Akshaye Khanna Steals the Show in ‘Dhurandhar’

New Delhi, December 05, 2025: The eagerly awaited spy action thriller ‘Dhurandhar’, directed by Aditya Dhar of Uri: The Surgical Strike fame, has finally hit theaters, delivering a high-octane blend of geopolitical conflict, covert operations, and intense drama. While Ranveer Singh leads the charge with an intense and compelling performance, it is veteran actor Akshaye Khanna who has critics and audiences agreeing that he rules this sprawling, labyrinthine narrative.

A Story of Espionage and Underworld Politics

Set against the backdrop of real historical tragedies, including the aftermath of the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2001 Parliament attack, the film traces an audacious plan crafted by the Intelligence Bureau to weaken terror networks by infiltrating the volatile Karachi underworld.

Ranveer Singh steps into the shoes of a young recruit from Punjab who is thrust into this high-risk world, disguising himself as ‘Hamza Ali Mazari’. Ranveer delivers one of his most powerful performances, capturing the grit, emotional vulnerability, and sheer pressure of a super-spy caught between duty and trauma. His transition from a young boy to a relentless operative is the film’s emotional anchor, showcasing his range and commitment to the physically demanding role.

Akshaye Khanna’s Masterclass

Despite Ranveer’s strong showing, the consensus is that Akshaye Khanna is the film’s standout. Portraying a complex and powerful figure shaped by Karachi’s criminal underworld, Khanna brings an unnerving cold menace and magnetic aura to the screen. Critics are calling his performance a masterclass in controlled villainy. His presence, particularly in the dramatic confrontation scenes, provides the tension and depth that elevates the spy thriller beyond routine action.

The ensemble cast, including R. Madhavan as the sharp IB Chief Ajay Sanyal and Sanjay Dutt in a tough, experienced officer role, also contributes significantly to the film’s grounded and realistic approach. Director Aditya Dhar is praised for his vision, crafting a story that balances brutal, realistic action sequences with gripping, well-built drama, a style that feels assertive and politically charged.

The Ambitious Scale and Length

Dhurandhar is one of the most talked-about films of the year not just for its content, but also for its massive scale and staggering runtime of 3 hours and 34 minutes, making it one of the longest mainstream Bollywood films in nearly two decades. The length has garnered some mixed feedback, with a few initial audience reviews noting that the almost two-hour-long first half felt “stretched” despite being gripping. However, most agree that the film’s grand scope and commitment to detailed world-building justifies the extended duration.

The film has opened to strong early box office collections, benefiting from positive word-of-mouth and high anticipation. Trade experts predict a robust opening weekend, suggesting the film’s quality will overcome any concerns about its length or the pre-release controversies, which included clarifications from the makers that the story is not a biopic on the late Major Mohit Sharma.

With a final shot that hints at a sequel, Dhurandhar sets itself up as a massive, multi-part spy saga, cementing its place as a significant entry in the genre.