Dhurandhar 2 Movie Review: Grand Scale, Gang Wars and Ranveer Singh’s Intensity Drive the Film

Mumbai, 19th March 2026: After the blockbuster success of its first installment, the much-anticipated sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, popularly known as Dhurandhar 2, arrives on a much larger canvas. Headlined by Ranveer Singh, the film expands beyond a simple tale of gang wars and revenge, weaving elements of real-world political events and national developments into its narrative. While the film meets expectations in several areas, it also struggles to maintain the same impact throughout.

A Story That Expands the Dhurandhar Universe
The story begins with the troubled past of Jaskeerat Singh Rangi, whose life takes a dramatic turn after injustice against his family pushes him into the world of crime. After serving time in prison, he gets an opportunity to work for India and undertakes an undercover mission in Pakistan under the identity of Hamza Ali Mazari.

Following the events of the first film, the sequel revolves around the power struggle and gang wars in Lyari. After the death of Rahman Daku — a character portrayed in the earlier installment by Akshaye Khanna — a fierce battle begins for control of the underworld throne. The narrative unfolds through rivalries, shifting alliances and Jaskeerat’s journey to reach his true mission.

This time, the plot incorporates references to major national developments such as demonetisation and other socio-political contexts, adding layers of intrigue. One of the central mysteries revolves around the identity of the “Big Boss,” a figure whose role drives much of the suspense. However, despite the build-up, the reveal does not leave as strong an impact as expected.

The first half of the film moves at a slower pace, occasionally feeling stretched. The narrative gains momentum after the interval, gradually building tension and delivering a more engaging second half that culminates in a powerful climax.

Powerful Performances on Screen
Ranveer Singh stands at the centre of the film and carries much of its emotional and dramatic weight. He portrays both Jaskeerat and Hamza with distinct body language and attitude, shifting effortlessly between intensity, anger and vulnerability. His commanding screen presence remains the film’s biggest strength.

Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi once again surprises with a memorable performance. R. Madhavan lends gravitas whenever he appears on screen, adding depth to the narrative. Sanjay Dutt makes a notable appearance, though his role is relatively limited. Meanwhile, Arjun Rampal delivers a decent performance, but his character does not emerge as menacing as anticipated.

Sara Arjun receives limited screen time but manages to leave an impression in her brief appearances. Her character, however, could have benefited from greater depth in the screenplay.

Direction and Technical Aspects
Director Aditya Dhar attempts to elevate the scale of the sequel with an ambitious narrative that blends action, politics and real-world references. The research and detailing are visible, particularly in sequences inspired by real events. However, this approach occasionally makes the film feel heavy and somewhat documentary-like.

Compared to the tightly structured story of the first installment, the sequel’s screenplay appears slightly loose. Some scenes run longer than necessary, and a few twists become predictable. The direction regains control in the latter half, leading to a strong and impactful climax.

Technically, the film impresses with its visual scale. The cinematography by Vikas Naulakha captures the gritty tone and large-scale action effectively. The action sequences are well-executed and visually engaging, contributing to the overall cinematic experience. The background score works particularly well during the climax, heightening the drama. However, tighter editing could have improved the film’s pacing.

Music: A Mixed Outcome
Music turns out to be one of the weaker aspects of the film. Unlike the first installment, the soundtrack fails to create a lasting impact. A few familiar older songs are used in the narrative, while tracks such as “Aari Aari” and “Jaan Se Guzarte” manage to stand out. The background score, however, succeeds in building tension and supporting the film’s dramatic moments.

Final Verdict
Dhurandhar 2 is an ambitious sequel that attempts to combine action, political intrigue and real-life references to create a larger cinematic experience. However, its lengthy runtime, uneven screenplay and partially developed characters prevent it from matching the intensity of the first film. The absence of Akshaye Khanna’s powerful presence from the earlier installment is also felt.

Despite its flaws, the film remains a worthwhile theatrical watch, largely driven by Ranveer Singh’s powerful performance, a gripping second half and a compelling climax. For viewers who enjoyed the first film, the sequel offers an engaging continuation of the story — provided expectations are kept in check.