Shobhaa De Shares Mixed Verdict on Dhurandhar 2
Author and columnist Shobhaa De has shared her take on Dhurandhar: The Revenge, offering a balanced but critical perspective on the much-talked-about sequel starring Ranveer Singh.
The film, which released globally on March 19, has generated strong buzz, but Shobhaa De’s “capsule review” suggests that it doesn’t fully match the impact of its predecessor.
“Not a Masterpiece,” Says Shobhaa De
While she acknowledged that the film kept her engaged despite its long runtime, she admitted that it didn’t leave a lasting impression.
According to her, the first part delivered stronger storytelling with deeper psychological layers and better suspense. In contrast, the sequel felt familiar and, at times, predictable.
She emphasized that effective cinema should keep viewers guessing, something she felt was missing this time.
Arjun Rampal and Sanjay Dutt Steal the Show
One of the biggest highlights of her review was the praise for Arjun Rampal and Sanjay Dutt.
She described Arjun Rampal’s performance as dominating, noting that he stood out strongly even alongside the lead actor. Sanjay Dutt, meanwhile, was appreciated for his commanding screen presence and consistency throughout the film.
Their performances, according to her, added weight to the narrative.
Ranveer Singh Takes a Backseat This Time
Despite being the central character, Ranveer Singh’s performance did not stand out as much for her compared to the supporting cast.
This marks a contrast from her earlier opinion on the first film, where she had praised Ranveer for carrying the project with restraint and control.
Akshaye Khanna’s Absence Felt Strongly
Shobhaa De also pointed out that Akshaye Khanna’s absence was noticeable.
She felt that his character from the first film brought a unique style and unpredictability that the sequel struggled to recreate. Certain iconic elements, including memorable dance moments, were missing or less impactful this time.
Audience Engagement Raises Questions
Sharing her theatre experience, she noted that while the film had packed screenings, some viewers appeared distracted during the runtime.
According to her, this could indicate that the film doesn’t consistently hold attention, especially for a project aiming to deliver a gripping, edge-of-the-seat experience.
Script and Music Receive Criticism
Shobhaa De expressed concerns about the screenplay, calling it overly explanatory and lacking subtlety.
She pointed out that the dialogues often feel too direct, leaving little room for interpretation. The narrative relies heavily on familiar tropes and formula-driven sequences.
On the music front, she described it as predictable overall, though she appreciated selective usage of certain tracks.
Action and Visual Style Overload
The film’s action-heavy approach also drew mixed reactions. While visually grand, she felt that some sequences seemed excessive and repetitive.
She also mentioned that certain stylistic choices, including dramatic set pieces, felt reminiscent of mainstream commercial cinema rather than adding originality.
Final Take
Shobhaa De’s review positions Dhurandhar 2 as an engaging yet flawed sequel.
While it delivers scale and strong performances from key actors, issues with predictability, pacing, and storytelling prevent it from reaching the level of the original.
For viewers, it may still offer entertainment, but expectations of a groundbreaking cinematic experience might not be fully met.
Disclaimer
This article is based on public statements and opinions expressed by Shobhaa De. Viewer experience may vary.
