The much-anticipated soundtrack for Aditya Dhar's directorial Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh, has finally been released. With a stellar lineup of artists including Arijit Singh, Diljit Dosanjh, Hanumankind, and composer Shashwat Sachdev, expectations were sky-high. However, the resulting album, reviewed on December 4, 2025, feels more like a diligent office worker than the daring undercover agent Ranveer's character promises to be—competent but risk-averse.
A Foundation Built on Nostalgia
From the moment the first look was revealed, featuring Ranveer Singh in a posture reminiscent of Thomas Shelby, Dhurandhar has dominated conversations. The title track, previewed in that look, set the tone. Shashwat Sachdev builds it upon the legendary Punjabi folk song 'Na De Dil Pardesi Nu' by Muhammad Sadiq and Ranjit Kaur. While Sachdev approaches the source with humility, blending it with hip-hop elements via Hanumankind and Jasmine Sandlas, the result is effective yet familiar. It successfully mashes genres but leans heavily on the past for its impact.
The trend continues with 'Ishq Jalakar-Karvaan', a reinterpretation of the classic qawwali 'Yeh Ishq Ishq Hai' from Barsaat Ki Raat (1960). Sachdev surprises with a 1960s soul-funk bass guitar intro, and lyricist Irshad Kamil adds to Sahir Ludhianvi's original poetry. The percussion shift mid-song adds dynamism, creating a chase-sequence vibe. Yet, the innovation feels contained within the safe walls of a beloved classic.
High-Profile Collaborations That Don't Soar
The album's third track, 'Gehra Hua', features the inimitable Arijit Singh. Sachdev provides a simple, synth-and-strings backdrop, trusting Singh's voice to carry the emotion. While Singh delivers, the production feels sterile—like a polished digital file lacking the rawness of life. It serves its purpose but doesn't linger.
Perhaps the most telling misstep is 'Run Down The City-Monica', which samples R.D. Burman and Asha Bhosle's iconic 'Piya Tu Ab Toh Aja' from Caravan (1971). Relying on the famous "Monica, oh my darling" ad-libs, the track devolves into a generic trap number. It feels parasitic, drawing energy from the original without contributing a distinct new identity, though it may work in a high-octane film sequence.
The Final Tracks and Overall Verdict
'Shararat' by Jasmine Sandlas begins with promise, hinting at a soulful classical base, before abruptly switching to a standard club beat. The Punjabi lyrics and electronic mix are passable but forgettable.
The closing track, 'Ez Ez', pairs fan favourites Diljit Dosanjh and Hanumankind. Despite Diljit's powerful vocal build-up and Hanumankind's professional flow, their first collaboration lacks the explosive chemistry anticipated. The track, with its bagpipe-like sounds, functions well as a cinematic war cry for fight scenes but doesn't stand out as a memorable musical piece.
In conclusion, Shashwat Sachdev's soundtrack for Dhurandhar is functionally adequate. It leverages his impeccable taste in Punjabi and Sufi music and features powerhouse performers. However, for a film touted as a major event and potentially the longest Hindi movie in 17 years, the music plays it too safe. It's the hardworking desk agent to Ranveer Singh's edgy field operative—reliable, but afraid to take the bold risks that create legendary soundtracks.
