemble that includes Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, and newcomer Sara Arjun.
The film runs approximately 214 minutes and is rated A for intense violence and mature content making it one of the more daring mainstream releases in recent years.
In an era dominated by fast-paced OTT content, Dhurandhar chooses a riskier path: a slow-burning, intense cinematic experience that requires the audienceโs full attention.
Inspiration: From Real-World Chaos to Fictional Narrative
Dhurandhar draws inspiration from the volatile history of Lyari, Karachi an area historically impacted by gang violence and major law enforcement crackdowns, including Operation Lyari conducted by Pakistani authorities.
While there is no public confirmation linking these events to foreign intelligence agencies, the film uses the atmosphere of fear, power, underground networks, and political manipulation from that era to shape its fictional espionage framework.
The story weaves emotional elements from historical incidents such as:
- The 2001 Indian Parliament attack
- High-profile hijacking cases like IC-814
- Internal conflicts and terrorist networks in South Asia
Rather than retelling true stories, Dhurandhar builds an original narrative informed by real-world tensions, making it gripping while avoiding direct appropriation of real individuals.
Cast & Character Depth
Ranveer Singh delivers one of the most intense performances of his career as a hardened, deeply conflicted intelligence agent. His transformation included:
- Six months of dialect and movement training
- Advanced martial arts (Krav Maga)
- Realistic emotional conditioning for the role
Sanjay Dutt adds a powerful, intimidating presence, while R. Madhavan takes on a strategic, methodical role reflecting internal intelligence leadership.
Akshaye Khanna plays a layered antagonist with Shakespearean undertones calculating, composed, and deeply dangerous.
Sara Arjun, in her debut, emerges as a quiet yet powerful force playing a key operative whose intelligence and emotional complexity redefine women in Indian espionage cinema.
Production & Scale
The film was announced in July 2024 and shot across multiple countries and high-risk terrains including:
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Mumbai, India
- Amritsar, Punjab
- Ladakh
Filming in high-altitude areas reportedly affected over 100 crew members, but the result is stunning realism and breathtaking cinematography.
Estimated Budget: โน280 crore
| Category | Estimated Cost | Notes |
| Stars & Cast | โน100 Cr | High-profile ensemble |
| VFX & Action | โน80 Cr | Large-scale sequences |
| Shooting Locations | โน50 Cr | Multi-country filming |
| Music & Post-production | โน30 Cr | Premium sound & editing |
| Marketing | โน20 Cr | Global promotion |
| Total | โน280 Cr | High-end production |
(Note: These are industry estimates, not official disclosures)
Music, Trailer & Global Reaction
The official trailer dropped on November 18 and reportedly crossed 10 million+ views within 24 hours.
The music by Shashwat Sachdev blends classic emotion with modern intensity. Standout tracks include:
- Na Dil De Pardesi Nu
- Gehra Hua (Arijit Singh)
Across social media, the diaspora response was instant with comparisons being drawn to Homeland, Fauda, and Body of Lies.
Meaning of Dhurandhar
The word Dhurandhar in Hindi translates to:
A relentless warrior or Master of difficult missions.
It captures the core theme of the film:
People who live in shadows, sacrifice personal lives, and operate where no medals are given only silence.
Beyond entertainment, the film raises questions about:
- Patriotism vs humanity
- Power vs morality
- Loyalty vs survival
Will It Work?
With a predicted opening between โน18โ20 crore, Dhurandhar is positioned as one of the biggest political-action releases of the year. A Netflix streaming release is expected in January 2026.
However, at 214 minutes and with intense psychological weight, the film may divide audiences:
- Casual viewers may find it heavy
- True espionage fans may call it a masterpiece
Either way itโs not forgettable.
Dhurandhar demands attentionโฆ and respect.
(FAQs)
What is the movie Dhurandhar about?
Dhurandhar is a 2025 Indian espionage thriller based on covert intelligence operations and national security threats. The story follows a high-risk mission led by an undercover agent navigating betrayal, power, and global danger.
Who is the main actor in Dhurandhar (2025)?
The lead role in Dhurandhar is played by Ranveer Singh, marking one of his most intense and action-driven performances to date.
Who is the director of Dhurandhar?
Dhurandhar is directed by Aditya Dhar, best known for directing the blockbuster film Uri: The Surgical Strike.
What is the release date of Dhurandhar?
Dhurandhar is expected to release in 2025. The exact date has not yet been officially confirmed.
Is Dhurandhar connected to Uri: The Surgical Strike?
No, it is not a sequel. However, it comes from the same director and has a similar intense, patriotic, and high-action tone.
What genre is Dhurandhar?
Dhurandhar belongs to the spy thriller / action / political drama genre.
Does Dhurandhar release on OTT?
Yes. After grossing over โน1,300 crore at the global box office, Dhurandhar officially began streaming on Netflix on January 30, 2026.
Languages: It is available in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
Note: The OTT version sparked some debate among fans because it is slightly shorter (3 hours 25 minutes) than the theatrical version, leading to rumors of censorship, though the studio maintains it is the same certified cut shown in cinemas since January.
Is the Dhurandhar story real?
It is a fictional story inspired by real-life events. The film, directed by Aditya Dhar, centers on a fictional mission called Operation Dhurandhar and a fictional protagonist, Hamza Ali Mazari (played by Ranveer Singh). However, the narrative is woven into real historical and geopolitical events, including:
The 1999 Indian Airlines (IC-814) hijacking in Kandahar.
The 2001 Indian Parliament attack.
The 2008 Mumbai (26/11) terror attacks.
Characters are also loosely inspired by real figures; for example, R. Madhavanโs character, Ajay Sanyal, is reportedly based on Indiaโs National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval.
Where is Dhurandhar banned?
The film faced several regional restrictions due to its sensitive political themes:
Pakistan: The film did not have a theatrical release because of the ongoing general ban on Indian films in Pakistani cinemas (since 2019).
Gulf Countries: It was banned in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. Authorities in these regions cited objections to its anti-Pakistan narrative and potential to cause regional tension.
Paradox: Interestingly, despite the theatrical ban, the film hit No. 1 on Netflix in Pakistan within days of its digital release.
Why is Dhurandhar so popular?
Realistic Grit: Unlike the over-the-top action of many Bollywood spy films, Dhurandhar was praised for its grounded, documentary-style realism and focus on the psychological toll of undercover work.
Ensemble Cast: It features a heavy weight lineup including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal.
Viral Hype & Controversy: The ban in the Middle East and the intense political debates surrounding the film actually fueled curiosity, making it a must-watch for many.
Global Reach: It is currently the second-highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time worldwide, trailing only Dangal.
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