The Gen ‘Z’ Connection – Dhurandhar

“The film’s success is a testament to its exploration of mental health and inner conflict, the popularized ‘aura’ culture, and a raw, anti-establishment grit. Its impact is further amplified by Aditya Dhar’s directorial intelligence, masterclass performances from the entire ensemble, and technical brilliance specifically in its sound design, pacing, and non-linear structure.”

A Master-class in Performance

While espionage thrillers often skew toward an older demographic, Dhurandhar has found a massive following among Gen Z. There are three primary reasons for this. Unlike traditional “macho” heroes, the characters in Dhurandhar are shown as emotionally fractured. Analysts have noted that the film acts as an “accidental therapy session,” Where the protagonist’s internal rage and unresolved trauma mirror the modern generation’s own struggles with anxiety and pressure. The film’s stylistic choices particularly Akshaye Khanna’s entry scene have become viral “edits” on TikTok and Instagram. His character, Rehman Dakait, represents a “quiet power” that resonates with the current aesthetic of “aura” and “calm confidence” over loud, over-the-top heroics. The film’s “Gangs of Wasseypur-meets-Zero Dark Thirty” vibe appeals to a generation that values raw, unfiltered storytelling over the polished, “sanitized” versions of reality often seen in older Bollywood cinema. The film is widely praised for its technical sophistication, moving away from “gravity-defying” stunts toward tactical realism.

Adiya Dhar proved his intelligence Again

Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar (released on Dec. 5, 2025) has transcended the typical “action-thriller” label to become a cultural phenomenon. It is currently dominating both the box office and social media discourse, largely due to its unapologetic realism and high-stakes geopolitical narrative.Directed by Aditya Dhar (of Uri fame), the film uses a moody, high-contrast color palette. Low lighting and stark shadows are used strategically to heighten the tension in the narrow lanes of Lyari, Karachi. The film features a pulsating background score by Shashwat Sachdev. A standout technical moment involves the integration of real audio recordings from the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the 2001 Parliament attacks, blurring the line between documentary and fiction.

The story is told in distinct “chapters” (The Bastard King of Lyari, Et Tu Brutus), a narrative device that keeps the audience engaged despite its staggering 3-hour and 34-minute runtime. The film is an ensemble piece where every actor is given a distinct, “gray” character arc. Actor Character Performance of Ranveer Singh as Hamza (Agent Jaskirat), brooding, intense and rugged character, adopting a significantly transformed muscular physical appearance. he stays in the shadows for much of the film. Akshaye Khanna as Rehman Dakait, stood as scene-stealer. He portrays a chilling, “butcher-like” calm that has dominated social media trends. R. Madhavan as Ajay Sanyal, based on NSA Ajit Doval, brings a cerebral, strategic weight to the film. Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal, a cold, calculative antagonist inspired by real-world militant commanders. Sanjay Dutt as SP Chaudhary Aslam as an impulsive, rough-around-the-edges cop represents the chaotic law enforcement in Karachi.

Realism between Asia’s Giants- Geopolitical Chessboard

The story is deeply rooted in the geopolitical reality between India and Pakistan.It isn’t just a “good vs. evil” story. it’s a deep dive into Operation Lyari. The film covers decades of covert operations, referencing the Kandahar hijacking and the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The narrative explores how criminal gangs in Karachi (the Lyari underworld) were allegedly used as assets by intelligence agencies. It depicts a “country inside a country,” where gangs control everything from taxes to local courts. Because it uses real names and real incidents, the film has sparked intense debate. While some see it as a “tribute to intelligence officers,” others criticize its hyper-nationalist tone. Regardless of the stance, the film’s depiction of the “neighbor-to-neighbor” conflict is considered one of the most detailed ever put to film.

Vidyasagar Chaturvedula

Principle Correspondent, Prime Post

Vidya Sagar Chaturvedula is a passionate film enthusiast whose four-decade career spans multiple sectors, including media and industry. Fluent in Telugu, Hindi, and English, he has a deep appreciation for cinema, particularly films in those three languages. His passion goes beyond simple viewing; he enjoys analyzing directional skill, the emotional depth of actors’ performances, and the profound meaning embedded in dialogue. Mr. Sagar is known for his ability to clearly articulate and narrate his insightful film analyses after watching a movie.