Spy dramas have become a favourite genre in Bollywood, and Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, is the newest addition to a lineup that already includes the YRF spy franchise, The Family Man, and Raazi. However, Dhurandhar brings in a different tonality to the Bollywood spy universe—if we may call it that.

Dhurandhar plot

The film opens with the conclusion of the Kandhara hijack negotiation. R. Madhavan plays the IB (Intelligence Bureau) chief, with his look clearly inspired by former National Security Advisor and spymaster Ajit Doval. Disappointed with the outcome of the negotiation, his character proposes a long-term plan to prevent such situations in the future. His suggestion goes unheard—until the 2001 Parliament attack. It’s only then that his superiors pay attention, leading to the inception of Operation Dhurandhar (named Operation Lyari in real).