In December 2025, Indian cinema witnessed the explosive arrival of Dhurandhar, a film that has since reshaped the commercial and artistic landscape of the Hindi film industry. Directed by Aditya Dhar of Uri: The Surgical Strike fame, this espionage action thriller is not merely a movie; it is a cultural phenomenon. With a staggering runtime of 3 hours and 34 minutes, it is one of the longest major Indian productions ever made, yet it has held audiences captive across the nation. Starring Ranveer Singh in a career-defining role, the film has shattered box office records, ignited passionate debates, and set a new benchmark for the spy-thriller genre. This article delves deep into the making, success, and significance of the film that became 2025's biggest blockbuster.
The Story and Creative Vision of Dhurandhar
Dhurandhar, translating to "Stalwart," is a high-stakes narrative of subterfuge and patriotism. The plot follows a decade-long Indian intelligence operation where an undercover agent, Hamza Ali Mazari (played by Ranveer Singh), infiltrates the dangerous criminal and political underworld of Karachi, Pakistan. His mission is to dismantle the notorious nexus between gang lords, terror networks, and state actors.
The narrative ambitiously weaves together fictional espionage with real-life geopolitical flashpoints. The story's backdrop incorporates events like the 1999 IC-814 hijacking, the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, and the harrowing 2008 Mumbai attacks (26/11). This blending of fact and fiction grounds the thriller in a recognizable history, amplifying its emotional resonance and tension. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) classified it as a work of fiction with an 'A' certificate, acknowledging its mature and intense content.
The Ensemble: A Masterclass in Casting and Performance
The film's power is driven by an exceptional ensemble cast, each delivering performances that have been widely acclaimed.
- Ranveer Singh as Hamza Ali Mazari / Jaskirat Singh Rangi: Singh sheds his typical flamboyance to embody a raw, calculating, and feral undercover agent. Critics and audiences hail it as arguably his best performance, where he communicates deep conflict and intensity through restrained body language and piercing eyes. He anchors the film's massive runtime with a compelling, simmering presence.
- Akshaye Khanna as Rehman Dakait: As the formidable Lyari gang lord, Khanna is the film's undeniable scene-stealer. He portrays Rehman with a chilling blend of menace, charisma, and unexpected vulnerability, creating a complex antagonist. The electric chemistry and friction between his character and Singh's form the core dynamic of the story.
- The Supporting Pillars: The cast is bolstered by powerful performances from industry veterans. Sanjay Dutt plays the ruthless police officer SP Chaudhary Aslam, R. Madhavan portrays the intelligence chief Ajay Sanyal (a character based on Ajit Doval), and Arjun Rampal is menacing as the ISI official Major Iqbal. Young actor Sara Arjun holds her own as Yalina Jamali, while Rakesh Bedi delivers a standout performance as the shrewd politician Jameel Jamali.
Behind the Camera: Crafting a Gritty, Immersive World
Director Aditya Dhar and his technical team have created a film that is as much a visual and aural experience as a narrative one.
- Direction and World-Building: Dhar employs a deliberate, strategic slow-burn approach in the first half, meticulously mapping the dangerous nexus of crime and terror. This detailed world-building makes the adrenaline-fueled payoff in the second half immensely rewarding. The direction is confident, handling the complex, multi-layered plot across its epic length without losing narrative coherence.
- Cinematography and Action: Cinematographer Vikash Nowlakha plunges the audience directly into the gritty, dusty alleys of Lyari. The action sequences are noted for their brutality and immediacy, avoiding overly stylized fluff in favor of raw, impactful violence that serves the story.
- Music and Editing: The background score by Shashwat Sachdev acts as a constant, pulsating heartbeat that maintains unrelenting tension. Editor Shivkumar V. Panicker manages the film's mammoth 214-minute narrative, ensuring the pacing, while debated, holds viewer engagement through its intricate plot twists and character arcs.
The Unstoppable Box Office Dominance
Dhurandhar has redefined commercial success in Bollywood. Released on December 5, 2025, it embarked on a historic box office run.
As of late December 2025, its domestic (India) net collection has soared past ₹650 crore, making it the highest-grossing Bollywood film ever in India, surpassing previous record-holders like Jawan (₹640 crore) and Animal (₹553 crore). Its worldwide gross has crossed the monumental ₹1,000 crore mark. The film's profitability is staggering. Made on a shared budget of approximately ₹280-300 crore for its two-part saga, the first installment alone has achieved a "super-duper hit" verdict with profit returns exceeding 200%.
