Dhurandhar, a spy action thriller directed by Aditya Dhar and featuring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, premiered on December 5, 2025. The film has received significant acclaim from audiences. Actor Naveen Kaushik, who plays the character Donga, expressed his belief that Ranveer’s performance deserves greater recognition compared to Akshaye’s.
In a recent discussion with Siddharth Kannan on his YouTube channel, Naveen elaborated on his experiences working alongside both actors. He highlighted that Ranveer’s portrayal as a spy showcases remarkable nuance that has gone largely unrecognized. He stated, “I do feel it’s unfair. Akshaye sir has undoubtedly created an iconic character that will be remembered for years. But what Ranveer has done as an actor […] is extremely difficult.”
Naveen pointed out a particular scene in the FA9LA song, where while everyone else dances energetically, Ranveer’s character remains motionless. This choice to underplay his role reflects a deep commitment to his character, according to Naveen. He noted, “Ranveer’s character is deliberately underplayed. He doesn’t seek attention.” By refraining from stealing the show, Ranveer allowed Akshaye’s character, who holds a commanding presence, to shine.
Dhurandhar is the first part of a two-part film series. It follows Ranveer Singh’s character, Hamza, an Indian spy who infiltrates the dangerous criminal and political landscape of Lyari, Pakistan, as part of an anti-terror operation. The narrative is intertwined with real historical events, including the 1999 IC-814 hijacking, the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, and the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
The film also features a talented cast that includes Sara Arjun, Arjun Rampal, Rakesh Bedi, and Sanjay Dutt. Since its release, Dhurandhar has set records at the box office, becoming the first Bollywood film to surpass ₹800 crore in India and exceeding ₹1200 crore globally. A sequel is anticipated to hit theaters in March this year, promising to continue the thrilling storyline established in this inaugural installment.