BY NAMITA DOGRA SUDAN*
In an industry where sequels usually fail to live up to the hype, Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar 2 did the impossible: it actually delivered on its big promises. Even though it opened on a Wednesday—a very rare move for the US—the theaters were packed. Fans were more than happy to see a late night movie on a work day just to catch the “First Day, First Show” experience. Paid previews started on March 18th, a day before the worldwide release on March 19th, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
The release turned into a bit of a technical nightmare. Because of last-minute changes in post-production, many theaters didn’t get the movie’s hard drives on time. I experienced this firsthand: my original AMC screening was canceled. I had to scramble to find a Regal cinema miles away that actually had the movie. Even though the seats weren’t the best, I was just glad to finally see it.
One thing you should know before going: it is incredibly long. The official version is about 3 hours and 49 minutes, but the overseas version is almost 4 hours long. It’s so long that people are already making jokes online about bringing luggage to the theater! If you’re planning to watch it, you definitely need to plan your whole evening around it.
The Story & Plot: Picking Up the Pieces
Picking up exactly where the first installment left off, the narrative dive-blasts back into the high-stakes world of covert operations. Jaskirat Singh Rangi, now fully operating under his darker undercover identity, Hamza Ali Mazari, is deeply embedded in Karachi’s criminal underworld. Following the death of Rehman Dakait, Hamza orchestrates his rise through the gangster-terror-political network to bring India’s enemies to justice. While the first film thrived on Hamza being backed into a corner, this sequel portrays him as a master puppeteer, always three steps ahead of the game, making his path to revenge feel significantly smoother.
The Cast: Returning Titans
The ensemble cast is led by
- Ranveer Singh, who delivers a “lion-like” masterclass in his dual role as Jaskirat/Hamza.
- R. Madhavan returns as Ajay Sanyal, the Director of IB and Hamza’s mentor, while
- Sanjay Dutt reprises his role as the rugged SP Chaudhary Aslam.
- Arjun Rampal takes center stage as the chilling antagonist Major Iqbal.
- Sara Arjun returns as Yalina Jamali, Hamza’s wife, alongside
- Rakesh Bedi as the weaselly politician Jameel Jamali. Supporting turns by Gaurav Gera (Mohammed Aalam) and Danish Pandor (Uzair Baloch) takes his personal revenge, though the latter’s character feels notably more “naive” in this installment.
The Highs: 25 Minutes of Pure Adrenaline
The film hits the ground running with a first 25 minutes that can only be described as breathless. The introduction of Jaskirat is a cinematic high point, punctuated by a pulse-pounding action sequence set to a remix of the iconic 2003 hit “Aari Aari.” The synergy between the choreography and the BGM sets an electric tone that carries the audience through the first act.
Acting remains the franchise’s strongest pillar. Ranveer and Madhavan deliver powerhouse performances, anchoring the film with a gravitas that feels both familiar and evolved. For fans seeking pure, unadulterated revenge, the movie delivers exactly what was advertised on the tin.
The Lows: Too Long and a Bit Political
However, the film isn’t without its scars. Clocking in at a length that feels slightly indulgent, the narrative dips significantly in the middle. The climax, specifically the confrontation between Hamza and Major Iqbal, lacked the “edge-of-the-seat” tension that defined the first installment.
The film prioritizes raw action over verbal showdowns. If you’re looking for those classic, heated “Dialogue Baazi” moments, they are mostly missing—favoring high-octane stunts over dramatic speeches.
In Dhurandhar 2, the protagonist Hamza is so far ahead of his enemies that the stakes feel diminished; the audience is never truly worried for him, making his victory feel a bit too easy.
The villainy also feels diluted this time around. While Major Iqbal remains a presence, the lack of a foil as strong as Akshaye Khanna’s character from the predecessor is felt. Uzair Baloch, unfortunately, comes across as naive and “vegetative,” posing little real threat to our hero.
Furthermore, the film has sparked debate regarding its political undertones. While many dismissed early rumors of propaganda, the final product noticeably leans into portraying India’s ruling party in an exceptionally favorable light, at times feeling more like a political statement than a neutral narrative.
The Nitty-Gritty
- Music: Shashwat Sachdev returns with a solid score, though it lacks the “fresh” impact of the first film—perhaps because we’ve become immune to his specific style. The absence of a big dance number is also a notable void.
- Visuals: The action is gruesome and unflinching. While male audiences seemed to relish the grit, some scenes may be a bit too graphic for the faint of heart.
- The Twist: Without giving anything away, the ending delivers a massive, unexpected curveball that will have fans talking long after the credits roll.
The Verdict: 4/5 Stars
Dhurandhar 2 delivers exactly what it promised: pure, high-octane revenge. It’s a great ride, but if you ask me, the first one still wins—perhaps because the original magic felt newer or the stakes for Hamza felt higher. That said, this is absolutely not a film to skip on the big screen. Just be ready for a nearly four-hour ride — a blanket and a few snacks might actually make the experience even better. And if you’re someone like me who instinctively looks away during the more gruesome action scenes, trust me, you’re not alone. But even then, this is still a movie worth showing up for. Dhurandhar 2 is more than just a sequel — it’s an event.
*Namita Dogra Sudan is the entertainment news editor and video news producer of NRIPulse.
