Another movie by Aditya Dhar — the same filmmaker who brought us URI and Article 370 (cowritten and produced by Aditya Dhar). Since Aditya belongs to the same Kashmiri clan as my husband’s family, sharing the Dhar surname, we don’t miss any of his films. And Dhurander was no exception. Here’s my take.

The first thing that hits you is the sheer violence — the blood, the gore, the raw brutality. It’s easily at par with Animal, and even the look of the main characters seems eerily similar: long unkempt hair, feverish eyes, a madness simmering beneath the surface. But that’s exactly where the similarities end. Unlike Animal, which was an illogical hotchpotch of chaotic subplots, Dhurander has a surprisingly tight and serious storyline. The narrative delves deep into the Pakistani underworld and its nexus with the political machinery, portrayed with a sharpness that feels both cinematic and disturbingly real.

A special mention must be made of the stunning recreation of Karachi’s streets. I read that the film was shot in Thailand, which makes the authenticity even more remarkable. The bustling markets, the narrow alleys, the signage, the colors — everything feels meticulously crafted. I even compared a few of the film’s scenes with actual footage of Karachi, and the resemblance is uncanny. Full credit to the location scouts, production designers, and of course the director for bringing the city alive with such precision and realism.

The technical side of the film deserves a loud applause. The photography, cinematography, and sound design are spectacular — immersive without ever feeling indulgent. Even the music stands out, especially the clever and nostalgic use of classic Bollywood tracks like Rambha Ho, Piya Tu, Dum Maro Dum, and Hawa Hawa. And then there’s the unexpected yet ingenious incorporation of the Knight Rider theme into the soundtrack — it’s done so smartly that it stays with you long after you leave the theater.

Now, the acting. Rakesh Bedi absolutely steals the show. It’s almost unbelievable how far he has come from his Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi days. As the corrupt politician Jamil Jamali (based on Nabil Gabol), he is pitch-perfect — the mannerisms, the menace, and even the accent land flawlessly. I do, however, differ from many other reviewers when it comes to Akshaye Khanna. I’m usually a big fan of his work, but here he falls short. His portrayal of Rehman Dakait lacks the intimidation the role demands. His expressions remain more or less the same throughout, making him seem smaller in presence compared to the rest of the cast. Even Madhavan, as Ajay Sanyal, stands out more — his underacting works beautifully, giving his character an understated credibility.

The makeup department deserves special mention across the board. It genuinely takes a moment to recognize who’s who — Madhavan with his sharply receding hairline and Arjun Rampal sporting metal teeth are both transformative and impressive.

Overall, Dhurander is a gritty, intense, and technically superb film that’s elevated by strong world-building and a few standout performances. Not flawless, but absolutely worth the watch — especially if you’ve been following Aditya Dhar’s work as closely as we have.

I can’t but watch part 2….awaiting….