When Dhurandhar hit theatres, one performance instantly caught the internet’s attention — Akshaye Khanna as Rehman Dakait. The character’s intensity, menace, and sheer screen presence turned Akshaye into a trending sensation overnight. Many even argued that he overshadowed Ranveer Singh’s powerful portrayal of Hamza.
But just when the buzz was peaking, rumours surfaced claiming that the role of Rehman Dakait was originally offered to Telugu superstar Nagarjuna — and that he had rejected it.
Now, the actor has finally responded.
🎬 The Role That Wasn’t Offered
In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Nagarjuna firmly denied the rumours. According to him, he was never approached to play Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar.
“Absolutely not. I was not offered the role, though I wish I was,” he reportedly said.
Instead of distancing himself from the film, Nagarjuna went on to praise it wholeheartedly. He called Dhurandhar a “superb film” and applauded director Aditya Dhar for his vision, adding that he had also admired Dhar’s earlier work on Uri.
Most notably, he singled out Akshaye Khanna, calling his performance terrific and expressing excitement about the sequel.
That’s a classy response, honestly.
🌟 Akshaye’s Internet Takeover
There’s no denying that Akshaye Khanna’s Rehman Dakait became the breakout element of the film. From viral fan edits to social media debates comparing him with Ranveer Singh, the actor’s aura and command over the character struck a chord.
After years of consistent but understated performances, Dhurandhar pushed Akshaye back into the spotlight in a massive way. Industry insiders now say he’s set to reprise the role in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, scheduled for release on March 19.
He also has projects like Mahakali and Ikka lined up post the sequel — making this phase one of the busiest in his recent career.
🎥 Nagarjuna’s Next Big Chapter
Meanwhile, Nagarjuna is currently filming his milestone 100th project — and he’s taking his time with it. In the same interview, he reportedly emphasized that the team isn’t rushing production because they want the film to feel “very special.”
He also acknowledged that today’s audiences expect international standards of storytelling — something Dhurandhar managed to deliver successfully.
Nagarjuna’s last Bollywood appearance was in Brahmastra Part One: Shiva, where he played Anish Shetty, wielding the Nandi Astra alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. His upcoming release is slated for January 15, coinciding with Sankranthi — a prime festive window.
⚖️ What This Means for Dhurandhar’s Legacy
The fact that rumours even linked Nagarjuna to Rehman Dakait shows how impactful the role has become. But with Akshaye Khanna owning it so convincingly, it’s hard to imagine anyone else stepping into those shoes now.
Sometimes casting rumours create curiosity. Other times, they simply highlight how perfectly the final casting worked.
🎯 Final Words
Nagarjuna wasn’t offered Dhurandhar, but he clearly respects what the film achieved. And Akshaye Khanna? He’s riding a wave that feels well-earned.
If the sequel maintains the same intensity, Rehman Dakait might just become one of modern Hindi cinema’s most iconic antagonists.
And honestly, that’s a comeback arc worth watching.
