Director: Aditya Dhar
Cast: Ranveer Singh, Sara Arjun, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal
Where: In theatres
Rating: 2.5*
Dhurandhar Review: Even though Ranveer Singh has always proved his versatility with varied roles, Dhurandhar is possibly the first time he is seen as an out-and-out actioner. Will he be able to reclaim his superstar status with this film, or will it make him 'apologise' to the box-office, let's find out!
The film starts off with a verse from the holy Bhagavad Gita. This is followed by the film being divided into many chapters. Till the interval, there were a total of 5 chapters. The film shows the hijacking of the Indian Airlines flight at Kandahar. This then paves the way for the introduction of various characters of the film, primarily R. Madhavan as Ajay Sanyal, Chief of IB, Akshaye Khanna as Rehman Dakait, Sanjay Dutt as SP Chaudhary Aslam and Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal.
Amid all of them, exists Ranveer Singh in the role of Hamza Ali Mazaari, who is in Pakistan on a mission. It's in the film’s second half that reveals his real identity and also his mission. The film, in totality, is about (dirty) politics that’s interspersed with gory merciless bloodshed, cuss words and romance (in that order).
Dhurandhar Review: Actors' performance
It's a no-brainer that Dhurandhar is an out and out Ranveer Singh film who excels in the ‘titular’ role. For a man who has always tried to push the envelope is yet again seen doing the same with this film. Even though the film’s length plays the villain, but, Ranveer succeeds in playing the hero! The character of Sara Arjun (who plays Ranveer’s on screen ladylove) develops more towards the film’s second half. She surely has an endearing screen presence.
The film also stars silver screen’s ‘dhurandhars’- Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan and Arjun Rampal. As for Sanjay Dutt, he continues to be the ‘Deadly Dutt’. There is never a moment wherein his performance makes the audience say, ‘Dutt teri ki’! The ever dependable Akshaye Khanna yet again pulls out a smooth slayer performance. Even if this film may not count as one of his career best, he surely leaves a chilling impact with his role.
After De De Pyaar De 2, R. Madhavan strikes again! The effortlessness he plays the role of the IB officer is truly commendable. It's nice to see Arjun Rampal back on the silver screen. Just like a tiger never changes its stripes, Arjun too does not change his quest for perfection with this film as well. Manav Gohil and Saumya Tandon do justice to their respective roles, despite the limited screentime.
Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar (who has also written the film), not just brags of being one of Bollywood’s lengthiest films, but also drags at a whole bunch of places. The film, which has been ‘inspired by true incredible events’, should have surely cut down on many scenes. Barring the first half, it's the second half from where the film develops the much needed pace.
The film’s action has been choreographed by Aejaz Gulab, Sea Young Oh, Yannik Ben and Ramazan Bulut. All those who love action, this film is a fest and a feast! The film’s cinematography (Vishal Nowlakha) is topnotch. Stunning camera angles simply elevate the visual experience of the film.
Film’s editing (Shivkumar V Panicker), serves as a merciless test on the patience of the audiences mostly in the first half. The film’s music (Shashwat Sachdev) is decent, esp. the title song. The blending of the track with the narrative is just wow.
Full points to the film’s background music which stands out like a King Cobra raising its hood! Special mention to the art department for having ‘recreated’ Pakistan. While the film’s end does have an unexpected shock value, there is also something special in store for all those who loved the film!
Dhurandhar Review: FPJ Verdict
Those who love action will surely find the film appealing. If you can withstand the slow pace narrative of the first half, then, do watch the film. Overall, you won't be disappointed… esp the second half!
