The Complete Guide to Dhurandhar 1 & 2: Reviews, Hidden Truths & 10 Action Movies

The Indian box office has been completely rewritten by the cinematic juggernaut known as Dhurandhar. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the 2025 spy action thriller and its highly anticipated 2026 sequel, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, have taken audiences on a gritty, slow-burn journey into the heart of geopolitical espionage. Surpassing Pathaan, Jawan, and even Chhaava to become the highest-grossing Hindi film domestically (earning over ₹1,349 crore), the franchise has redefined what a Bollywood blockbuster can be. With a colossal combined runtime across both films and a narrative that drops the glamorous international locations for the sweat, grime, and tension of Karachi's Lyari neighborhood, this duology is a monumental achievement in modern cinema.

The Characters and The Cast: The genius of the franchise lies in its stellar ensemble. Ranveer Singh delivers a career-best, visceral performance as Jaskirat Singh Rangi, an undercover Indian intelligence agent who operates under the alias Hamza Ali Mazari (eventually earning the title Sher-e-Baloch). He is supported by a powerhouse cast: Akshaye Khanna shines as the intense gang leader Rehman Dacait, R. Madhavan brings moral weight as IB Chief Ajay Sanyal, Sanjay Dutt dominates the screen as the tough suspended cop Chaudhary Aslam, and Arjun Rampal steps up as the primary antagonist, Major Iqbal, in the second installment. The raw masculinity and psychological toll of undercover work are portrayed with unflinching realism.

The Hidden Truths and Controversies: Beyond the cinematic spectacle, Dhurandhar harbors several real-world hidden truths. While drawing loose inspiration from the 1999 IC-814 hijacking, the 2001 Parliament attack, and the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the film faced immediate backlash. The family of decorated Indian Army officer Major Mohit Sharma filed a petition, alleging the movie exploited his life and undercover work without their consent. Furthermore, critics pointed out historical inaccuracies, such as involving local Lyari street gangs in massive geopolitical anti-India operations. The film's unapologetic, polarizing political tone led to it being de facto banned across GCC countries. In Pakistan, where it is officially banned, it became a massive underground hit with over 2 million pirated downloads in a single week. The film's ultra-nationalist framing even led to the sudden, controversial takedown of a critical review by Anupama Chopra from The Hollywood Reporter India.

Whether you are fully caught up on the Dhurandhar phenomenon or just diving into the world of intense espionage cinema, here are the top 10 action-thrillers—starting with the epic duology itself—that you absolutely must stream.

1. Dhurandhar (2025)

Released on December 5, 2025, this 214-minute epic is not your typical fast-paced spy flick. It’s a slow-burn psychological thriller about an Indian agent who infiltrates Karachi's criminal syndicates. Critics praised Ranveer Singh's dangerous, beast-mode acting and Aditya Dhar's unique chapter-based direction, though some noted the demanding runtime. It is a masterpiece of tension, politics, and survival.

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2. Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge (2026)

Scheduled for a massive worldwide theatrical release on March 19, 2026 (coinciding with Eid and Ugadi), with paid previews starting March 18. The sequel, clocking in at nearly 4 hours (235 minutes), explores Hamza's rise as the gang leader "Sher-e-Baloch" to avenge the 26/11 attacks. The explosive trailer released on March 7 promises even darker, mass-level action with Arjun Rampal entering as the ultimate villain.

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3. Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019)

Before Dhurandhar, director Aditya Dhar made his mark with this blockbuster military action film. Based on the true events of the 2016 retaliatory strikes by the Indian Army, it features a career-defining performance by Vicky Kaushal. It perfectly showcases Dhar’s signature style of tactical precision and high-stakes national security drama.

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4. Pathaan (2023)

The film that brought Shah Rukh Khan back to the throne of Bollywood action. As part of the YRF Spy Universe, Pathaan is the exact opposite of Dhurandhar—it is glossy, globe-trotting, and relies heavily on spectacular set pieces rather than gritty realism. It’s an essential watch for fans of high-octane espionage blockbusters.

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5. Jawan (2023)

Another massive Shah Rukh Khan blockbuster that Dhurandhar battled against in the all-time box office records. Jawan blends explosive vigilante action with deep emotional and political messaging. The dual roles, the intense action choreography, and the stellar supporting cast make it a masterclass in mass cinema.

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6. Chhaava (2025)

A historical epic starring Vicky Kaushal that held massive box office records right before Dhurandhar swept the nation. The film delves into the life and battles of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Its grand scale, brutal warfare scenes, and political controversies (including real-world protests in Nagpur) parallel the cultural impact of Dhurandhar.

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7. Animal (2023)

If you appreciated the dark, uncompromising, and violent character study of Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar, Ranbir Kapoor’s performance in Animal will leave you breathless. The film is incredibly lengthy, highly controversial, and explores toxic masculinity and brutal gang wars with an unapologetic lens.

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8. Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024)

Allu Arjun returns in this massive sequel that Dhurandhar directly competed with at the box office. It’s a perfect example of a rise-to-power narrative within the criminal underworld. The swag, the intense rivalries, and the sheer scale of the production make it an unforgettable cinematic experience.

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9. Baby (2015)

For those who love the grounded, realistic intelligence operations shown by R. Madhavan's character in Dhurandhar, Baby is a must-watch. Starring Akshay Kumar, this fast-paced thriller focuses on a covert counter-terrorism task force preventing attacks across borders without seeking public glory.

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10. Tiger 3 (2023)

Salman Khan’s iconic spy returns in this globe-trotting thriller that ties into the larger YRF Spy Universe. Featuring massive action sequences, cross-border romance, and political conspiracies, it provides the high-adrenaline, purely entertaining counterpoint to Dhurandhar's dark realism.

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