A High-Voltage Bollywood Comeback
In one of the most charged theatrical Fridays of the year, Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar finally arrived in cinemas, marking his return after almost two years. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the movie is positioned as a gritty spy thriller that blends real-world geopolitics, high-stakes infiltration, and a star-studded ensemble — making it one of the most anticipated Hindi releases of 2025.
Since the Dhurandhar movie release date was officially announced, the buzz around the film kept escalating. From its bold storyline to its controversial inspirations, the movie has stayed in headlines for months. Now that the film has hit theatres, audiences have taken to social media with the viral tag #DhurandharReview, giving real-time reactions across platforms.
A Star-Powered Cast That Elevates the Drama
The Dhurandhar cast is one of the biggest talking points. Ranveer Singh leads the film as a deep-cover Indian spy infiltrating the dangerous gang networks of Pakistan’s Lyari region.
Main Cast
- Ranveer Singh – Indian spy codenamed “Wrath of God”
- Sanjay Dutt – Senior intelligence handler
- Akshaye Khanna – A gangster inspired by real-life crime lord Rehman Dakait
- R Madhavan – A sharp-witted intelligence strategist
- Arjun Rampal – A rival faction commander
- Sara Arjun – Marking her first major role as an adult
Audiences have especially praised Akshaye Khanna and Sanjay Dutt, whose performances bring gravitas to the narrative. Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh’s aggressive portrayal has been hailed as a “return to form” by early FDFS viewers.
Plot & Execution: A Gritty Spy Thriller with an Extended Runtime
The film begins with an operative disappearing across the border, prompting an emergency infiltration mission for Ranveer’s character. The story draws from real incidents tied to Lyari’s gang wars, creating a politically sensitive canvas that pushes the film into a darker space.
However, viewers have highlighted that the extended runtime — almost 3.20 hours — tends to slow down the otherwise sharp screenplay. Many believe a trimmed version would have elevated the pacing.
Still, Dhurandhar rating trends on social platforms indicate a mixed-positive tilt, with most appreciation directed at performances, action, and production design.
Controversies Before Release
No Bollywood magnum opus arrives without turbulence, and Dhurandhar proved no exception.
The parents of the late Major Mohit Sharma, a decorated Indian Army officer, claimed the film draws too closely from his story. Their legal intervention brought significant attention, but eventually, the film released without delays.
Despite the noise, the controversy seems to have inadvertently boosted public curiosity.
Audience Reaction: Loud Cheers, Divided Opinions
Across Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, and Ahmedabad, theatres witnessed excited footfall during the First Day First Show.
What Worked for the Viewers
- Ranveer’s towering performance
- Akshaye Khanna’s unpredictable gangster character
- High-voltage action sequences
- R Madhavan’s intelligence-room tension
- Strong background score
What Didn’t Work
- Ranveer–Sara pairing feels awkward due to the age gap
- Overextended narrative
- Occasional tonal shift between realism and commercial Bollywood
Despite this, crowds applauded several high-intensity confrontations and emotional sequences that carry Ranveer’s signature dramatic flair.
Dhurandhar Rating: Early Numbers & Expectations
While official critic ratings are still being compiled, early signals show:
- Audience average rating: 3 to 3.5 stars
- Fan clubs rating: 4 stars
- Predicted Dhurandhar IMDb rating: Between 6.8 and 7.4 after 10,000+ votes expected within 48 hours
Given the social media momentum, the Dhurandhar rating is expected to climb if mass centres deliver strong weekend turnout.
Box Office: A Powerful Start Across India
One of the biggest highlights is the Dhurandhar box office collection. Advance booking reports hinted at a major opening, and the numbers are matching early hype.
Advance Booking Overview
- ₹9.23 crore gross advance bookings (excluding blocked seats)
- Strong shows in Maharashtra, UP, Rajasthan, Telangana
- IMAX and premium screens 70% full
Dhurandhar Box Office Collection Day 1 (Early Estimates)
Industry trackers expect an opening between:
₹18 crore – ₹21 crore India Net
₹25–27 crore Worldwide Gross
If these numbers hold, Dhurandhar may register one of the biggest openings for a Bollywood spy thriller post-Pathaan.
Why Dhurandhar May Work at the Box Office
Several factors favour strong word-of-mouth growth:
1. Star Power After a Long Break
Ranveer Singh’s absence from the big screen created pent-up demand.
2. Broad Genre Appeal
Spy thrillers continue to dominate Bollywood’s post-pandemic commercial space.
3. Controversy = Curiosity
Legal disputes often increase audience interest — a pattern observed in previous big-ticket releases.
4. Strong Supporting Cast
Akshaye Khanna, Madhavan, Dutt, and Rampal elevate the intensity.
5. December Release Advantage
Holiday season typically boosts collections.
Will Dhurandhar Become a Hit? Industry Outlook
The estimated Dhurandhar budget is reportedly around ₹250–280 crore, meaning the film needs a ₹450–500 crore worldwide gross to turn a blockbuster profit.
Trade analysts believe the real test begins after Day 3. Strong weekend numbers could put the film on track for a ₹120–150 crore first week.
If mass audiences adopt the film, Dhurandhar may emerge as one of the year’s biggest commercial successes.
Ranveer Singh’s Theatre Appearance Goes Viral
In Mumbai, Ranveer surprised fans at a late-night show as he entered a packed theatre. Videos of fans screaming, cheering, and chanting “Ranveer! Ranveer!” flooded social media within minutes.
This fan interaction helped boost optimism around the film, keeping Dhurandhar review live updates trending on X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Conclusion: A Promising Yet Polarising Spy Drama
Dhurandhar is not a flawless film, but it is an ambitious one. Performance-heavy, visually grand, and emotionally intense, it marks Ranveer Singh’s strong re-entry into high-scale action cinema.
The movie’s long runtime and uneven romantic track may affect critical reception, but box office momentum suggests the film will continue to draw crowds through the weekend.
With a powerful start and massive online traction, Dhurandhar is positioned to become one of 2025’s most discussed Bollywood releases.
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