Dhurandhar: A Gripping Tale of Violence and Revenge in Modern Cinema
Exploring the Dark Themes of Dhurandhar
Ram Gopal Varma's Rakta Charitra (2010) was once considered one of the most brutal films of its era. However, it has since been surpassed by other films, particularly Kill (2023) by Nikhil Bhat. Yet, Aditya Dhar's latest offering, Dhurandhar, has taken the intensity to new heights.
This two-part film, reminiscent of Rakta Charitra, is filled with graphic depictions of violence that the Indian censor board previously hesitated to approve. The film's adults-only narrative dives deep into extreme brutality, showcasing gruesome acts such as dismemberment and torture.
In Dhurandhar, barbarism is not merely a stylistic choice; it is portrayed as the sole method to confront terrorist threats from Pakistan. Aligning with the current government's aggressive security stance, this film by the director of Uri: The Surgical Strike aims directly at the heart of the issue.
Despite a disclaimer stating that Dhurandhar is not a documentary, it incorporates real news footage and audio from the 2001 Parliament attacks and the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The narrative kicks off with the aftermath of the 1999 IC-814 hijacking.
Frustrated by India's response to the hijackers, intelligence chief Ajay Sanyal (played by R Madhavan) believes that the best way to retaliate against Pakistan is to strike back within their territory. Sanyal, who bears a striking resemblance to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, assigns an Indian agent to dismantle the connections between gangsters, terrorists, and the Pakistani government.
This agent is Hamza (Ranveer Singh), who enters Pakistan with a remixed version of the classic qawwali Na To Karvan Ki Talash Hai playing in the background. The film's soundtrack features catchy old Hindi film songs, creating a unique blend of techno and jingoistic violence.
Hamza infiltrates the criminal underworld in Karachi's Lyari neighborhood, ruled by the Balochi gangster Rehman Dakait (Akshaye Khanna) and his cousin Uzair (Danish Pandor). Rehman is supported by Jameel (Rakesh Bedi), a politician resembling the Pakistan People's Party, and collaborates with ISI officer Iqbal (Arjun Rampal).
Hamza's romantic interest in Jameel's daughter, Yalina (Sara Arjun), brings him dangerously close to various conspiracies against India. Meanwhile, police officer Choudhury Aslam (Sanjay Dutt) is also on a mission to take down Rehman, described as a blend of devilish and supernatural traits.
The film showcases Dhar's directorial prowess, merging cinematic violence with a narrative that feels like a PowerPoint presentation from the Research and Analysis Wing. His ability to craft Hollywood-style carnage and memorable characters, combined with overt anti-Pakistan sentiments, gives Dhurandhar a weight that may not be entirely justified.
R Madhavan
Akshaye Khanna
Sanjay Dutt
Sara Arjun
Rakesh Bedi
Ranveer Singh
A significant portion of the lengthy 214-minute film resembles typical gangland stories featuring charismatic, quotable characters. Hamza's ascent in the Karachi underworld is drenched in blood and clichés.
The concept of Indian spies operating undercover in Pakistan has been previously explored, such as in Nikkhil Advani's D-Day (2013) and the recent Netflix series Saare Jahan Se Accha. However, D-Day managed to convey the risks faced by Indian spies in a more concise manner.
Dhurandhar attempts to validate its graphic violence by emphasizing the urgency of Hamza's mission. The film is infused with righteous anger, often highlighting the trauma left by repeated terrorist attacks.
Ranveer Singh embodies the role of Ajay Sanyal's relentless “killing machine.” Hamza is characterized by his long hair, impressive physique, and an aura of masculinity. However, Singh's portrayal often feels robotic, lacking depth even during intense moments.
Other characters bring more vibrancy to the film. Akshaye Khanna effectively portrays Rehman Dakait, conveying menace with subtle expressions. Sanjay Dutt fits perfectly into the role of a rebellious cop.
Arjun Rampal delivers a chilling performance as the sadistic Iqbal, while Sara Arjun impresses as the naive Yalina. The film's serious tone is balanced by Rakesh Bedi's comedic portrayal of Jameel, who embodies the film's fantastical, comic book essence. His character's return is highly anticipated in the sequel, set to release in March 2026.