The recently released Dhurandar 2 has sparked a wide range of reactions among viewers, with some praising its technical quality and entertainment value, while others criticize its intense violence and long runtime. As a sequel to the original film, Dhurandar 2 raises the stakes with a revenge-driven storyline, dramatic action, and political undertones that leave audiences both impressed and divided.
WHS freshman Nishka Patel described the plot as follows: “Basically, India sent out a spy to Pakistan to try to take down the government.” She emphasized the film’s high-stakes intelligence narrative. Similarly, WHS senior Aditya Sharma explained that the sequel follows “this Indian spy named Hamza… [who] goes into Lyari in Pakistan and basically takes over the gangs,” adding that the second movie focuses heavily on revenge as the character “just starts killing everyone basically.” These descriptions highlight the intense and action-heavy direction the sequel takes compared to the original.
While the film’s action appealed to some viewers, others found it overwhelming. Nishka shared that she did not enjoy the movie primarily because “it was very violent, and it was also very long.” She explained that the runtime made it difficult to stay engaged, noting that “people’s attention spans were getting lost at the end.” Additionally, the graphic content played a major role in her reaction. “As someone who’s not very into gore, I didn’t really like it that much,” she said, suggesting that the film may not be suitable for viewers who prefer lighter or less intense content.
Despite her criticism, Nishka acknowledged that certain audiences might still enjoy the movie. She explained, “If you like violent stuff and gore, then I’d definitely recommend it because it’s very realistic. But if you’re more into comedy, then don’t watch it.” Her perspective reflects a common theme among viewers: enjoyment of Dhurandar 2 largely depends on personal taste.
On the other hand, Aditya Sharma highlighted several positive aspects of the film, particularly its technical elements. “My favorite thing would have to be music,” he said. “The way they put it in certain scenes, it was really good.” He also praised the visual effects, noting that “the effects were very good… I did not expect the graphics to be that good.” According to Aditya, the film’s production quality exceeded expectations, especially during the action-heavy scenes that relied on dramatic visuals.
Aditya also viewed Dhurandhar 2 as a strong example of Bollywood filmmaking. He described it as “a very good introduction to Bollywood cinema” because it includes “over-the-top effects, dramatic acting… [and] slow-mo everything.” However, he acknowledged potential concerns, adding, “There is a lot of propaganda, though. Be aware.” Even so, he concluded that “if you overlook that, it’s very entertaining.”
Overall, Dhurandhar 2 has received mixed reactions from viewers. Some viewers appreciate its dramatic storytelling, strong technical elements, and action-packed sequences, while others are put off by its violence, length, and heavy themes. As Nishka noted, the film ultimately “depends on the type of person you are.” For audiences who enjoy intense action and spectacle, Dhurandar 2 may deliver an exciting experience. For others, its graphic content and extended runtime may make it a harder watch.
Suhani Shivasharan is a senior at Washington High School. She was born in Santa Clara and moved to Fremont when she was six years old. This is her first year at The Hatchet, and she is interested in covering topics about arts and entertainment, including music, film, theater, and cultural events that engage audiences and spark discussions. Suhani enjoys dancing, skiing, skating, swimming, and hanging out with her friends. In the future, she hopes to go to college and study to become an Orthopedic Surgeon. She is super excited for senior year and to do great things at The Hatchet!