Dhurandhar star Akshaye Khanna was distant with the cast, claims co-star: ‘If we went to him he…’

Dhurandhar emerged as a cinematic phenomenon soon after its theatrical release in December, rapidly rewriting box-office records. Headlined by Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, the espionage thriller went on to become the highest-earning Hindi film of 2025. Audiences and critics alike applauded the ensemble cast for their precision-driven performances, but much of the acclaim gravitated toward Akshaye Khanna, whose portrayal of the menacing antagonist Rehman Dakait was widely described as commanding and unforgettable. His restrained intensity and sharp screen presence left a lasting impression, cementing his role as one of the film’s strongest pillars.

Naveen Kaushik Highlights Ranveer Singh’s Challenge

In a conversation with Siddharth Kannan, actor Naveen Kaushik, who appeared as a trusted lieutenant of Rehman Dakait, offered a different perspective on the praise narrative. According to Naveen, the spotlight has unfairly leaned heavily toward Akshaye Khanna, while Ranveer Singh undertook what he considered a far more demanding responsibility. Naveen explained that Ranveer had to suppress his naturally explosive energy and sustain an understated, controlled, and emotionally muted performance across the film, a task that required immense discipline and internal restraint. He emphasized that such subtlety often goes unnoticed but demands exceptional craft.

Contrasting On-Set Personalities

Naveen also revealed intriguing details about the off-screen dynamics between the lead actors. He shared that Ranveer Singh fostered an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie on set, treating co-actors more like close companions than colleagues. In contrast, Akshaye Khanna preferred to keep a noticeable distance, largely due to his deep immersion in the psyche of his character. This separation was not rooted in aloofness but rather in intense concentration and preparation.

When Reel Life Mirrors Reality

Interestingly, Naveen noted that the film’s on-screen hierarchy spilled seamlessly into real life during the shoot. The actors playing gang members would often gather together, sharing jokes and casual conversations, while Akshaye Khanna frequently remained seated apart, observing quietly. Despite this, Naveen clarified that Akshaye was never cold or inaccessible. Whenever approached, he engaged warmly and thoughtfully, but once the interaction ended, he returned to his private space. Naveen felt this behavior closely mirrored Rehman Dakait’s personality—silent, observant, and unpredictable—suggesting that Akshaye may have subconsciously carried aspects of the role off camera as well.“If we went up to him for a conversation, he would speak very warmly. But once the conversation ended, he would retreat back into his space—and so would we,” she said.

Record-Breaking Numbers and Film Details

According to box-office estimates, Dhurandhar has amassed an extraordinary Rs 1240 crore worldwide. Written, co-produced, and directed by Aditya Dhar, with additional screenplay contributions from Shivkumar V. Panicker and Ojas Gautam, the film is backed by Jio Studios and B62 Studios.
According to a report by the box-office tracking portal Sacnilk.com, the Ranveer Singh-Akshaye Khanna- film has minted Rs 781 crore in India.
Featuring a powerhouse cast including Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and several supporting actors, the first chapter of this planned two-part series explores a covert anti-terror mission. The narrative threads together fictionalized elements inspired by major geopolitical events, presenting a tense infiltration into Karachi’s criminal and political underbelly.