How retro Bollywood music became the silent hero of Ranveer Singh-Akshaye Khanna’s Dhurandhar

Bollywood’s newest box-office storm, Dhurandhar, has been on an unstoppable run ever since it hit theatres on December 5. Packed with action, drama and an unexpected dose of nostalgia, the film has struck a chord with audiences across age groups. Directed by Aditya Dhar, best known for delivering the blockbuster Uri: The Surgical Strike, this time the filmmaker raises the stakes by blending mass action with classic Hindi music in a way rarely seen before.

Led by Ranveer Singh, alongside Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan and Sanjay Dutt, Dhurandhar is not just making noise for its scale and performances, but also for how it uses vintage Bollywood tracks as emotional and narrative anchors. While the original background score and OST are composed by Shashwat Sachdev, it’s the clever placement of retro songs that gives the film its distinct soul.

Why is Dhurandhar dominating the box office?

Even on its 18th day, Dhurandhar shows no signs of slowing down. The film has already emerged as 2025’s biggest Indian hit, with fans now eagerly waiting for a second part. Beyond collections, conversations around the film’s content, striking locations and layered storytelling continue to grow louder. But hidden beneath the explosions and chase scenes is a musical surprise many didn’t expect.

How does ‘Na To Caravan Ki Talaash Hai’ set the mood?

The first standout track is the timeless ghazal Na To Caravan Ki Talaash Hai, originally sung by Mohammed Rafi for the 1960 classic Barsaat Ki Raat.

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In Dhurandhar, the song appears in two distinct forms. The ‘Ishq Jala Kar’ version plays during Ranveer Singh’s grand introduction as Hamza, instantly lending gravitas to his character. Later, Sonu Nigam’s soulful rendition, Yeh Ishq Ishq Hai, plays just before the end credits, adding an emotional aftertaste that lingers.

Why does a disco track heighten tension?

The second retro gem is Usha Uthup’s 1977 disco hit Rambha Ho. Instead of a celebratory moment, the song is placed during a wedding sequence that erupts into a tense gunfight.

As Hamza fails to save Rahman Daku’s elder son, the upbeat disco rhythm sharply contrasts with the violence, making the scene even more unsettling.

Can a cabaret classic fuel an action scene?

Absolutely. Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja, popularly remembered as Monica, O My Darling from Caravan, is used during a high-octane bike chase.

As Hamza rescues Yalina amid a police raid at a nightclub, the song’s old-school glamour collides with raw action, turning the sequence into a visual standout.

How does ‘Hawa Hawa’ introduce Sanjay Dutt?

Pakistani singer Hasan Jahangir’s 1989 superhit Hawa Hawa plays during the thunderous entry of SP Aslam, portrayed by Sanjay Dutt.

Set against a stark white desert, the track accompanies Aslam as he wipes out drug smugglers, making the introduction instantly iconic.

Which song amplifies the climax?

Just before the climax, the Punjabi classic Na De Dil Pardesi Nu (Jogi) from 1995 takes over. As Rahman Daku (Akshaye Khanna) realises Hamza’s deception inside a car, the tension rises sharply, pushing the film toward a gripping finale.

In Dhurandhar, music isn’t background noise; it’s a character of its own. And that might just be the film’s smartest move.