Dhurandhar The Revenge Review: You aren't ready for Ranveer Singh unleashing cinematic mayhem in Aditya's epic

A Burnt Memory That Hooks You Instantly

The first chapter titled A Burnt Memory does a lot of heavy lifting and does it with confidence. We are introduced to Atif Ahmed, a gangster politician from Chakia Colony in Allahabad, and the world begins to open up in unsettling ways.

Without giving anything away, this portion carefully pieces together Jaskirat’s past, the trauma his family endured, and the chain of events that led him into Operation Dhurandhar.

What makes this stretch so effective is how emotionally grounded it feels despite the scale. It is chilling, satisfying, and deeply engaging, setting up a solid emotional anchor. If there were ever doubts about Ranveer Singh’s range, this is where they quietly disappear.

The choice to strip away all macho energy early on and present him as subdued and vulnerable is a masterstroke from Aditya Dhar. It allows you to invest in him before the storm arrives.

Ranveer Singh’s Transformation Is Unreal

Ranveer Singh’s metamorphosis across timelines is genuinely staggering. Within the narrative, he transitions from a clean shaven, almost fragile man to a physically dominant, long haired and heavily bearded force, marking a two year leap that feels seamless. It is not just a physical change, it is a complete shift in energy and presence.

His portrayal of Jaskirat feels like an entirely different person compared to Hamza, and that duality becomes one of the film’s strongest assets. There is a quiet intensity in the earlier portions that slowly evolves into controlled chaos later. It never feels forced, and more importantly, it never feels performative.

Lucifer Brings Unfiltered Chaos

Chapter two titled Lucifer throws you straight into the Lyari gang wars, and this is where the film fully embraces its chaotic side. The conflict between the LTF and the Pappu gang unfolds with meticulous planning from Hamza and Rizwan, eventually spiraling into complete destruction. It is brutality, anarchy, and madness on full display.

Interestingly, even with so much action, the film does not lose control. Dhar ensures that the sequences breathe. The action is intense but never frantic, which makes it easier to absorb and far more impactful. That said, this chapter does feel slightly scattered, almost like multiple powerful moments stitched together rather than flowing seamlessly.

The Rise Of A King Feels Earned

What truly stands out is how Hamza’s rise to power in Lyari is handled. It is detailed, layered, and carefully built over time. The screenplay takes its time to weave connections, and that patience pays off. Nothing feels rushed or conveniently placed, which is rare for a story operating on such a massive scale.

The third chapter titled Ghosts of the Past continues this strength, expanding the narrative while maintaining its grip. The writing here deserves credit for making even complex developments feel believable. It trusts the audience to keep up, and that trust is rewarded.

When The Narrative Starts To Slip

Despite its strengths, the film does lose some steam as it progresses. This is not so much about pacing as it is about how the past and present timelines begin to intersect. The time jumps start to feel slightly convenient, and that takes away from the otherwise immersive storytelling.

You never feel completely disengaged, but there are moments where the narrative feels less organic than it did earlier. Given how tightly the first half is constructed, these minor slips stand out more than they otherwise would have.

A Powerhouse Supporting Cast

While Ranveer Singh towers over the film, this gradually becomes a Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Rampal showcase as well. Both actors deliver exactly what you expect and then some. Dutt’s screen presence is used to full effect, reminding you why he remains such a commanding figure even today.

Arjun Rampal, on the other hand, brings his signature calm intensity before unleashing when it matters most. Their presence adds weight to the narrative, especially in the later portions.

The true standout though from the supporting cast is undoubtedly, Rakesh Bedi. Let's just say, there's a lot more of him this time without giving away anything.

Sara Arjun had limited scope but serves her role well, though the character of Uzair, played by Danish Pandor, feels slightly underdeveloped after a point, even though you do understand the reasoning behind it.

A Novel Like Experience With Flaws

One of the most fascinating aspects of Dhurandhar The Revenge is how it feels like reading a book rather than watching a film. Chapters unfold with distinct tones, some gripping, some average, and some absolutely mind blowing. That unpredictability works in its favor.

However, the third act introduces a noticeable shift. The storytelling begins to lean heavily into political messaging, which disrupts the immersive experience built so far. While it may align with the narrative’s logic, it feels more overt than necessary, making you momentarily disconnect if you were fully invested in the story itself.