Ranveer Singh’s highly anticipated action-spy thriller, Dhurandhar, directed by National Award-winner Aditya Dhar is all set to hit the big screens on 5th December 2025. It is not just an adrenaline-pumping narrative but also a spectacular visual journey. To capture the immense scale and high-stakes nature of its story – reportedly inspired by true covert missions of Indian intelligence – the film’s production embarked on an ambitious, globe-trotting schedule, spanning two continents and diverse Indian terrains.
The filming locations are as varied as the plot, ranging from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene spiritual heart of Amritsar and the rugged, high-altitude landscape of Ladakh. This extensive map highlights director Aditya Dhar’s signature commitment to atmospheric tension and geographical authenticity.
Bangkok, Thailand: The Pakistan Replica Set
One of the most intriguing aspects of the film’s production was the necessity to recreate the setting for its pivotal Pakistan sequences, reportedly set in the volatile Lyari region. Due to geopolitical constraints, the team could not film on location, leading them to an ambitious solution in Bangkok, Thailand.
- Massive Set Design: Production Designer Saini S Johray revealed that the crew meticulously constructed a massive, 6-acre set in Thailand, transforming a plot of land into the narrow, architecturally distinct lanes of a Pakistani city.
- Authenticity is Key: Johray’s team, which included a large number of Thai workers, spent months ensuring every detail, from newspaper cuttings to architectural styles, was 100% authentic, making the replica indistinguishable from the real-world location in the film’s teaser.
- The Schedule Kick-Off: Principal photography for Dhurandar officially began with this schedule in Bangkok in July 2024.
The Majestic North: Ladakh & Amritsar
The film’s Indian schedule was marked by locations that add both visual grandeur and a deep, rooted connection to Indian culture and history.
Leh-Ladakh: High-Altitude Action and Incident
The stark, wind-whipped expanses of Ladakh provided the perfect backdrop for intense sequences, leveraging the region’s raw, bare-mountain landscape often seen in high-stakes Bollywood thrillers.
- Patthar Sahib Shooting Location: Filming took place near the revered Gurudwara Patthar Sahib in Leh, a significant spot for both Sikh and local communities.
- Shoot Incident: The Ladakh leg of the shoot, however, faced a major hurdle when over a hundred crew members reportedly fell ill due to suspected food poisoning, leading to a temporary halt in filming and prompting an official inquiry.
Golden Temple, Amritsar: Seeking Blessings
The team moved to Punjab for its second schedule, where key cultural set pieces were filmed.
- Spiritual Backdrop: Ranveer Singh and director Aditya Dhar visited and sought blessings at the iconic Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar before commencing the shoot. The film is expected to feature this spiritual backdrop in a significant portion, blending the cultural fabric of India with its high-octane spy narrative.
- Khera Village, Punjab: Reports also suggest that the team shot parts of the sequences representing Pakistan in Punjab’s Khera village, utilizing local areas that visually align with the border region’s aesthetic.
Mumbai: The Urban Sprawl and Action Hub
A substantial portion of the filming, particularly complex action sequences and interior/studio work, took place in and around Mumbai, the heart of the Hindi film industry.
- Madh Island Shoot Location: They also constructed parts of the elaborate Pakistani replica set on Madh Island, a tucked-away coastal area off Mumbai, and wrapped it up by late April 2025.
- Filmistan Studios & Golden Tobacco Factory: Interior and studio work took place at Filmistan Studios in Mumbai. A dance number, featuring Ranveer Singh, was also filmed at the Golden Tobacco Factory in Vile Parle.
- Dombivli-Mankoli Bridge: They reportedly shot one of the most challenging action sequences on the Dombivli–Mankoli Bridge, a location notoriously difficult for stunt shoots but chosen to deliver a sense of epic scale.
Summing Up
Dhurandar had an expansive shoot across Thailand (Bangkok), where a detailed Pakistan replica set was built, and various Indian locations. Key filming spots include Amritsar (Golden Temple area), Ladakh (high-altitude sequences), and Mumbai (Madh Island, Dombivli-Mankoli Bridge, Filmistan Studios). This global span captures the large-scale espionage thriller’s narrative.
