What’s “Dhurandhar 2” all about?
The first part of “Dhurandhar” concluded with Hamza Ali (Ranveer Singh), a covert Indian agent, preparing to eliminate Bada Saheb following the death of Rehman Dakait (Akshaye Khanna).
The second part opens with Hamza’s origins in India. Born as Jaskirat Singh, his life is marked by personal tragedy. His father is murdered, his sister is assaulted, and in a fit of vengeance, he kills the perpetrators and is sentenced. Ajay Sanyal (Madhavan), the Indian Intelligence Chief, recruits him with a proposition: serve the nation as an undercover agent in Pakistan in exchange for freedom and protection for his family.
In Pakistan, he rises through the ranks to become the king of Lyari in Karachi after the fall of Rahman. Once in power, he begins executing his real mission, eliminating those responsible for terror activities against India and dismantling the terror network.
However, a critical incident during a party at his residence raises suspicion in SP Alam (Sanjay Dutt), while his wife also uncovers his true identity. With his cover blown, can Hamza survive in hostile territory and complete his mission?
Analysis
“Dhurandhar”, released in December 2025, emerged as a major box office phenomenon. Its sequel, “Dhurandhar 2”, titled “Dhurandhar: The Revenge”, continues the narrative while also delving deeper into the protagonist’s backstory.
At a time when spy thrillers relied heavily on glossy action set pieces and exotic locations, director Aditya Dhar redefined the genre with “Dhurandhar”. He narrates this film like Israel spy web dramas. In this sequel, he elevates that narrative style further by blending realism with mass appeal, crafting a screenplay layered with multiple twists and emotional undercurrents.
The film begins with Jaskirat Singh’s story in India and gradually transitions into Pakistan. This emotional foundation is crucial, as it anchors Ranveer Singh’s character. Interestingly, Dhar mirrors this emotional thread in the climax, bringing the narrative full circle with an effective twist. The opening, interval, and climax are mounted with striking cinematic flair.
Structured in chapters with headings, the first half delivers two standout moments: the reveal of Bada Saheb and the interval twist executed with a muted sound design. From there, the film shifts into a relentless mode, with the latter half packed with high-voltage action and some twists that sustain engagement.
The film is unapologetically violent and politically inclined, clearly aligning with the BJP ideology and portraying the Modi government in a positive light. It also draws inspiration from real-life incidents such as the killing of Atiq Ahmed. However, beyond its political undertones, the film works effectively as a patriotic saga. The protagonist’s mission resonates on a broader level, cutting across ideological lines.
While the first part distributed its weight across multiple performances, this sequel firmly belongs to Ranveer Singh. He delivers a towering, career-defining act, embodying both Hamza and Jaskirat with remarkable intensity. His transformation across emotional and violent spectrums is compelling, and he sustains that energy throughout the film.
Madhavan and Sanjay Dutt get more substantial roles this time and both deliver commendable performances. Arjun Rampal is convincing as the primary antagonist, while Rakesh Bedi surprises with a memorable role, especially in the climax.
Sara Arjun, seen recently in “Euphoria”, has limited screen time but makes a notable impression with a couple of strong moments. Yami Gautam appears in a brief cameo that does not leave much impact.
Vikash Nowlakha’s cinematography is of a superior order. It is gritty, stylish, and rich in texture, effectively recreating the setting while maintaining visual grandeur. The production design adds further authenticity.
Shashwat Sachdev’s music plays a crucial role in sustaining the film’s intensity. While the songs draw from familiar tunes, it is the background score that stands out and drives the narrative forward.
Despite the nearly four-hour runtime, the film largely remains engaging due to its sharp editing and brisk narrative flow, although there are moments where the length is felt. The writing, both screenplay and dialogues, remains one of the film’s strongest assets.
Above all, it is Aditya Dhar’s command over storytelling that elevates the film into a compelling theatrical experience.
Bottom-line: “Dhurandhar 2” aka “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” is a satisfying sequel to the blockbuster “Dhurandhar”. Intense, engaging, and narratively distinct, it offers a different take on the spy thriller genre. While its political stance may not appeal to everyone, its patriotic core and gripping storytelling make it a terrific watch. Powered by Ranveer Singh’s exceptional performance and a series of well-executed twists, the film delivers a solid theatrical experience.
Rating: 3.5/5
By Jalapathy Gudelli
Film: Dhurandhar The Revenge (Dhurandhar 2 – Telugu)
Cast: Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Madhavan, Sara Arjun, and others
Music: Shashwat Sachdev
DOP: Vikash Nowlakha
Editing: Shivkumar V. Panicker
Producers: Aditya Dhar. Jyoti Deshpande, Lokesh Dhar
Written and directed by: Aditya Dhar
Release Date: March 19, 2026
