Even weeks after its release, Dhurandhar continues to spark discussion — not just about its box office dominance, but about one lingering question fans can’t agree on: who delivered the film’s standout performance?
While many viewers have been vocal about Akshaye Khanna’s flamboyant turn as Rehman Dakait, Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar sees the film through a different lens — and he’s firmly backing Ranveer Singh.
“Akshaye was great, but Ranveer impressed me more”
During promotions for his upcoming film 45 in Mumbai, Shiva Rajkumar was asked about Dhurandhar and the ongoing performance debate. When a journalist suggested that Akshaye Khanna overshadowed Ranveer Singh, the actor politely disagreed.
Shiva made it clear that while he enjoyed Akshaye’s performance, Ranveer’s work stood out more to him — precisely because it wasn’t loud or flashy.
The power of restraint
Explaining his view, Shiva Rajkumar pointed out that Akshaye’s character had the freedom to be larger-than-life. Rehman Dakait is brutal, dramatic, and commanding — a role that allows visible intensity.
Ranveer Singh’s character, on the other hand, demanded the opposite.
He noted that Ranveer’s performance relied heavily on subtlety, something far more difficult to pull off convincingly. Playing an undercover Indian spy embedded within enemy territory, Ranveer had to remain quiet, controlled, and constantly measured — without drawing attention to himself.
According to Shiva, that restraint is what made the performance impressive.
A contrast that defines the film
In Dhurandhar, Ranveer’s Hamza operates in the shadows, while Akshaye’s Rehman dominates the frame. The contrast between the two performances has been one of the film’s most discussed elements, with critics often highlighting how Ranveer let silence and stillness do the heavy lifting.
Shiva Rajkumar’s comments echo that sentiment — that understated acting often goes unnoticed, even when it’s technically harder.
The bigger picture
Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar also stars R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Sanjay Dutt, and has already crossed ₹1167 crore worldwide, placing it among the highest-grossing Indian films ever made.
With a sequel set to conclude the story in March 2026, discussions around performances, characters, and creative choices show no signs of slowing down.
Final words
Whether viewers prefer Akshaye Khanna’s explosive villainy or Ranveer Singh’s quiet precision, one thing is clear — Dhurandhar has given audiences performances worth debating. And when an actor like Shiva Rajkumar steps into the conversation, it only adds more weight to the argument.
