Dhurandhar Movie Analysis: The Battle Over Narrative in Indian Cinema

At first glance, Dhurandhar appears to be a fast-paced Bollywood spy thriller. It features stylised action, strong performances, engaging soundtracks. However, the film does more than just entertain. It has restarted an uncomfortable conversation about terrorism, Pakistan’s underworld, and India’s response to threats from beyond its borders. This Dhurandhar movie analysis shows that the film’s impact goes beyond ticket sales. It has sparked strong reactions online and in media discussions. Fans view it as a bold, well-made film that doesn’t soften its ideological stance. Critics find it ‘high on testosterone and gore’. What is clear is that Dhurandhar has changed the tone of mainstream Hindi cinema.

Fiction Based on Real Events

Much of the discussion surrounding Dhurandhar focuses on how closely it reflects real-life events. Characters seem inspired by actual figures from India’s security forces and Pakistan’s criminal networks. The protagonist is the undercover agent who infiltrates Karachi’s underworld and climbs through violent gang ranks. This character appears to be loosely based on what Pakistani records and international reports refer to as ‘unknown gunmen.’ In recent years, a pattern has emerged in Pakistan. Multiple individuals wanted by India for terrorism-related crimes were killed by ‘unidentified men’. The method of attack was consistent. Shooters on motorcycles struck swiftly and disappeared without a trace. These killings happened in various Pakistani cities, including Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar. Over time, speculation grew that these were not random gang-related crimes but targeted operations.

International Claims and Media Reports

The debate grew stronger after international media reports suggested that Indian intelligence agencies were involved in covert killings abroad. A major investigation claimed that nearly twenty such assassinations occurred between 2020 and 2024.

The report indicated that local criminals, radicalised individuals, or hired operatives carried out the acts instead of Indian agents. The theory suggested that sleeper networks operated from third countries and took advantage of existing gang rivalries in Pakistan. These claims were never supported by public evidence, and Indian authorities denied any involvement. Around the same time, accusations arose in North America. Canada claimed Indian agents were involved in the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader. Later, the United States exposed an alleged plot aimed at another separatist figure. Both cases are currently under legal review. Pakistan has long accused India of conducting extra-judicial killings. These claims gained more traction after western governments raised similar concerns. This must also be viewed in the context of Pakistan’s evolving security partnerships and its broader regional positioning.

What Makes Dhurandhar Stand Out

What makes Dhurandhar unique is not just its topic but its execution. Earlier politically charged films depended heavily on slogans and moral statements. In many instances, characters served as mouthpieces, and scenes felt unconvincing. Dhurandhar avoids this trap. Its ideological viewpoint is woven into the story rather than presented through speeches. The narrative unfolds through action, consequences, and character decisions. The audience is not told what to think; it is expected to follow the logic of the events. The film clearly differentiates between the aggressor and the victim. It does not strive for moral balance. This approach reflects a broader sentiment in Indian cinema and nationalism that favours a tougher stance on terrorism and cross-border threats.

The Anxiety of Losing Cultural Control

For decades, mainstream cinema often leaned towards themes of reconciliation, restraint, and moral equivalence. Films in this vein were praised as thoughtful and progressive. Dhurandhar challenges that approach. It presents nationalism unapologetically and avoids becoming a caricature. This has unsettled some film critics who felt comfortable acting as gatekeepers of acceptable political messages. The discomfort stems not only from ideology but also from craft. The film cannot be dismissed as crude or poorly made. That makes it more challenging to critique without engaging with its argument.

Cinema as Reflection, Not Instruction

Cinema has always mirrored the anxieties and beliefs of its time. Dhurandhar reflects a period where patience with ambiguity on national security is waning. Regardless of whether one agrees with its perspective, the film signifies a change. It demonstrates that political cinema doesn’t need to be loud to persuade. It can be confident, controlled, and unsettling at once. The discussion surrounding Dhurandhar is not merely about this one film. It concerns who gets to shape narratives in Indian public life.

The Analysis Desk at ThirdPol focuses on politics, security, and the narratives that shape India’s place in a changing world.