Casting Challenges: Three Actors Declined Akshaye Khanna's Role

Mukesh Chhabra, the casting director of the upcoming film 'Dhurandhar', has disclosed that three notable actors initially rejected the role later played by Akshaye Khanna. Directed by Aditya Dhar, 'Dhurandhar' features Khanna as Rehman Dakait, a character that offers significant depth in the narrative.

In a conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Chhabra refrained from naming the actors but confirmed that one was an established figure from the South Indian film industry and two others hailed from Bollywood. He shared their unexpected rationale for turning down the role.

Chhabra stated, "They said that this is an ensemble cast and it's actually Ranveer's film." He noted that these individuals believed Khanna’s role would not be as prominent as that of Ranveer Singh, who leads the film. Despite these setbacks, Chhabra maintained that director Aditya Dhar moved quickly past the negative responses.

Initially hesitant himself, Akshaye Khanna was among several stars mulling over their involvement in the project. Chhabra previously indicated that even fellow actors Arjun Rampal and Sanjay Dutt took time considering their participation, while only R. Madhavan promptly agreed. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra explained, "It took time for others to come on board, and honestly, we had never expected to cast so many prominent talents."

The film, titled 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge', was released in various languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada on March 19, 2026. It has been well-received by audiences, amassing approximately Rs 1,492.17 crore worldwide within its initial 15 days at the box office.

This sequel delves deeper into the story of Ranveer Singh's character, providing insights into his motivations and the dynamics at play in the violent environment of Lyari, a neighbourhood in Karachi known for its criminal history. The film also touches upon themes of espionage and geopolitics, referencing real-world terror events.

Alongside Khanna, the cast includes well-known names such as Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, and Sara Arjun, amongst others. The film has garnered particular attention for its riveting storyline and performances, especially that of Khanna, who has been commended for his chilling portrayal of the ruthless ganglord Rehman Dakait. Chhabra's casting decisions have played a key role in shaping the film’s ensemble, contributing to its popularity among audiences.