The recently released film Dhurandhar has sparked a wave of discussion – praised by many for its ambition, scale and performances, yet also accused of overlong runtime and heavy-handed tone. As the film continues to draw audiences, its polarising reception reflects the high expectations surrounding such an intense spy-thriller.
High Voltage Action and Strong Performances
Critics widely agree that the film delivers on cinematic spectacle and performance. According to one review, Dhurandhar is “a well-made, ambitious big-screen experience with top-notch craft, memorable moments and some truly outstanding performances,” particularly praising the lead actors’ intensity.
Actors such as Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna have been singled out for their contributions – Singh for anchoring the high-stakes intrigue, and Khanna for a “scene-lifting, controlled” performance among a large ensemble cast.
Several reviewers describe the film as a “power-packed Karachi mafia thriller,” a “spy-action drama” with solid world-building and immersive atmosphere.
Epic Scale… With Some Narrative Costs
The film’s ambition – in terms of narrative scope, setting, and thematic boldness – does come at a cost. Dhurandhar runs for around 214 minutes, placing it among the longer major releases of recent times.
Some critics warn that despite many strengths, the film sometimes “meanders” under its own weight: subplots accumulate, pacing occasionally drags, and tonal shifts can feel abrupt.
One review calls it a “spy saga that crackles, ignites but never quite takes off,” suggesting that the film’s large ambitions are not always matched by consistent execution.
Others argue that certain sequences – especially in the second half – tip toward “gore and spectacle,” and that for some viewers the violence and intense themes may be overwhelming.
A Divided Verdict: For Some a Tour-de-Force, For Others an Overladen Epic
Public response reflects this divide. While a good segment of viewers hail Dhurandhar as a “volcano of adrenaline,” admire its patriotic energy, tight action, and emotional heft, others find its nearly 3.5-hour runtime heavy and exhausting.
Several reviews urge patience – pointing out that the film’s scope, in many ways, is designed to pay off in a multi-part narrative (the film is reportedly the first part of a two-part story) – but concede that the sheer length will test viewer endurance.
What Works: Production Values, Ambition & Grit
Where Dhurandhar largely succeeds is in creating a cinematic world that feels large, gritty, and intense. Its cinematography, world-building, and musical score are cited as strong assets, lending the film an immersive feel.
For fans of hard-hitting espionage thrillers and cinema that doesn’t shy away from complex themes – crime, geopolitics, sacrifice – Dhurandhar offers a potent experience. It tries to tackle serious backdrops, moral ambiguities, and deep character arcs, which many appreciate even if not all threads are resolved.
Where It Stumbles: Overstretching, Tonal Imbalance, Narrative Overload
However, for some viewers the film’s ambitious canvas becomes a liability. The mix of multiple subplots, extensive runtime, and heavy tone – including violence and moments of stark realism – can make the journey feel laborious rather than engaging.
Critics caution that if you come to Dhurandhar expecting a lean, pick-up-and-go thriller, you may find it demanding. The film’s strengths shine best when experienced with patience and an openness to its layered narrative.
Final Take
Dhurandhar stands as a bold, divisive film. It will likely remain contentious – admired by those who value scale, tone, and high-intensity storytelling; rejected by those who prefer tighter pacing and lighter execution. At the very least, it has reignited conversation around what big-budget, high-stakes Indian cinema can attempt: mixture of espionage, drama, patriotism, and realism.
For viewers willing to go beyond surface-level expectations, and settle in for a long, intense ride, Dhurandhar offers moments of cinematic power, emotional depth, and a strong cast performance. But it may not satisfy everyone.
