Even as Dhurandhar continues to be dissected for its performances, politics and pop culture moments, Shobhaa De has trained the spotlight on something Bollywood rarely discusses out loud: the machinery behind a “scene-stealer” narrative.
In a recent appearance on a Rediff Originals podcast posted on YouTube, the author and columnist spoke about the film’s reception and the conversation around Akshaye Khanna’s character, Rehman Dakait. Khanna’s entry, which featured a viral dance moment, has been widely shared and celebrated online, turning the actor’s screen time into a full-blown talking point.
Latest Update: Shobhaa De Calls Akshaye Khanna Hype In Dhurandhar ‘Manipulative’
De argued that the chatter around Khanna’s role crossed into deliberate perception-building. “Another manipulative aspect was creating the impression that Akshaye is the bigger star and that he alone stood out, even crediting his dance as the highlight,” she said, calling out what she viewed as a skewed framing of the film’s ensemble impact.
At the same time, De made it clear her critique was not a takedown of the filmmaking itself. While discussing the response to Dhurandhar, she pointed to Hrithik Roshan’s widely circulated post about the film, where he praised the craft but noted he did not agree with its politics. De’s reaction was pointed: “Nobody asked Hrithik Roshan whether he agreed with the politics of the film. He could have simply said he liked it, but he chose to go further. The choreography, the use of music, and the casting in Dhurandhar are all brilliant,” she said.
De also described Dhurandhar as an important film because it “didn’t follow the typical spy-universe fantasy route”, adding that she was impressed by Ranveer Singh’s commitment to the project. She also dismissed claims labelling the film as propaganda as “childish” in the same conversation.
Dhurandhar And Its Sequel: What We Know
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar released in theatres on December 5, 2025. The spy action thriller is set largely in Pakistan and follows Ranveer Singh’s character, an Indian spy who infiltrates terror networks rooted in Lyari. Akshaye Khanna plays the feared gangster Rehman Dakait, with Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal and R Madhavan also featuring in pivotal roles.
The film’s makers have also announced a sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which is slated to release in theatres on March 19, 2026.
Akshaye Khanna’s Recent And Upcoming Work
Before Dhurandhar became one of his most talked-about performances, Akshaye Khanna was seen in Chhaava (2025), where he played Aurangzeb, and in Drishyam 2 (2022) as IG Tarun Ahlawat. In the last few years, the actor’s choices have leaned into layered antagonists and authority figures, giving him a strong second wind with mainstream audiences.
Up next, Khanna is set to return as Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which releases on March 19, 2026. He is also confirmed to star in Ikka, a Netflix courtroom drama led by Sunny Deol.
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