Lastly, there’s an Elliott Ness-type character in S.P. Choudhary Aslam (Sanjay Dutt), whose mission in life is to take down Rehman Dakait and all other mafia members. He becomes an interesting character when Hamza has his “come to Jesus” moment, after failing to stop the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, one of the most devastating terrorist attacks in Indian history. Like The Godfather, Dhurandhar spans an extended period, and everything I’ve described is just the tip of the iceberg. It follows Hamza, who is playing a deadly game of trying not to get caught while deflecting all your covert actions. And in Indian fashion, there’s dancing, over-the-top violence, eye-glancing gore and dismemberment, and a killer soundtrack of Indian dance tunes, explosives, and blood. For the most part, I had a great time, but damn, I felt every minute of its 214 minutes. I almost applauded when the words “Final Chapter” lit up the screen.
I’ve read some of the Indian and Pakistani press on the film, and the most common complaint is that it’s an overindulgent action movie. I understand why people level this complaint. The other complaint is that Dhurandhar is an anti-Pakistan propaganda movie. Again, I can see where this criticism comes from. I was thinking that throughout the first two-thirds of the movie. I will say, in the third act, there is an attempt to emphasize — through S.P. Choudhary Aslam’s presence — that the target is not Pakistan, the country, but the mafia and terrorist groups in Pakistan. The filmmakers could have done a better job with this.
“…Khanna gives off Michael Corleone vibes from Godfather II.”
Here’s my main complaint: forgive me for comparing this to RRR, but RRR had heart; this film sorely lacked it. It was a story of brotherhood and patriotism. Dhurandhar is Godfather-violence and intrigue on steroids. Yes, we’re taking down terrorists, but any heart in the film comes from Hamza’s devotion to Rehman in the first half, which quickly takes a 180-degree turn after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. If you’re here for action, you’ll be well fed, but that’s like eating only dessert at a massive banquet.
Ranveer Singh is incredibly charismatic as Hamza. You’re rooting for him all along the way. Akshaye Khanna gives off Michael Corleone vibes from Godfather II. He looks like a villain, and he nails the role of Lyari’s messiah perfectly. Speaking of the ending, the loose ends are tied up, and yet there’s an interesting twist that sets Hamza up for the upcoming sequel.
For all its violent excess, Dhurandhar thrives on Ranveer Singh’s magnetism and Akshaye Khanna’s icy, yet controlled menace, and they’re the reason you’re in it until the very, very, very end. It’s a bloated epic that aims for operatic crime-thriller highs, and when it hits, it really hits.
"…when it hits, it really hits."
