Dhurandhar Movie (2025) Breakdown: Real Story, Part 2 Release Date, and Ending Explained

Introduction: The 214-Minute Test of Patriotism

I walked into the “First Day, First Show” of Dhurandhar with two things: a bucket of popcorn and skepticism. Could Aditya Dhar really pull off a 3-hour-34-minute runtime in an era of 90-minute reels?

By the time the intermission hit at the 1-hour-52-minute mark, my popcorn was untouched, and the entire theater was dead silent.

Dhurandhar isn’t just a movie; it is an endurance test that rewards you with the most gritty, uncomfortable, and meticulously researched spy drama Bollywood has ever produced. Unlike the high-flying, gravity-defying agents of the “YRF Spy Universe,” Ranveer Singh’s Hamza doesn’t jump off cliffs—he rots in them.

As a film analyst who has tracked Aditya Dhar’s career since Uri: The Surgical Strike, I can tell you this film is different. It blurs the line between “Blockbuster Entertainment” and “Classified History.” But with the credits rolling on a massive cliffhanger, you are likely left with burning questions: Is this real history? Who was the real Rehman Dakait? and What happens in Part 2?

In this deep dive, I am skipping the generic review to give you the Investigative Breakdown—mapping the real-life spies, the hidden “Lyari” politics, and the theories that will define the sequel.

1. Dhurandhar Movie Plot Summary

The film is set against the backdrop of post-1999 India-Pakistan tension. Following the IC-814 hijacking and the 2001 Parliament attacks, Indian Intelligence Chief Ajay Sanyal (played by R. Madhavan, based on Ajit Doval) authorizes “Operation Dhurandhar.”

The mission? Infiltrate the hostile terrain of Pakistan not as a spy, but as a gangster.

Enter Hamza Ali Mazari (Ranveer Singh), a Baloch undercover agent who embeds himself into the gang of Rehman Dakait (Akshaye Khanna). As Hamza rises through the ranks of the “People’s Aman Committee” in Lyari, he must balance his loyalty to the gangster who treats him like a brother and his duty to a nation that demands vengeance.

2. The True Story Behind Dhurandhar: Fact vs. Fiction

While the film’s disclaimer states it is a work of fiction, Dhurandhar is heavily inspired by the bloody history of the Lyari Gang War in Karachi (2008–2013). If you are Googling “Is Dhurandhar real?”, here is the breakdown:

• Rehman Dakait (Real vs. Reel): Akshaye Khanna’s character is based on the legendary gangster Rehman Dakait, often called the “Robin Hood of Lyari.” In reality, he formed the People’s Aman Committee (PAC) and was killed in a controversial police encounter in 2009—a scene recreated with chilling accuracy in the film.
• Chaudhary Aslam (The Encounter Specialist): Sanjay Dutt’s role mirrors SP Chaudhry Aslam Khan, the fearless Karachi police officer known for his aggressive crackdown on the Taliban and Lyari gangs. The real Aslam was assassinated in a bomb blast in 2014, a fate hinted at for the future of the franchise.
• The Spy Angle: While the gang war was real, the presence of an Indian spy (Ranveer Singh’s Hamza) infiltrating the gang is a creative liberty, likely inspired by the legends of Indian cold-war spies like Ravindra Kaushik (The Black Tiger).

Quick Look: Real History vs. Movie Drama

3. Star Cast & Their Real-Life Inspirations

To understand the movie, you must know who the actors are actually playing.

4. Dhurandhar Ending Explained (Spoilers)

The climax of Dhurandhar has left audiences shocked. Here is what happened in the final 20 minutes:

The Betrayal:

Hamza (Ranveer) orchestrates the downfall of Rehman Dakait. He leaks Rehman’s location to SP Chaudhary Aslam (Sanjay Dutt). In a heartbreaking sequence, Rehman realizes his “brother” Hamza is the traitor just moments before the police intercept them.

The Twist:

After Rehman’s death, Hamza expects extraction. Instead, he is “burned” (abandoned) by the agency to maintain his cover. The movie ends with Hamza being arrested by the Pakistani authorities, not as an Indian spy, but as a gangster.

The Cliffhanger:

The final scene shows Hamza in a high-security Pakistani prison. A guard whispers a code word, revealing that Hamza’s mission isn’t over—it has just begun. He is now targeting “Bade Sahab” (The Mastermind) from inside the prison.

5. Dhurandhar Part 2: Release Date & Theories

The story is not over. The sequel is officially titled “Dhurandhar Part 2: The Revenge.”

• Confirmed Release Date:March 19, 2026 (Eid Release).
  • Note: It is set to clash with the massive South Indian release Toxic, making it the biggest box office battle of 2026.
• What to Expect: Part 2 will likely focus on Hamza’s prison break and his hunt for the 26/11 masterminds.
• Fan Theory: Rumors suggest Akshaye Khanna might return in flashbacks or hallucinations, haunting Hamza for his betrayal.

6. Why Was Dhurandhar Banned in Gulf Countries?

Despite its box office success, Dhurandhar faced a ban in GCC countries (including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar). The censorship boards in these regions cited the film’s “political nature” and its depiction of a neighboring Islamic nation (Pakistan) as the primary reason.

Specifically, the portrayal of the Lyari Gang War as being directly manipulated by intelligence agencies was viewed as too sensitive for the region’s diplomatic stance. This ban significantly impacted the overseas collection, yet the film still crossed the ₹1000 Crore mark globally.

7. OTT Release Date & Watch Guide

If you missed it in theaters due to the runtime, the wait is almost over.

• Platform: Netflix (Global Rights acquired for approx ₹150 Crore).
• Expected Release Date: January 30, 2026.

The “Intermission Hack” (How to watch a 3.5-hour movie)

Dhurandhar is structured like a novel. If you cannot watch it in one sitting, here is the best way to break it down using the film’s 8 Chapters:

8. Parent’s Guide: Is it Safe for Kids?

Before you stream this in your living room, be warned: this is rated ‘A’ (Adults Only) for a reason.

Conclusion: A Flawed Masterpiece or Essential Viewing?

Walking out of the theater, I didn’t feel the usual adrenaline rush of a masala action movie. I felt a heavy, lingering silence—the kind that comes from watching a tragedy masquerading as a thriller.

From an expert standpoint, Dhurandhar is flawed. The runtime is punishing, and the political messaging walks a razor-thin line that justifies the GCC ban. However, its bravery lies in its “Grey.” It refuses to give you a clean victory. It shows you that the cost of peace is often paid by men like Hamza, who are forgotten in foreign prisons while we celebrate at home.

If you are an “OTT Planner” waiting for the Netflix release, my advice is simple: Watch it for Akshaye Khanna. His portrayal of Rehman Dakait is not just acting; it is a masterclass in humanizing a monster.

My Final Verdict:

• For the Casual Viewer: A long, exhausting, but rewarding watch. (Rating: 3.5/5)
• For the Spy/History Buff: An absolute masterpiece of research and atmosphere. (Rating: 4.5/5)

The Mission Isn’t Over.

The cliffhanger has set the stage for the biggest box office clash of 2026. Dhurandhar Part 2 arrives on March 19, 2026. Will Hamza escape? Or will he become another forgotten statistic of the spy war?

Bookmark this page. As soon as the first teaser drops, I will be back here to decode every frame. Until then, keep digging for the truth.