The table below highlights its position among top Bollywood grossers in India:
| Film | Year | Approx. Domestic Net Collection (₹ Crore) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhurandhar | 2025 | 656+ (and running) | Highest-grossing Bollywood film in India |
| Jawan | 2023 | 640 | Previous record holder |
| Chhaava | 2025 | 601 | - |
| Animal | 2023 | 553 | - |
| Pathaan | 2023 | 543 | - |
| Gadar 2 | 2023 | 525 | - |
Cultural Impact and Sociopolitical Discourse
Beyond box office numbers, Dhurandhar has sparked significant cultural and political conversation. The film arrives amidst a notable surge in Indian nationalist blockbusters that openly reference government policies and historical events.
- Praise and Patriotism: For many viewers, the film resonates as a powerful tale of patriotism and retribution. It has been praised for its ambitious storytelling, technical prowess, and for portraying a "raw" and "intense" version of espionage rarely seen in mainstream Bollywood. The use of real news footage from events like the 26/11 attacks amplifies this emotional connection for Indian audiences.
- Criticism and Controversy: The film has also faced scrutiny and backlash. Critics argue it presents a hyper-nationalist narrative, painting Pakistan in a uniformly bleak and barbaric light while flattening complex geopolitical history into a simplified storyline. Some reviewers faced targeted harassment for critiquing the film's politics.
- In Pakistan, editorials and political figures have criticized its negative portrayal. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) objected to a scene featuring a fictional PPP rally, calling it a "malicious distortion".
- The film also faced pre-release legal scrutiny from the family of a late army officer who alleged unauthorized use of his life story, though the makers denied this and the CBFC certified it as fiction.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is Dhurandhar based on a true story?
While the film is a work of fiction, it is loosely inspired by real-life operations and geopolitical events. The narrative weaves together historical incidents like the 1999 IC-814 hijacking, the 2001 Parliament attack, and the 2008 Mumbai attacks into its fictional spy plot. The CBFC has officially classified it as a fictional work and clarified it has no biographical link to any specific person.
What does 'Dhurandhar' mean and why is it the title?
'Dhurandhar' translates to "Stalwart" or "one who bears the weight." In the film, it refers to 'Operation Dhurandhar,' a decade-long undercover mission. The title symbolizes the immense responsibility and resilience of the lead operative, Hamza (played by Ranveer Singh), as he infiltrates Karachi’s underworld.
How has Dhurandhar performed at the box office compared to other 2025 films?
As of late December 2025, Dhurandhar is the undisputed top-grossing Bollywood film of the year and the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time in India. It has crossed the ₹1,000 crore mark worldwide, surpassing the domestic collections of other major 2025 releases like 'Chhaava' and previous records set by 'Jawan' and 'Animal'.
Is there a sequel planned?
Yes. The film concludes on a gripping cliffhanger and is the first of a two-part saga. The sequel, titled 'Dhurandhar Part 2: The Revenge', is officially scheduled for a pan-India release on March 19, 2026, coinciding with Eid. It will explore the lead character’s origin story and his control over Lyari.
Why is the film rated 'A' by the CBFC?
The CBFC granted an 'A' (Adults Only) certificate due to the film's intense and graphic content. It features prolonged sequences of brutal violence, gritty depictions of gang warfare in Karachi, and a mature tone. Notably, at 214 minutes, it is the longest Bollywood film released in nearly two decades.
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Conclusion and the Road to Dhurandhar Part 2
Dhurandhar represents a pivotal moment in contemporary Indian cinema. It is a testament to the potent combination of scale, star power, and socio-politically charged storytelling. While its lengthy runtime and nationalistic fervor have been points of debate, its cinematic craft and record-shattering commercial success are undeniable. The film has cemented Ranveer Singh's status as a top-tier star capable of carrying a colossal franchise and proven director Aditya Dhar's mastery over the patriotic action genre.
The journey is far from over. With Dhurandhar Part 2 on the horizon for March 2026, the saga is set to continue. The first film has effectively built a vast, gritty world and a compelling conflict, leaving audiences eager to see the culmination of the operation. Whether viewed as a cinematic masterpiece, a patriotic rallying cry, or a controversial narrative, Dhurandhar has firmly etched itself into the fabric of Indian pop culture, setting a new standard for what a Bollywood blockbuster can achieve.
