Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, has dominated conversations since its release last month. The spy action thriller has been a blockbuster hit, both at the box office and on social media, captivating audiences with its high-octane action sequences, intense performances, and narrative set against the complex backdrop of Pakistan. While fans have been raving, the film has also caught the attention of Bollywood insiders and filmmakers, including celebrated director Anurag Kashyap, who recently shared his thoughts on the movie.

Kashyap’s Overall Take

Anurag Kashyap, known for his candid opinions and unfiltered reviews, took to Letterboxd to dissect the film. He began by lauding the portrayal of Ranveer Singh’s spy character, emphasizing the importance of a spy having personal stakes and emotional motivation. “A spy cannot be a spy if he doesn’t have hate and angst against the enemy state. A soldier also cannot be a soldier if he doesn’t have angst against the enemy state. On those two counts, I have no issues,” Kashyap noted. His remarks underline how the film successfully instills depth and conviction into the characters’ motivations, something often missing in conventional spy thrillers.

Despite his praise, Kashyap highlighted two sequences that troubled him. The first involves Akshaye Khanna’s character Madhwan, who delivers a line about the day when people will care about their country. The second is Ranveer Singh’s dialogue at the end, declaring, “Ye naya India hai.” Kashyap described these moments as propaganda-like asides that slightly disrupt the narrative flow. However, he made it clear that these did not diminish his appreciation for the film overall.

“Take those two asides; it’s a good film. In fact, a brilliant film that is entirely set in Pakistan,” Kashyap wrote, praising Dhar’s skill in crafting a gripping espionage story in a challenging setting.

Filmmaker Politics and Honest Storytelling

Anurag went further to contextualize his critique by reflecting on Aditya Dhar as a filmmaker. Having known Dhar since his national award-winning film Boond, Kashyap emphasized the director’s honesty and commitment to his personal viewpoint. “It’s his politics. Genuine politics. Agree or disagree with it. The man is honest. Not an opportunist like others,” he wrote. He highlighted that Dhar’s work consistently explores themes of Kashmir and reflects his identity as a Kashmiri Pandit, someone who has personally endured historical and political trauma.

Kashyap drew an interesting parallel between Dhar’s Dhurandhar and acclaimed international war films. “All his films are about Kashmir. Either you argue with him or let him be. Filmmaking is top notch. If you love The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty, or House of Dynamite, these are Oscar-winning propaganda films about the USA. I ignored the two propaganda dialogues and loved the filmmaking and stubbornness of the filmmaker.” His comment places Dhar’s work in a broader cinematic context, recognizing the craft and dedication behind politically charged narratives.

Ranveer Singh’s Performance

A key highlight of Kashyap’s review was his praise for Ranveer Singh. He called Singh’s performance his favorite of the film, noting the actor’s confidence, precision, and ability to anchor the narrative. “Ranveer Singh being my favorite performance. So secure. If I as a filmmaker have to argue about the politics of it, I will call Dhar. But significant film!” Kashyap’s endorsement adds weight to the buzz surrounding the film, affirming Singh’s standing as one of the most versatile and compelling actors of his generation.

The Fan Response and Anticipation for Sequel

Fans are now eagerly looking forward to Dhurandhar 2, slated for release on March 19, 2026. With Kashyap’s nuanced review emphasizing both the film’s strengths and minor political digressions, audiences are likely to approach the sequel with heightened expectations, curious about how Dhar will expand the story while retaining the raw intensity that made the first installment a hit.

Final Thoughts

Anurag Kashyap’s review strikes a balance between praise and critique, acknowledging the power of the performances, the high-quality filmmaking, and the challenging subject matter, while not shying away from addressing elements he found problematic. His perspective offers a lens through which audiences can appreciate Dhurandhar not just as a commercial spy thriller, but as a film that navigates complex political and emotional terrain.

By highlighting both the film’s artistry and the moments that felt heavy-handed, Kashyap reinforces the idea that impactful cinema can be bold, flawed, and honest all at once — and that discussions around such films are as important as the entertainment they provide.