Dhurandhar, released on December 5, 2025, is a high-octane spy action thriller directed by Aditya Dhar, marking the first installment in a planned two-part series. Set against the backdrop of real historical events like the IC-814 hijacking, the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, and the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the film blends fact with fiction to deliver a gripping narrative of espionage, underworld intrigue, and cross-border tensions. With a runtime of 214 minutes, it has been praised for its ambitious scope but critiqued for its length and pacing.
Plot Overview
The story follows Hamza Ali Mazari (real name Jaskirat Singh Rangi), an undercover Indian agent played by Ranveer Singh, who infiltrates Karachi’s criminal underbelly in Pakistan. Posing as a Baloch operative, he navigates gang rivalries, political alliances, and ISI machinations while uncovering terror plots. Key elements include his rise in a Baloch gang led by the ruthless Rehman Dakait (Akshaye Khanna), personal relationships, and high-stakes betrayals that culminate in preparations for a larger mission. The film loosely draws from operations like Operation Lyari, weaving in themes of loyalty, revenge, and the blurred lines between heroism and villainy.
Cast and Performances
The ensemble cast is a highlight, with Ranveer Singh delivering a subdued yet intense portrayal of the conflicted agent, a departure from his typically energetic roles. Akshaye Khanna shines as the charismatic gang leader Rehman Dakait, while Sanjay Dutt brings gravitas as SP Chaudhary Aslam, head of the Lyari Task Force. R. Madhavan plays Intelligence Bureau Director Ajay Sanyal (inspired by Ajit Doval), and Arjun Rampal embodies the antagonistic ISI officer Major Iqbal. Supporting roles include Sara Arjun as Yalina Jamali, along with actors like Rakesh Bedi, Gaurav Gera, and Saumya Tandon adding depth to the narrative. Critics have lauded the performances for elevating the film’s dense plot.
Critical Reception
Dhurandhar has garnered mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, holding a 47% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 15 reviews, with an average score of 6.3/10. Many praised its technical prowess, including cinematography, action sequences, soundtrack, and world-building, calling it an “ambitious, meticulously crafted spy thriller that thrives on its realism.” Ranveer Singh’s performance was frequently highlighted as “intense and transformative,” while Aditya Dhar’s direction was commended for handling complex themes with precision.
However, the film faced criticism for its lengthy runtime, which some found “overstretched” and riddled with pacing issues due to excessive sub-plots. Detractors accused it of blending fact and fiction in a way that veers into “propaganda” and “jingoism,” simplifying India-Pakistan relations and exaggerating real events for dramatic effect. The BBC noted how it “divides opinions in India and Pakistan,” with some viewing it as a critique of ongoing conflicts, while others saw it as a “heartfelt celebration of a hero’s journey disguised as an indictment.” On platforms like IMDb and Quora, user reviews echoed this divide, with scores ranging from 3.5/5 for story and screenplay to 9.5/10 overall, describing it as “the best movie out of Bollywood in years.”
Audience feedback on social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), leans more positive, with users hailing it as “the best spy thriller Bollywood has ever made” and emphasizing its truthful depiction of terrorism. Discussions often focus on its box office dominance, with posts celebrating milestones like becoming India’s biggest Hindi film ever. Some users debated plot points, such as emotional scenes, while others addressed controversies around reviewer biases. Overall, while critics were split, public sentiment has propelled it to blockbuster status, with many calling for a sequel.
Box Office Collection
Dhurandhar has shattered records, emerging as a monumental commercial success despite competition from films like *Ikkis* and *Tu Meri Main Tera*. As of January 6, 2026, it has grossed ₹981.58 crore in India (nett ₹831.40 crore) and ₹272.25 crore overseas, for a worldwide total of ₹1,253.83 crore (US$150 million). It entered the ₹1,000 crore club on December 26, 2025, and surpassed *Pushpa 2: The Rule* to become the highest-grossing Hindi film domestically and the fifth highest-grossing Indian film overall. Overseas, it topped charts in Australia, Canada, and the USA, crossing $19.34 million in North America alone, positioning it to potentially beat *Baahubali 2*’s record.
Here’s a breakdown of its India day-wise nett collections (in ₹ crore):
| Week | Day Range | Key Collections | Weekly Total |
|——|———–|—————–|————–|
| Week 1 | Day 1-7 (Dec 5-11) | Opened at 28.60 on Day 1; peaked at 44.80 on Day 3 | 217.00 |
| Week 2 | Day 8-14 (Dec 12-18) | Strong weekend: 34.70 (Day 8), 53.70 (Day 9), 58.20 (Day 10) | 261.50 |
| Week 3 | Day 15-21 (Dec 19-25) | Holiday boost on Day 21 (Christmas): 28.60 | 189.30 |
| Week 4 | Day 22-28 (Dec 26-Jan 1) | New Year surge on Day 28: 17.60 | 115.70 |
| Week 5 | Day 29-33 (Jan 2-6) | Steady hold: 9.70 (Day 29) to 5.70 (Day 33) | 47.40 (partial) |
The film maintained momentum through holidays, with minimal drops mid-week, and is projected to cross ₹1,300 crore worldwide by January 9, 2026. Despite bans in Gulf countries and piracy issues in Pakistan, its global appeal—fueled by pan-India releases in multiple languages—has made it the highest-grossing A-certified Indian film.
In summary, Dhurandhar stands as a testament to Bollywood’s evolving spy genre, blending edge-of-the-seat action with controversial themes. While reviews highlight its strengths and flaws, the box office numbers speak volumes about its widespread acceptance, setting the stage for Dhurandhar 2 in March 2026.
