Ranveer Singh's comeback to the big screen after two years with Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar has ignited a wave of excitement among fans and critics alike. The spy-action thriller, which also stars Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal, has been generating considerable buzz, with early reviews flooding social media, calling it a "powerful action-packed theatrical" experience. Deepika Padukone was also present to cheer for Ranveer.
Dhurandhar is set against the backdrop of significant historical events, including the hijacking of IC-814 in 1999 and the Parliament attack in 2001. The film delves into the daring operations led by India's Intelligence Bureau Chief, Ajay Sanyal, as he devises a risky plan to infiltrate Karachi's underworld and dismantle a terrorist network in Pakistan.
Ranveer Singh's performance as a super spy is being lauded as one of his most intense, with reviewers praising his "alpha energy" and ability to bring "grit, emotion, and raw power to every scene". The actor's portrayal of an Indian secret agent has particularly resonated with audiences, with some calling it a "masterclass in storytelling". The film is being described as a "mass + class entertainer," perfect for Singh's return to the big screen.
The ensemble cast, including Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Rampal, has also garnered praise for their performances. Akshaye Khanna's portrayal of the villain has been singled out as "OUTSTANDING".
Director Aditya Dhar is being commended for his emotionally invested direction and for creating an immersive theatrical experience. The film's production design and cinematography have also received attention, with praise for capturing the emotional depth of the characters and the chaos of high-risk missions. The recreation of Pakistani regions on set is said to be authentic, drawing viewers into the world of Dhurandhar.
While the film follows a familiar patriotic arc, its presentation is described as stylish, bold, and larger-than-life, making it extremely engaging. The action sequences are said to feel real and grounded, with beautifully choreographed combat and rescue scenes. The background score is also being lauded for elevating the viewing experience, giving audiences "goosebumps" during the climax.
However, some early reviews have pointed out that the film's runtime of three hours and 34 minutes is a "pain" to sit through. Despite this, many viewers are urging others to catch Dhurandhar in cinemas, calling it the "perfect comeback" for Ranveer Singh and suggesting that Bollywood might be stepping into another strong theatrical phase.
Dhurandhar has also faced some controversy. Prior to its release, the family of Major Mohit Sharma claimed that the film is based on his life without proper acknowledgement. However, the Delhi High Court dismissed the family's petition seeking protection of Sharma's legacy.
Early predictions suggest that Dhurandhar could mark Ranveer Singh's strongest opening since the pandemic.
