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Disclaimer: This copy contains spoilers ahead. Dhurandhar which released on December 5 opened to massive buzz and an explosive response from audiences who praised its scale action-heavy narrative and Ranveer Singh’s fierce performance. The film has quickly become the centre of discussion not just for its high-voltage storytelling but also for the curiosity surrounding its inspiration. Before release many viewers wondered whether Dhurandhar had any real-life connection to late Major Mohit Sharma. The film’s intense tone covert operations and undercover elements only added to the speculation making it one of the most debated aspects of its opening weekend. Who Was Major Mohit Sharma? Major Mohit Sharma was among India’s most decorated soldiers serving in the elite Para (Special Forces). Renowned for his unbelievable courage he undertook some of the most dangerous counter-terror operations in Indian military history. Operating under deep-cover identities he infiltrated militant groups gathered vital intelligence and executed missions that demanded exceptional bravery. For his unmatched valour he was awarded the Ashoka Chakra India’s highest peacetime gallantry honour. He was martyred in 2009 during a fierce encounter but his legacy as a selfless warrior continues to inspire countless Indians. The speculation around Dhurandhar initially heightened only because of the parallels some assumed between the film’s covert themes and Major Sharma’s real-life missions. What Is Dhurandhar About? Dhurandhar finds its narrative pulse in the real-world backdrop of Operation Lyari one of Pakistan’s longest-running and most complex anti-gang crackdowns. The operation was initially executed on April 24 2012 with a major phase commencing on April 27 2012 following escalating violence and political tension in Karachi. Led first by the Sindh Police and later reinforced by the Sindh Rangers the mission targeted the powerful deeply rooted criminal gangs in the Lyari neighbourhood. A more aggressive phase began on September 7 2013 and the crackdown continued for years eventually becoming one of Pakistan’s longest covert operations. In Dhurandhar these elements are fictionalised into a high-stakes cinematic universe. The film transforms the gritty environment of Lyari’s underworld into Operation Dhurandhar a mission blending espionage infiltration gang warfare intelligence operations and cross-border syndicates. The BIG question: Is Dhurandhar based on Major Mohit Sharma’s life? Only after watching the film does the answer become clear that it is not based on Major Mohit Sharma’s life. In the climax Ranveer Singh’s character known throughout most of the film as Hamza Ali Mazari reveals his true identity as Jaskirat Singh Rangi a covert operative with a complex past. This twist firmly distances the story from any real-life military biography. The film also reveals the philosophy behind Operation Dhurandhar a secret government-approved strategy to recruit individuals sentenced to life imprisonment or death using them as deep-cover assets to infiltrate and neutralize terror networks inside Pakistan. Since such individuals are already written off by the system their disappearance raises no suspicion. This confirms that the mission has no resemblance to Major Mohit Sharma’s operations. The film also hints that Rangi’s complete backstory will unfold in Dhurandhar Part 2 making way for a revenge-driven sequel. The performances in Dhurandhar What stands out in Dhurandhar is the cast’s powerhouse performances. The true scene-stealer is Akshaye Khanna as Rehman Baloch aka Dakait as he gives another masterclass after Chhaava while keeping himself in a calm yet chaotic demeanor. His silences scream his breakdowns sting and his presence elevates every frame he occupies making it one of his most commanding performances. Ranveer Singh as Hamza Ali Mazari / Jaskirat Singh Rangi anchors the film with raw energy and layered emotional depth. Sanjay Dutt as SP Chaudhary Aslam delivers a visually convincing performance though the character works in bits and pieces. R. Madhavan as Ajay Sanyal Chief of IB (based on Ajit Doval) brings quiet authority while Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal ISI (based on Ilyas Kashmiri) effectively conveys menace despite limited screen time. Sara Arjun as Yalina Jamali Jameel’s daughter gives emotional heft to the story and Rakesh Bedi as Jameel Jamali (based on Nabil Gabol) provides much-needed comic relief striking a balance that keeps the narrative grounded. The ensemble combined with Shashwat Sachdev’s energetic score and Aditya Dhar’s bold direction makes Dhurandhar a gripping adrenaline-charged cinematic experience. The highlights of Dhurandhar The way the story has been written is extremely commendable as the narrative seamlessly travels through some of India’s most turbulent and defining moments from the IC-814 hijacking in 1999 to the Parliament attack in 2001 Pakistans illicitly acquiring Indian Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency printing plates and finally the unforgettable scar of Mumbai 26/11. This layered integration of real events with fictional storytelling gives Dhurandhar a gripping larger-than-life urgency. More about Dhurandhar A special applause must go to Aditya Dhar for his pathbreaking hard-hitting direction and to music director Shashwat Sachdev for his experimental high-energy music that elevates every scene. The story continues with Dhurandhar Part 2 releasing on March 19 2026 which will explore a revenge-driven arc centered around Jaskirat Singh Rangi’s past and the future of Hamza Ali Mazari as he takes charge of Lyari town as the undisputed leader of Baloch army.