Dhurandhar : Akshaye Khanna’s performance as ominous criminal Rehman Dakait, who frequently steals the show from protagonist Ranveer Singh, is the undeniable centerpiece of Dhurandhar (2025), which has taken theaters by storm.
Inspired by the real-life Lyari criminal who controlled Karachi’s underworld, Akshaye Khanna plays Rehman Dakait, conveying chilling authenticity through nuanced threat, deft timing, and a gloomy on-screen presence that roots the film’s high-stakes spy thriller. Rehman is praised by critics for his genuine intensity—no embellishment, just unadulterated perfection that enhances the story and makes him a force of nature whose silent storm controls every frame. Fans laud it as a career-defining return, surpassing early romantic parts and evoking similarities to Bobby Deol’s easy swagger.
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Dhurandhar Overview
Dhurandhar, which is directed and co-produced by Aditya Dhar (Uri: The Surgical Strike), is based on actual covert operations, international conflicts, and characters such as Ilyas Kashmiri (Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal), Ajit Doval (R. Madhavan as NSA Ajay Sanyal), and Chaudhry Aslam Khan (Sanjay Dutt as SP Chaudhary Aslam). The ensemble excels: Rakesh Bedi, Keith Sequeira, and others provide supporting roles that enhance the tight environment, while Sara Arjun provides emotional depth opposing Ranveer Singh’s feral fury as the primary spy. The film, which was released on December 5, 2025, combines genuine footage from 26/11 with political intrigue and horrific violence to create an immersive reality.
The Production Process
Filming took place in Bangkok (Pakistan recreations), Amritsar, Mumbai’s Filmistan and Madh Island, Mankoli Bridge, Vile Parle for a dance routine, and Ladakh (briefly interrupted due to food illness, but completed by October 2025). The project was announced in July 2024 and the title was revealed in December. Ranveer’s scenes, which came last, captured the turmoil of Karachi with precise cinematography that captivates in the face of peril.
Marketing and Music
The title tune, which features Hanumankind, Jasmine Sandlas, and the originals Muhammad Sadiq and Ranjit Kaur, reimagines “Na Dil De Pardesi Nu” with music by Shashwat Sachdev and lyrics by Irshad Kamil. With Ranveer’s birthday poster and teaser on July 6, 2025, and the trailer on November 18, marketing began, creating a lot of excitement surrounding Khanna’s viral “Sher-e-Baloch” entry.
