Ten days into its theatrical run, Dhurandhar shows no signs of slowing down — not just at the box office, but in the way it continues to dominate conversations across the industry. Aditya Dhar’s spy action thriller has now entered a rare zone where celebrity admiration keeps arriving even after opening-week buzz, and this time, the spotlight is firmly back on Akshaye Khanna.
Smriti Irani Can’t Stop Talking About Akshaye
After already praising Dhurandhar last week for its craft and performances, Smriti Irani returned with another glowing nod — this time with a playful, pop-culture twist.
Sharing a throwback clip from Tees Maar Khan, where Akshaye Khanna’s character is famously promised an Oscar, Smriti wrote that now — after Dhurandhar — she genuinely feels like yelling “de do Oscar”. The post instantly struck a chord with fans who believe Khanna’s portrayal of Rehman Dakait is among his finest work to date.
Her earlier review had already singled out Akshaye’s devastating emotional restraint, particularly the scene where he confronts his son’s death — calling it “a lesson in craft.”
Rehman Dakait Effect Is Real
Akshaye Khanna’s transformation into Rehman Dakait has become one of the most talked-about elements of the film. From his controlled silence to sudden bursts of intensity, audiences and peers alike have praised the performance for its depth rather than spectacle.
Even a recently viral dance clip from the film reignited conversations about Khanna’s underrated versatility — something fans feel Dhurandhar has finally put front and centre.
Samantha Joins the Celebration
Smriti isn’t alone. Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu also shared her reaction after watching the film, calling the experience electrifying. She praised the immersive big-screen scale, Ranveer Singh’s shapeshifting performance, and reserved special admiration for Akshaye Khanna’s brilliance.
She also applauded Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and director Aditya Dhar, calling the film a rare example of every department working in perfect sync.
The Film That Keeps Winning
With Dhurandhar continuing to draw packed theatres and now earning industry-wide appreciation, the anticipation for Dhurandhar 2, slated for March 19, 2026, has only intensified. If the first film has proven anything, it’s that strong writing, layered performances, and restraint-driven acting still leave the biggest impact.
Final Words
When politicians, actors, and audiences all echo the same sentiment, it’s hard to ignore. Akshaye Khanna’s Rehman Dakait has clearly crossed the line from performance to phenomenon — and if the calls for an “Oscar moment” are anything to go by, Dhurandhar may have already delivered its most unforgettable legacy.
