The Take
Dhurandhar is not worth watching. Its counter-terror mission and Ranveer Singh's gritty undercover work get smothered by a punishing runtime and overt patriotic signaling that prioritizes chest-thumping over tension.
Real events like the IC-814 hijacking and Parliament attack ground the plot, yet the film treats them as props for jingoistic framing rather than sharp intrigue. The ensemble delivers, but the length kills momentum.
The Verdict
The film leans hard into hypernationalist territory that invites backlash while its length turns thrills into endurance tests. Strong performances and real-event roots cannot salvage the drag.
Skip the bloat. Watch 'The Family Man' instead — tighter Indian spy craft with real stakes.
Common Questions
Why is Dhurandhar controversial?
Yes. Its hypernationalist framing drew predictable criticism and bans in some regions.
Is Dhurandhar based on a true story?
Mostly. It weaves real events like IC-814 and the Parliament attack into a fictional mission.
Is there a sequel to Dhurandhar?
Yes. Dhurandhar: The Revenge released in March 2026 with a combined runtime over seven hours.
