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Dhurandhar The Revenge Review
Director Aditya Dhar is back with Dhurandhar The Revenge, promising a massive scale, ruthless action, and a storyline deeply entrenched in real-world Indian politics. If there is one film in 2026 that sets the screen on fire with raw emotion and brute force, it is this one. However, the sheer volume of gunpowder and an exhausting runtime make it a cinematic test of patience.
Here is a breakdown of what works, what drags, and why this movie earns its stars despite its flaws.
A Fiery Setup and Flawless Chapter 1
The film wastes no time pulling you in. The opening scene features a massive blast and an introduction to a UP gangster clearly modeled after Atiq Ahmed. From the dialogue delivery to the atmospheric setup, everything in Chapter 1 is perfection. Aditya Dhar’s direction shines here, making every frame speak for itself.
Elevating all of this is an absolutely mind-blowing background score that completely tears through the screen and sets the adrenaline rushing from the very first minute. The first fight sequence is professionally choreographed and entirely believable, setting a high benchmark for the action that follows. Furthermore, Dhar deserves praise for seamlessly connecting the prequel’s backstory to this second installment.
Pacing Issues and The Lyari Power Struggle
Like the first part, Dhurandhar The Revenge suffers from the half-hour curse. After a fast-paced opening 30 minutes, the narrative slows down significantly. Fortunately, just as the pacing dips, another high-octane action sequence drops in to rescue the momentum.
A major chunk of the story revolves around Hamza Ali, who is out to claim the throne of Lyari. Watching him wipe out his enemies, survive a brush with death, and plot a massive coup (takhta palat) is an absolute treat for action lovers.
Performances: Ranveer’s Brutality vs. A Missing Akshaye Khanna
- Ranveer Singh: His raw energy sets the emotional core of the film ablaze. In the climax, his brutal showdown with Arjun Rampal shows a terrifying side of Ranveer—one that makes his iconic portrayal of Khilji in Padmaavat look tame.
- Arjun Rampal: Rampal delivers a solid, unquestionable performance that anchors the film’s intense rivalry.
- Missing Akshaye Khanna: Despite the heavyweights on screen, Akshaye Khanna’s absence from the first part is deeply felt. Ranveer even tries to replicate Khanna’s iconic entry sequence, but he simply couldn’t outdo the original charm.
- Sara Arjun & Yami Gautam: Yami Gautam delivers a very subtle, blink-and-miss cameo. Sara Arjun’s character, while arguably expendable to the main plot, brings a fresh dynamic to the screen: exploring the relationship between an Indian agent and a Pakistani girl.
Political Undertones and Real-World Connections
Dhurandhar 2 is heavily rooted in India’s modern political landscape. The narrative ties everything back to the post-2014 era. A standout moment is the highly anticipated inclusion of PM Modi’s 2014 speech. The film acts as a subtle showcase of all the covert background operations supposedly carried out by the BJP government over the last decade.
Twists, Turns, and the “Bade Sahab” Reveal
If you have been eagerly waiting since Part 1 to find out the identity of “Bade Sahab,” your patience will be rewarded. The screenplay is packed with back-to-back twists. When the film finally reveals the true identity of Bade Sahab and the real Indian asset, it will literally give you goosebumps and leave your mind blown.
Side note for the makers: The real spy dynamics shown here prove we desperately need a standalone spy thriller based on Ajit Doval.
The Climax: Action Fatigue and Run Time
This is where the film tests you. The movie is packed with so much artillery that Pakistan itself might deny possessing that much gunpowder. The director’s jingoistic tone seems to suggest Indians should drop everything and just finish off the neighboring country.
By the time you reach the climax, the relentless barrage of bullets and bombs causes heavy action fatigue. The endless noise becomes boring, and a 4-hour runtime for this saga is strangely unbearable. Hopefully, this marks the end of the franchise.
Final Verdict
Despite the exhausting length and bullet-induced boredom in the final act, the film’s portrayal of undisputed sacrifice carries it across the finish line with flying colors.
Rating: 4/5 Stars (A fantastic political actioner that desperately needed a tighter editing room to trim its 4-hour runtime).
