Writer and columnist Shobhaa De has weighed in on the debate around Dhurandhar. She shifted attention from individual performances to the way narratives are shaped around actors. Her comments came during a Rediff Originals podcast discussion.
She questioned what she termed a manipulative attempt to project Akshaye Khanna as the film’s primary standout. According to her, the conversation appeared carefully steered. She implied that the spotlight was being directed rather than evolving naturally.
Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal of gangster Rehman Dakait, especially a viral dance sequence, gained major online traction. However, Shobhaa De felt the praise crossed the line of organic appreciation. She stressed that Dhurandhar is essentially an ensemble film.
In her view, such perception building sidelines the collective effort behind the project. Films, she noted, are collaborative ventures. Elevating one actor above the rest can dilute the recognition deserved by others.
At the same time, Shobhaa De clarified that she was not criticising the film itself. She praised its craft, choreography, music and casting choices. Referring to Hrithik Roshan’s remarks about liking the film while disagreeing with its politics, she said such qualifiers were unnecessary.
For her, Dhurandhar stands out for avoiding the usual spy universe fantasy template. She appreciated the commitment shown by its lead, Ranveer Singh. The grounded tone of the film, she suggested, works in its favour.
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar released in December 2025. The story is largely set in Pakistan and follows an Indian spy infiltrating terror networks. A sequel titled Dhurandhar: The Revenge is slated for release on March 19, 2026.
Shobhaa De’s remarks point to a recurring Bollywood trend. Beyond filmmaking, there is often a strategy in shaping public perception. Deciding who becomes the defining face of a film can be as calculated as the storytelling itself.
