Dhurandhar Trailer Review: Why Ranveer Singh's Spy Thriller Is the Most Anticipated Action Film of 2025

A Masterclass in Action Filmmaking: The Dhurandhar Trailer Breakdown

When Aditya Dhar's official trailer for Dhurandhar dropped on November 18, 2025, it didn't just generate buzz—it absolutely decimated social media with its raw intensity, visceral action sequences, and an ensemble cast that commands respect. The 4-minute 10-second trailer has become the gold standard for how an action film teaser should be crafted, and if you haven't watched it yet, you're seriously missing out.

The trailer opens with an unsettling interrogation scene featuring Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal of the ISI, known as the "Angel of Death," before transitioning into R. Madhavan's mysterious presence as the NSA orchestrating covert operations. But here's where it gets absolutely gripping: each character receives their own powerful introduction backed by equally punchy dialogues that instantly establish their presence. When Akshaye Khanna enters as the apex predator Rehman Dakait, he literally smashes a man's head in, setting a tone of uncompromising brutality. Sanjay Dutt follows as "The Jinn," adding layers of mystery and menace to the ensemble.​

And then comes Ranveer Singh. With long hair, a rugged beard, and eyes that pierce through the screen with wounded intensity, he arrives as "The Wrath of God." Unlike anything we've seen him do before, this avatar ditches the flamboyance for pure, calculated rage. The dialogue "Tum Logon Ke Patakhe Khatm Hogaye Ho Toh Mai Dhamaka Shuru Karu" (If your firecrackers are over, then I'll set off the explosion) perfectly encapsulates the film's unhinged energy.​

Why This Trailer Has Me Absolutely Hyped

What makes the Dhurandhar trailer exceptional is that it manages to sustain tension and excitement for four minutes without revealing the actual plot. This is a masterclass in filmmaking restraint that respects audience intelligence. Director Aditya Dhar, who gave us the phenomenal Uri: The Surgical Strike, clearly understands how to balance nationalism with authentic storytelling. The color grading is rich, the action sequences look brutally real (minimal green screen dependency), and every frame drips with cinematic quality.​​

The dialogue work deserves special mention. Rather than relying on cheap jingoism or patriotic chest-thumping, Dhar has crafted a narrative rooted in India's actual struggle against terrorism. This is a film inspired by true events, allegedly connected to RAW's covert operations and possibly National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's actual work. That context adds layers of authenticity that elevate it beyond typical Bollywood fare.​

Another reason I'm genuinely excited: this isn't a one-man show. Unlike many Bollywood films where the hero dominates the narrative, Dhurandhar treats every character as essential. Arjun Rampal, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt aren't sidekicks or plot devices—they're fully realized, menacing presences with their own agendas and screen presence. The chemistry feels tense and authentic, and each actor has clearly received meaty roles with substance.​​

What UAE Audiences Are Saying

The Indian expat community across the UAE has been buzzing about Dhurandhar, and the reactions range from electrified to cautiously optimistic. Here's what netizens from across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates are saying:

On Twitter/X and Social Media: One Dubai-based film enthusiast tweeted, "After Animal, Dhurandhar is the only trailer giving me I-CAN'T-MISS-IT vibes. The raw intensity, the ensemble cast, the scale—this is cinema we've been waiting for." Another viewer from Abu Dhabi commented, "Ranveer Singh's transformation is insane. He's never looked this serious and deadly. The action sequences look absolutely unhinged in the best way possible."​​

From Reddit's r/bollywood community (where many UAE residents actively participate), one user wrote, "What did we just watch? The talent on screen is absolutely incredible, and everyone's transformation looks amazing. Theatre experience gonna be wild." Another Redditor noted, "Akshaye Khanna is the major aura farmer in the Dhurandhar trailer. No one's going to remember this as Ranveer's movie—they'll remember it for how perfectly balanced the ensemble is."​

Concerns About Violence and Censor Board: Not all reactions have been universally positive, though the negativity represents a minority stance. Political commentator Dhruv Rathee sparked controversy by comparing the trailer's graphical violence to "ISIS beheadings," claiming it glorifies gore. However, fans quickly countered, defending the violence as contextual—showing the brutal realities of espionage and counterterrorism operations rather than sensationalizing brutality.​

One UAE-based viewer addressed the censorship debate: "The real question isn't whether the violence is excessive—it's whether the Censor Board will keep the cuts to a minimum. If the CBFC slashes this, we'll have the shell of a film without its spine. Let's hope they understand that this violence serves a narrative purpose."​

The Ensemble Cast That Steals the Show

What genuinely excites me most about Dhurandhar is how democratically it treats its cast. Traditional Bollywood hierarchies fade when every character commands screen time with authority. Arjun Rampal's ISI Major is terrifyingly calm, Akshaye Khanna's Rehman Dakait is unpredictably dangerous, R. Madhavan's NSA is strategically calculating, and Sanjay Dutt's "The Jinn" is wrapped in intrigue. This isn't a film where the hero walks through a frame—it's a collision of titans.​

The actress Sara Arjun's inclusion also sparked discussions, particularly regarding an age-gap romance subplot that drew some criticism online. However, the focus remains on whether the narrative justifies these elements or if they're merely cosmetic additions.​

Box Office Clash and Release Strategy

Dhurandhar releases on December 5, 2025, but it won't have an empty battlefield. Shahid Kapoor's untitled Vishal Bhardwaj project and Prabhas's The Raja Saab will hit screens simultaneously. However, Dhurandhar's spy-thriller positioning and the director's proven track record suggest it could capture a distinct audience segment focused on hard-hitting action and authentic storytelling rather than masala entertainment.​

Final Thoughts: Mark Your Calendars

This is a film that demanded to be experienced on the big screen. The trailer makes that abundantly clear. Dhurandhar promises visceral action, ensemble performances from seasoned actors, and a director uncompromising in his vision. Whether you're watching it at PVR Dubai, Reel Cinemas Abu Dhabi, or any cinema chain across the UAE, reserve your ticket now. Based on the trailer alone, this is shaping up to be one of 2025's most significant cinema events.​

The wait for December 5, 2025, starts now. Dhurandhar isn't just another Bollywood action film—it's a statement.