BY KAUSHIK NATH
The cinematic landscape rarely witnesses a film that dares to blend mythology, geopolitics, emotion, and spectacle into a single narrative canvas. Dhurandhar: The Revenge emerges as one such ambitious creation, a nearly four-hour saga that is not merely a story of vengeance but a layered exploration of destiny, sacrifice, and the psychological burden of justice. From its very opening, the film signals its philosophical depth by invoking a verse from the Bhagavad Gita, immediately positioning the narrative within a moral universe where duty and action are inseparable.
Structured in chapters reminiscent of the Mahabharata, the film unfolds like an epic rather than a conventional thriller. Each segment adds a new dimension to the protagonist Jaskirat Singh, portrayed with intensity and transformation by Ranveer Singh. Jaskirat is not introduced as a hero but as a wounded son, carrying the trauma of his father’s death. His journey from grief to vengeance is not linear. It is shaped by doubt, rage, and the slow realisation that revenge demands not just strength but the courage to endure pain. When he tells India’s national security chief Ajay Sanyal, played with quiet authority by Madhavan, that pain must become the fuel for revenge, the statement transcends dialogue and becomes the emotional spine of the film.
The narrative draws heavily from real and fictional intersections, creating a world that feels disturbingly familiar. The shadow of the notorious gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed is used as a conduit through which Jaskirat gains access to weapons and networks that operate beyond the visible boundaries of the state. This blending of reality and fiction adds a raw, unsettling authenticity to the film. It suggests that the lines between crime, politics, and national security are often blurred, forcing individuals like Jaskirat into morally ambiguous spaces.
Music plays a surprisingly powerful role in shaping the film’s identity. Old Hindi songs flow seamlessly into a modern soundscape infused with contemporary beats, creating a nostalgic yet urgent rhythm. This fusion mirrors the film itself, which constantly oscillates between past and present, memory and action. The use of Khaled’s iconic track “Didi” as Jaskirat’s entry theme elevates his presence into something almost mythical. It is not just an introduction but a declaration, echoing the larger-than-life aura that the character gradually acquires.
The film also draws from spiritual and cultural philosophies to justify its central conflict. Sikh teachings about struggle and righteous action are woven into the narrative, reinforcing the idea that fighting against injustice is not merely an act of revenge but a moral obligation. This ideological layering ensures that the film does not remain confined to action sequences but engages with deeper questions about duty, faith, and identity.
One of the most intriguing elements of the story is the gradual unveiling of the enigmatic figure known as Bade Saab. Initially mentioned in passing by ASI Aslam, played by Sanjay Dutt, this shadowy presence looms over the narrative like an unseen force. When Bade Saab is finally revealed, frail yet powerful, lying in his White House-like residence, the film shifts into a more psychological terrain. His character, inspired by global criminal archetypes, embodies the idea that power does not always need physical strength. His anger at historical events and his long reach into geopolitical conflicts make him a symbol of enduring menace.
The film does not shy away from revisiting historical traumas. The reference to Zahoor Mistry and the IC 814 hijacking anchors the narrative in a real moment of national crisis, reminding viewers of the lingering scars of terrorism. At the same time, the inclusion of political imagery such as Nawaz Sharif and the oath-taking of Narendra Modi situates the story within a recognisable timeline, blurring the boundary between cinematic fiction and lived history.
Amidst this expansive narrative, smaller characters leave a lasting impact. Yami Gautam’s brief appearance as a nurse who doubles as a government spy adds an element of quiet intrigue. Her role, though limited in screen time, reinforces the theme that patriotism often operates in silence, away from the spectacle of heroism. Similarly, the unexpected transformation of Rakesh Bedi’s character into a crucial figure in the climax subverts audience expectations. His role in poisoning Bade Saab years earlier introduces a long arc of hidden sacrifice, suggesting that history is often shaped by those who remain invisible.
The use of a contact poison developed by DRDO adds a layer of scientific intrigue, symbolising the intersection of technology and warfare. It also reflects the evolving nature of conflict, where battles are no longer fought only on visible fronts but through intelligence, innovation, and strategy. This subtle emphasis on modern warfare enhances the realism of the narrative.
As the film approaches its conclusion, the emotional weight intensifies. Jaskirat’s mission reaches its culmination not in a moment of triumph but in a quiet, almost haunting resolution. The final sequence, set against the backdrop of the Margalla Hills, carries a sense of closure that is both satisfying and melancholic. The song “Rasputin” plays as an ironic counterpoint, underscoring the unpredictability of power and destiny.
Dhurandhar: The Revenge is not just about avenging a father’s death. It is about the cost of choosing a path where personal life must be sacrificed for a larger cause. The phrase “Balidaan Parmo Dharma” resonates deeply as Jaskirat’s journey ends with the loss of his family but the fulfilment of his duty to the nation. His story becomes a reflection of countless unseen individuals who operate in the shadows, carrying the burden of protecting a country that may never know their names.
The final line, “destiny don’t lie to me,” lingers long after the film ends. It encapsulates the essence of the narrative, suggesting that while human choices shape the journey, there is an underlying force that guides every action. In this sense, the film transcends the boundaries of a revenge drama and becomes a meditation on fate, duty, and the silent sacrifices that define true heroism.
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