Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, is an ambitious spy action thriller that plunges viewers into India’s covert operations against terrorism in the early 2000s. Starring Ranveer Singh in an intense, gritty avatar alongside powerhouse performances from Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal, the film has made a powerful opening statement at the box office with mostly positive reviews praising its raw intensity and technical excellence.
Plot Summary
Set against the backdrop of the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, Dhurandhar follows India’s Intelligence Bureau Chief Ajay Sanyal as he crafts Operation Dhurandhar, a daring mission to dismantle terrorist networks operating from Pakistan. Sanyal recruits Hamza, a 20-year-old Punjabi boy held captive for a revenge crime, and trains him to infiltrate Karachi’s ruthless underworld and the Lyari gangs.
Hamza infiltrates Lyari’s criminal network, gaining the trust of the ruthless gang leader Rehman Dakait while simultaneously gathering intelligence on terrorist activities planned by ISI operatives. Along the way, he falls for Sara, the daughter of a local politician, creating emotional conflicts between his mission and personal feelings. The film spans eight chapters, each escalating the stakes as Hamza navigates betrayal, violence, and the thin line between patriotism and survival.
Opening Box Office Collection
Dhurandhar opened with a solid opening on Friday, December 5, 2025, across 5000 screens in India. Despite a slow morning with occupancy under 16%, word-of-mouth momentum built throughout the day. By 5 PM, the film had collected Rs 13.67 crore net in India, with strong afternoon and evening shows registering over 28% occupancy. Trade predictions indicate the film is set to cross Rs 20 crore by the end of day one, marking Ranveer Singh’s best pandemic-era opening.
This opening surpasses Ranveer’s previous films like 83 (Rs 12.64 crore) and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (Rs 11.10 crore), though it may fall short of 2025 blockbuster Saiyaara (Rs 21.50 crore) and Chhaava (Rs 31 crore).
Reviews & Critical Reception
Early reviews hail Dhurandhar as a powerful, technically outstanding action drama with compelling performances across the board. Reviewers praise Aditya Dhar’s emotionally invested direction and the film’s unflinching look at covert operations. Most critics give it ratings between 8-8.5 out of 10, calling it an “out-of-the-world must-watch theatrical experience.”
However, some reviews note that the film’s 3.5-hour runtime and uneven emotional pacing in the second half occasionally lose grip. Critics acknowledge that while technically impressive with raw, goosebump-inducing action sequences, Dhurandhar sometimes struggles with narrative bloat. Overall sentiment leans positive, with most viewers recommending a theatrical experience.
Standout Actor Performances
Ranveer Singh delivers one of his most intense, grounded performances as Hamza, bringing alpha energy and emotional depth to the undercover agent. He successfully channels vulnerability alongside aggression, though some note he appears slightly older than his character’s intended age.
Akshaye Khanna emerges as the film’s standout, earning the title of “legend” from social media. As Rehman Dakait, he delivers menacing silence, speaking volumes through expressions alone. His barely-uttered dialogue carries entire paragraphs of threat, stealing frames effortlessly.
R. Madhavan impresses as IB Chief Ajay Sanyal, bringing shrewd intelligence and restrained impact. His dialogue delivery and screen presence are captivating, with fans calling him “the hero of the film.”
Sanjay Dutt commands attention in his supporting role with a striking entry scene, adding gravitas and personality. Arjun Rampal is sharp and howlish, delivering memorable moments as ISI operative Major Iqbal. Sara Arjun grounds the emotional core as Hamza’s love interest, providing necessary tenderness to the brutal narrative.
Future & Box Office Outlook
With strong word-of-mouth momentum building from opening day onwards, Dhurandhar is positioned for healthy weekend growth. The film’s theatrical appeal, premium action sequences, and ensemble cast suggest potential for significant legs in urban and metro markets. Trade analysts predict a Rs 100+ crore collection if positive sentiment sustains through the weekend.
Dhurandhar is being hailed as one of 2025’s most technically impressive Indian films, with potential for international appeal despite its niche patriotic-spy narrative. The film’s success could establish Aditya Dhar as a bankable action-thriller director and solidify Ranveer Singh’s range as a lead performer in gritty, intense characters.
