A lengthy but intense patriotic saga ruled by Akshaye Khanna
If you enjoyed the adrenaline of Uri: The Surgical Strike, director Aditya Dhar is back with another high-stakes mission in his latest release, Dhurandhar. The film is unapologetic in its patriotism, painting a world where India’s defense mechanism is fueled by vengeance and precision. While Ranveer Singh acts as the face of the operation, the film is a sprawling labyrinth of espionage, politics, and war.
Structuring a Spy Saga
The narrative kicks off by weaving together some of India's most painful historical wounds. Through eight distinct chapters, the film connects the dots between the IC-814 Kandahar hijacking, the Parliament attack, and the devastating 26/11 Mumbai terror strikes. The premise is straightforward: India stops playing defense and initiates "Operation Dhurandhar." This fictional covert mission aims to infiltrate the heart of Pakistan to dismantle the terror network from within.
Dhar succeeds in building a believable atmosphere. The recreation of Karachi’s Lyari town feels authentic and gritty, prompting viewers to fact-check the realism on their phones. It is a textured world that pulls you in.
Performances: The Clash of Titans
Ranveer Singh plays Hamza Ali Mazhari, an agent who functions like a dormant volcano—calm on the surface but destructive when triggered. He delivers a solid performance, though fans might spot shades of his Padmaavat intensity in certain close-up shots.
However, the real surprise package is Akshaye Khanna. As the character Rehman Baloch (codenamed Dakait), Khanna is simply phenomenal. He doesn't need loud dialogues to make an impact; his silence and simmering intensity dominate every scene he is in. Supporting acts by Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R. Madhavan add gravity to the ensemble, while Rakesh Bedi provides rare moments of levity.
Political Nuance and Pacing Issues
The film takes a bold stance on geopolitics. It portrays Pakistan not just as an enemy, but as the intricate machinery behind global terror, while also shedding light on the internal Balochistan conflict. The use of real archival footage from the 26/11 attacks adds a chilling layer of reality to the drama.
However, the movie is not without its flaws. The runtime is a massive hurdle. Clocking in at over three and a half hours, Dhurandhar tests the viewer's patience. A sharper edit could have shaved off an hour, making the experience much tighter. The violence is often excessive, lingering on gore rather than letting the horror speak for itself.
The Verdict
The climax clearly sets the stage for a sequel rather than offering a definitive conclusion. Despite its exhausting length, the film is lifted by a fantastic background score and strong performances.
If you are planning to catch a show in Bhubaneswar or Cuttack this weekend, be prepared for a marathon watch. Dhurandhar is ambitious and engaging, but it is Akshaye Khanna’s brilliance that makes the ticket price worth it.
