Dhurandhar (2025) has stormed the box office, marking a massive comeback for the spy-thriller genre in Bollywood. Directed by Aditya Dhar (Uri: The Surgical Strike) and starring a powerhouse ensemble led by Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, and R. Madhavan, the film has ignited fierce debates across social media borders.
Is it just another action flick, or a cinematic masterpiece? Here is our detailed breakdown, including Twitter reactions and reviews from across the border.
🎬 Movie Overview & Plot
Director: Aditya Dhar
Cast: Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun.
Release Date: December 5, 2025
Box Office: Crossed ₹200 Crores in Week 1.
The Story:
Set against the gritty backdrop of the early 2000s, Dhurandhar follows an Indian intelligence operative, Hamza/Jaskirat Singh (Ranveer Singh), who goes deep undercover in Pakistan. His mission: to dismantle the terror infrastructure by infiltrating the notorious gangs of Lyari in Karachi. The film weaves together real intelligence operations with high-octane fiction, pitting Hamza against the menacing crime lord Rehman Dakait (Akshaye Khanna).
🌟 The Good, The Bad, & The Performances
The Highs:
Akshaye Khanna Steals the Show: While Ranveer Singh brings his signature energy and intensity as the lead spy, critics and fans agree that Akshaye Khanna is the true MVP. Playing the antagonist Rehman Dakait, his chilling, calm-yet-menacing performance has been termed "career-defining."
Cinematography & Scale: The film is visually stunning. From the dusty streets of Lyari to the high-stakes boardrooms of intelligence agencies, the production value is top-tier.
The Ensemble: R. Madhavan (as the IB Chief based on Ajit Doval) and Arjun Rampal (as an ISI officer) deliver solid, grounded performances that elevate the drama.
The Lows:
Runtime: Clocking in at over 3.5 hours, the film tests the audience's patience. Several subplots could have been trimmed.
Lack of Nuance: Much like Uri, this film wears its patriotism on its sleeve. Some critics argue it leans too heavily into "jingoism," simplifying complex geopolitical issues into "good vs. evil" binaries.
🐦 Twitter Users' Reaction
Social media has been ablaze since the release. The audience verdict is largely positive, with specific praise for the acting, though some polarized views exist regarding the political messaging.
The Positive Buzz:
"Just walked out of #Dhurandhar. Ranveer is a beast, but AKSHAYE KHANNA... take a bow! The interrogation scene is legendary. Blockbuster written all over it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐" — @CinemaLover2025
"Aditya Dhar has done it again. The action is raw, brutal, and real. Finally, a spy universe that feels dangerous. #DhurandharReview" — @RahulVerma_
The Critical Voices:
"#Dhurandhar is technically brilliant but historically questionable. Why do we need 3.5 hours to say the same thing? Also, the violence is a bit too much for a family watch." — @Critic_Mehta
"Great acting saved a weak second half. The climax felt rushed despite the long runtime. #RanveerSingh" — @MovieBuff_Ind
🇵🇰 The Pakistani Review & Perspective
Given the film's setting in Karachi and its plot revolving around Indian intelligence operating inside Pakistan, the reaction from across the border has been significant and critical.
1. "Technical Praise, Narrative Rejection"
Many Pakistani viewers (via forums like Reddit and Twitter) have acknowledged the film's high technical budget and "cool" aesthetic but criticized the storyline as propaganda. They argue that the film oversimplifies the Lyari gang wars, attributing internal political conflicts solely to Indian intervention or "heroism."
2. The Portrayal of Karachi
Surprisingly, some viewers in Karachi praised the production design for accurately capturing the look and feel of Lyari and Karachi in the 2000s, admitting that the atmosphere was immersive.
"As a Karachite, the environment they created was great. It actually looked like the gang war era. But the story is pure fiction." — (User on r/pj_explained)
3. Criticism of Historical Accuracy
A common critique from Pakistani reviewers is the distortion of figures like Rehman Dakait. While the movie portrays him as a villain with a specific allegiance, locals point out that the reality of the gang wars was far more complex, involving local political parties (PPP vs MQM) rather than just cross-border espionage.
"They turned a local gang leader into a Bond villain. It’s entertaining cinema, but don't mistake it for history."
📝 Final Verdict: 3.5/5 Stars
Dhurandhar is a massive cinematic event that demands to be seen on the big screen. If you love high-stakes espionage, gritty action, and powerhouse acting—especially by Akshaye Khanna—this is a must-watch. However, viewers should be prepared for a long runtime and a narrative that prioritizes dramatic thrills over historical nuance.
Watch it for: The "Interrogation Scene" and the face-off between Ranveer and Akshaye.
Skip it if: You prefer subtle, slow-burn dramas or dislike graphic violence.
