Dhurandhar Movie Review: Akshaye Khanna & Ranveer Singh Shine in This Indian Film Based on a Pakistani Story
Indian filmmakers have once again turned their attention toward Pakistani stories, and Dhurandhar is the latest big-budget film to tap into that fascination. This time, the narrative is built around a real Pakistani background, weaving true events with cinematic liberty. Whether one agrees with the interpretation or not, there’s no denying that India has mastered the art of converting regional tensions into epic, high-drama cinema.
Dhurandhar—directed by Aditya Dhar—arrives as a massive action-spy thriller featuring an explosive cast led by Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal. It’s one of the most talked-about films of 2025, trending across YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter mainly because of its Pakistan-based storyline, Akshaye Khanna’s intense look, and claims that the film is inspired by real incidents.
Let’s get into the full review — cast, budget, visuals, performances, controversies, and why this film is dominating the Indian and Pakistani social media space.
Dhurandhar Plot Overview — A Spy Thriller Set Around a Real Pakistani Story
Dhurandhar positions itself as a gritty espionage thriller where Indian intelligence infiltrates a dangerous criminal-terror network operating across borders. Parts of the film are clearly inspired by real events and real personalities from Pakistan’s crime and intelligence landscape.
The story jumps between:
- intelligence headquarters,
- Pakistani underworld networks,
- high-pressure political meetings,
- and large-scale action set pieces.
While the filmmakers claim creative freedom, the background clearly references a true Pakistani narrative, something that has fueled discussions on both sides of the border.
The film does not shy away from drama. Every scene is crafted like the director wants to build a “mini-Baahubali” out of a spy story — full of smoke, shadows, dramatic lighting, and larger-than-life dialogues.
Dhurandhar Cast & Characters — A Powerhouse Line-up
Ranveer Singh — The Lead Spy
Ranveer brings raw energy, unpredictable intensity, and emotional weight. From disguises to hand-to-hand combat, he dominates the film’s pace and carries long sequences on his shoulders.
Akshaye Khanna — The Scene-Stealer
One of the biggest reasons the film trended online is Akshaye Khanna’s brutal, rugged, blood-smeared character “Rehman Dakait.”
His look went viral instantly.
Khanna appears in fewer scenes than the lead, but every appearance hits hard. His expressions, stillness, and subtle menace make him the most memorable part of Dhurandhar.
R. Madhavan — Inspired by a Real Figure
Madhavan plays a high-ranking intelligence strategist who guides Ranveer’s operations. His character is said to be inspired by a real Indian security official, adding another layer of curiosity for audiences.
Supporting Cast
- Sanjay Dutt — strong, menacing antagonist
- Arjun Rampal — stylish villain with screen presence
- Sara Arjun — emotional balance
- Rakesh Bedi — adds human warmth to intense moments
The ensemble makes the film feel grand and multi-layered.
Dhurandhar Budget & Production Scale
Dhurandhar clearly has a massive budget, evident from:
- large-scale sets
- detailed action choreography
- international locations
- heavy VFX
- high-end sound design
Industry rumors place the budget in the ₹250–300 crore range, which puts it directly in competition with India’s biggest spy-action franchises.
Every frame tries to justify that budget — sometimes beautifully, sometimes excessively.
Visuals & Cinematography — A Dark, Smoky, Stylish World
If you’re someone who loves theatrical visuals, Dhurandhar delivers:
- slow-motion entry shots
- rain-soaked action sequences
- neon-lit night scenes
- drone shots of cityscapes
- intense close-ups of actors during interrogation scenes
The film’s color tone is intentionally dark and gritty — giving it the look of a modern, high-tech spy epic.
At times, it feels like the director prioritizes visual impact over narrative clarity, but for fans of spectacle, this is a treat.
Dhurandhar Music & Viral Scenes
The background score and theme music have become viral on Instagram Reels.
Akshaye Khanna’s theme especially has exploded across social media.
Several scenes are clearly designed for trailer moments — entrances, monologues, face-offs. And they work.
Controversy — “New Indian Film Against Pakistan?”
One of the reasons Dhurandhar is trending is its controversial portrayal of Pakistani figures.
Some Pakistani viewers argue:
- the film dramatizes or misrepresents real people
- certain Pakistani characters are shown too negatively
- real incidents are fictionalized in a biased way
Indian audiences, on the other hand, see it as creative storytelling.
The important thing is:
Your article is a neutral review, not an endorsement or political statement — so you’re completely safe posting it.
Strengths of the Film
1. Star Performances
Ranveer and Akshaye Khanna carry the film. Their roles are intense, memorable, and perfectly cast.
2. Cinematic Visuals
One of the best-looking Indian action films of recent years. The world-building is rich and atmospheric.
3. Music & Background Score
Several tracks are already trending — helping the film stay in conversation.
4. Ambitious Scale
The director attempts something huge, and even when it doesn’t land perfectly, the effort is visible.
Weaknesses
1. Very Long Runtime
With a runtime around 3 hours+, some stretches feel dragged.
2. Too Many Subplots
Political drama + crime networks + intelligence ops + personal stories — all packed together.
3. Creative Interpretations of Real Events
The film takes heavy creative liberties, which can spark backlash (and already has).
Dhurandhar Box Office Performance
Thanks to social media buzz, controversial topics, and star cast, Dhurandhar opened strongly. Early reports suggest it performed extremely well in India and attracted international curiosity because of the Pakistan-based storyline.
Final Verdict — Should You Watch Dhurandhar?
If you enjoy:
- large-scale action
- spy thrillers
- intense performances
- big-budget cinematography
then Dhurandhar is absolutely worth watching.
If you prefer tight, realistic thrillers, the film might feel exaggerated. But as a cinematic experience, it is bold, dramatic, and soaked in star power.
Rating: 3.8 / 5
(Strong visuals + performances, slightly messy script.)
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