Dhurandhar’s 3-Hour 32-Minute Runtime Feels Justified as Its Eight Chapters Unfold
Bollywood’s political thriller Dhurandhar runs for 3 hours and 32 minutes, using an eight-chapter narrative to deliver a gripping, layered story. Despite debates over its length, the film’s structure, performances, and real-life-inspired moments make the runtime feel justified. Early box office collections cross ₹160 crore worldwide.
A still from Dhurandhar, the 3-hour 32-minute political thriller that unfolds across eight gripping chapters.
Some notes for this yarn: This latest Bollywood political thriller is buzzing with "real star power" and a very nerve-wracking geopolitical storyline; however, The movie clocked in at 3hrs 32min, and that was interesting. With some feeling that the script was a little too "weighty" for the available time, many feel ready to add new material to the story itself from the beginning of the movie and keep up with the intriguing saga till the end...
Started as an eight-part saga of different stories that every audience member can't stop talking about: with each chapter, instead of making it drag down the narrative, it brings to life the word and allows the narrative to assert its tone within each chapter.
A Chapter-Wise Narrative That Holds the Film Together
Each chapter deepens the political maze at the heart of Dhurandhar, introducing new characters and exposing high-stakes conflicts at precisely the right moments.
Chapter Breakdown:
Chapter 1: The Price of Peace – Sets up the tense political climate.
Chapter 2: Stranger in the Land of Shadows – Adds mystery with new players.
Chapter 3: The Bastard King of Lyari – Focuses on power struggles and rising threats.
Chapter 4: Bullets and Roses – Blends emotional drama with high-intensity action.
Chapter 5: The Jinn – Brings fresh twists and unexpected challenges.
Chapter 6: The Devil’s Guardian – Explores loyalty, betrayal, and tough decisions.
Chapter 7: The Butterfly Effect – Shows how seemingly small actions alter the larger game.
Final Chapter: Et Tu Brutus – Concludes with strategy, sacrifice, and dramatic closure.
This segmented storytelling mirrors political fiction and investigative sagas, where each chapter is crucial to the bigger picture. It also allows the film to weave real-life-inspired moments into the narrative without feeling rushed or overstuffed.
Why the Runtime Works
Despite criticisms about pacing, Dhurandhar uses its length intentionally. The film takes time to establish stakes, build tension, and explore character motivations. Songs, flashbacks, and action sequences are strategically positioned between chapters, acting as smooth transitions rather than fillers.
For viewers who appreciate layered political dramas rich in detail, the extended runtime feels not just justified but essential to the cinematic experience.
A Strong Start at the Box Office
Early estimates indicate that Dhurandhar has collected ₹106.50 crore in India during its opening weekend. The film’s worldwide gross has reached ₹160.15 crore, underscoring strong audience interest despite the long duration.
While Dhurandhar may not offer a light-hearted escape or a conventional happy ending, it delivers a sprawling, immersive political saga—one that rewards patience with depth, detail, and dramatic payoff.
