'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' review: Ranveer Singh movie stays immersive, turns more violent

When filmmakers attempt to build on a film’s success with a sequel, the challenge lies in keeping things fresh while preserving the spirit of the original. Aditya Dhar’s ‘Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge’ rises to that challenge, delivering a sequel that boldly expands the scale of its predecessor without ever feeling like a retread.

This time, the story travels from the blood-soaked streets of Lyari to the rustic heartlands of Punjab and back, taking off after the death of the Sher-e-Baloch Rahman (played by Akshay Khanna) and the rise of his successor, even as Indian spy Hamza (Ranveer Singh) establishes his stronghold over the region. The film unfolds slowly, taking us through flashes of the past and the present, both of Hamza’s life and the gang wars that turn bloody in Lyari.

It seems the filmmakers have made a bold choice to intensify the violence in this instalment, opting for a much bloodier and more brutal tone. The world they’ve crafted is now even more unforgiving, pushing the limits of brutality and presenting a chilling, visceral experience. It definitely is not a film for the faint-hearted, and can even give movies like ‘Kill’ and ‘Marco’, a run for their money.

Despite its brutality, Aditya ensures that the film retains a heartbeat, making it more emotionally resonant than its predecessor. The romance that made ‘Dhurandhar’ such a talking point is dialled down here, with Hamza now portrayed as a family man, happily married to Yalina Jamali, played by Sara Arjun. Some of the moments between the key characters are deeply emotional, leaving an impact even after the credits roll.

One of the key reasons ‘Dhurandhar’ made history was its unconventional approach to storytelling, setting it apart from the typical spy thrillers Bollywood has seen before. The screenplay of ‘Dhurandhar 2’ is undeniably immersive, with Aditha meticulously crafting every scene and moment to perfection. Each beat feels deliberate, building a narrative that draws the audience in. There’s a sense of careful planning in every transition and every visual choice, as though each element has been calibrated to resonate emotionally and narratively.

However, one of its biggest shortcomings lies in the way certain characters are developed, specifically, Hamza’s family. The characters who should play pivotal roles in shaping his emotional journey often feel more like mere props to move the plot forward.

If' 'Dhurandhar' was accused by a section of the media of pandering to right-wing sentiments, the second part leans in more overtly, increasingly aligning with the current government’s political narrative. While the sense of patriotism woven into the storyline is compelling, the filmmaker sometimes pushes the boundary, blending real-life events with the fictional narrative in a way that feels a bit contrived. Despite these flaws, Aditya manages to make an immersive film that never goes out of focus. Although there are no prominent villains this time around, the absence of a clear antagonist does not detract from the narrative. The filmmakers make sure to keep the audience engaged with unexpected plot twists and thrilling situations that keep the tension high.

The performances from the cast remain solid, with Ranveer Singh once again standing out. His portrayal is consistently captivating, and his iconic long mane—one of his signature looks—continues to impress audiences. Moreover, Ranveer gets the chance to showcase his action chops, with several high-intensity sequences that further cement his versatility. The action scenes themselves are well-executed, and the VFX adds a layer of polish to the film.

Sara Ali Khan, despite having limited screen time, makes a lasting impact whenever she appears, delivering a performance that complements the intensity of the lead cast. Supporting roles from actors like R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Sanjay Dutt also add depth to the story, with each bringing a distinct presence to the film. Madhavan’s nuanced portrayal, Rampal’s strong screen presence, and Dutt’s commanding role all enhance the ensemble, making the movie feel dynamic and well-rounded.

The songs composed by Shashwat Sachdev have a heavier, more intense tone, but they effectively complement the mood of the story. The music resonates with the narrative’s emotional depth, enhancing the overall atmosphere. However, it’s the cinematography that truly stands out. One particularly memorable scene features Hamza walking atop a hill, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most visually stunning moments in the film, capturing both the grandeur of the landscape and the emotional weight of the character.