Here’s a bold claim: Akshaye Khanna’s portrayal of the villain in Dhurandhar might just be more captivating than the hero himself—and this is the part most people miss. In a recent interview, co-star Rakesh Bedi didn’t hold back, labeling Akshaye a ‘lovable villain’ and drawing a striking comparison to the legendary Shatrughan Sinha in his prime. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a villain truly outshine the hero in a film? Rakesh seems to think so, and his insights are worth exploring.
Rakesh Bedi, known for his affable presence on and off-screen, shared his thoughts on Akshaye’s performance in Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar. He highlighted how Akshaye’s character, Rehman Dakait, transcended the typical villain archetype, becoming a figure audiences couldn’t help but adore. According to Rakesh, the turning point was the song FA9LA, where Akshaye’s flamboyance and charisma were on full display. ‘When a villain becomes lovable, he often surpasses the hero in popularity,’ Rakesh explained, drawing a parallel to Shatrughan Sinha, who once received thunderous applause in theaters despite playing antagonistic roles. ‘It’s a lethal combination of charm and menace,’ he added.
But what’s equally fascinating is Rakesh’s observation of Akshaye’s off-screen demeanor. While Rakesh is the life of the set, cracking jokes and engaging with everyone, Akshaye prefers solitude, often seen reading books or scrolling through his phone. Yet, when the two sat together, their conversations were deeply intellectual, revolving around theater, film, and life. ‘He’s a man of few words but immense depth,’ Rakesh noted.
Interestingly, Rakesh mentioned that Akshaye has been ‘laying low’ since the film’s release, making it difficult to reconnect. Could this be a deliberate move to maintain the mystique of his character? Or is it simply Akshaye’s way of processing his newfound acclaim? These questions linger, adding another layer to the intrigue surrounding the actor.
For those unfamiliar, Dhurandhar follows the story of Jaskirat Singh Rangi (Ranveer Singh), an undercover agent on a mission in Lyari, Pakistan. Akshaye’s Rehman Dakait leads a militant gang, while Rakesh plays Jameel Jamali, a seasoned politician. The film also stars Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Sara Arjun, and Arjun Rampal, with a sequel, Dhurandhar 2, set to hit theaters on March 19, 2026.
Controversial Question: Do you think a villain can ever truly outshine the hero in a film? Or is the hero’s role too deeply ingrained in our cinematic expectations? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
