Shashi Tharoor’s take on Dhurandhar.

Praise for craft, criticism of propaganda and violence.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has offered a nuanced review of Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar film franchise, balancing admiration for its cinematic strengths with sharp criticism of its political undertones and excessive violence. In a detailed video shared on his YouTube and Instagram channels, Tharoor acknowledged the strong performances and director Aditya Dhar’s gripping execution, but expressed discomfort with the franchise’s messaging and its portrayal of India-Pakistan relations.

Tharoor described the level of violence as “totally excessive,” arguing that the bloodshed and cruelty went beyond what was necessary for storytelling. He noted that the films have faced bans not only in Pakistan but also in several Gulf countries, citing concerns that the narrative could inflame tensions between communities. He said that while some dialogues might amuse Pakistani audiences, other scenes could prompt reflection on actions carried out in their name.

Despite these reservations, Tharoor conceded that the sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, released in March 2026, was more polished and compelling than the original 2025 film. He highlighted Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of Hamza Ali Mazari, an undercover agent infiltrating Karachi’s criminal and political networks, as a standout performance. The ensemble cast, featuring Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, and R Madhavan, added depth to the espionage thriller.

Drawing on his own experiences with intelligence officials, Tharoor contrasted the film’s cloak-and-dagger operations with the civil exchanges and analytical discussions he has witnessed. He cautioned viewers against taking the film’s depiction of long-term bureaucratic continuity such as R Madhavan’s character, loosely modelled on Ajit Doval- as factual, stressing that these were creative liberties taken for dramatic effect.

Ultimately, Tharoor framed Dhurandhar as a fictional narrative designed to entertain while subtly imparting political lessons. His review underscores the tension between cinematic spectacle and responsible storytelling, raising important questions about how popular culture shapes perceptions of geopolitics.