Two stand-out conversations from Dhurandhar
Dhurandhar has hit a bull’s eye in terms of writing and execution, that boldly takes a stand and fleshes out the content based on its belief. It beautifully links the real-world events with suitable connectives (real and imagined) to make the significant events (IC814, Parliament attack, 26/11, demonetisation, Khalistan etc.) more relatable and understandable to the general public. This series of films will be on my rewatch list for years to come. There were many standout moments, but the two that stood out for me are: 1. The conversation between Jaskirat and Sanyal at the beginning, and 2. The conversation between Sanyal and the ISI chief at the end — both from the second film of the series.
Conversation between Jaskirat and Sanyal
Context: Jaskirat is abducted during a police prison transfer and is brought to an undisclosed location. Sanyal is working on Operation Dhurandhar and is interested in recruiting Jaskirat for the same.
Sanyal’s subordinate looks at Jaskirat’s file and is amazed at the courage of the man — who went after a sitting MLA and killed his entire bloodline in an act of revenge, avenging the dastardly killing of his father and molestation of his sisters, when the system that was supposed to protect them sided with those in power. Sanyal’s subordinate makes a light remark on the act of revenge, to which Jaskirat responds stating that revenge is not everyone’s cup of tea. It takes a certain kind of courage to act on one’s pain — and not everyone has it.
It is at this moment that Sanyal enters the scene. He offers Jaskirat an option to commit his life to the country — Sanyal will take care of his conviction and also provide a means of sustenance to his mother via pension. Jaskirat rejects the offer, stating that although he comes from a family of patriots, that did not help him or his family in their time of need, and he cannot stand up to work for a system that in the first place did not offer safety to his mother. He ends with a line stating that the love for the country is dead, the old patriot Jaskirat is dead, and he is only biding his time to meet his maker — a clear parallel to Arjuna giving up his will to fight in the first chapter of the Gita.
It is at this moment that Sanyal quotes a verse from Guru Gobind Singh:
“Sooraa So Pehchaaniye Je Lade Deen Ke Haet. Purjaa Purjaa Katt Maray Kabahoo Na Chhaadday Khet.”
“A true warrior — one who upholds dharma — never wavers from his path, even in the face of death.”
Sanyal follows it up with the lines: “We are men, Jaskirat. It is our duty to fight for our values, our dreams, and our family — and we should never expect anything in return. This is what we are born to do.” — Sanyal echoing the timeless teaching of Krishna’s call to action without expectation of outcome.
Conversation between Sanyal and the ISI Chief
While the first conversation was personal and spiritual, this second conversation beautifully captures the shift in power dynamics across the course of a single phone call.
Context: Jaskirat is arrested and is being tortured by the ISI to get him to confess that he is an Indian agent and list out the acts he has committed.
The ISI chief receives a call from Sanyal. When he picks up the phone, he makes sure Sanyal can hear Jaskirat being tortured. He addresses him simply as “Sanyal” and remarks that it has been a while since they spoke. Sanyal begins with a greeting — “Assalamu Alaikum” — and asks him to hand over Jaskirat immediately, while word of his capture has not yet spread. The ISI chief declines, stating that he now has a golden duck and will make it quack — using Jaskirat to defame India on the global stage. Sanyal calmly tells him that Jaskirat is not the kind to break down easily. The ISI chief dismisses this, stating he is conducting a jihad and will prevail. Sanyal nonchalantly informs him that he is wasting his time — and more importantly, Sanyal’s time — with all the talk.
Sanyal then draws his trump card. He tells the story of a senior ISI operative who leaked nuclear program secrets to the Israelis — and sends the video footage of the said deal. The operative turns out to be none other than the ISI chief himself.
From this point onwards, the ISI chief addresses Sanyal as “Sanyal Saab.” The balance of power has been completely inverted.
He now reasons that he cannot release Jaskirat, as word has already spread of the capture of an Indian spy in defence circles — if he is to release him, he must pin the blame on someone. At this point, Jaskirat speaks up and tells him he can blame it on Uzair, whom he has kept alive precisely for this reason. Sanyal hears this, tells the chief he has no choice but to comply — and cuts the call.
This sequence perfectly captures the changing power dynamics over the course of a single phone call. There are many such moments throughout this film, a testament to the depth of writing and research that has gone into its making. A true masterclass in layered storytelling.