Arjun Rampal's terrifying performance as ISI Major Iqbal, infamously known as the Angel of Death, has become a major talking point for the blockbuster film Dhurandhar. As the movie continues its impressive run in theatres, the actor's portrayal of the antagonist has ignited intense discussions online, with many hailing it as one of his most unsettling roles to date.
The Emotional Cost of Playing a Villain
In a recent revelation, Arjun Rampal opened up about the significant emotional strain he endured while playing a character whose ideology was completely at odds with his personal beliefs. The actor confessed that he was desperate to shed the character's skin once the filming process was over.
Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Rampal stated his primary motivation was the film's importance. He emphasized his desire to distance himself from the role as quickly as possible after shooting concluded.
"I Felt Horrible When Doing It"
Elaborating on the internal turmoil, Rampal described the paradox of his experience. He explained that while the on-screen events might thrill an audience, the process of enacting them was deeply disturbing for him as an actor and a patriot.
"To see the event is one thing. What happened behind the scenes, to see those events taking place, is something that would excite me as an audience," Rampal said. "I felt horrible when doing it because you love your country so much, but I guess that’s what an actor’s job is, and you just have to dive into it."
About the Blockbuster Film Dhurandhar
Dhurandhar is a high-octane thriller that follows Intelligence Bureau chief Ajay Sanyal, played by R. Madhavan, as he spearheads a critical mission to destroy a terror network based in Pakistan. Ranveer Singh plays a pivotal role as a Punjabi youth recruited from prison and trained to penetrate Karachi's dangerous underworld.
The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast including:
- Ranveer Singh
- Sara Arjun
- Sanjay Dutt
- Arjun Rampal
- Akshaye Khanna
- R. Madhavan
Box Office Success and Sequel Plans
Dhurandhar has proven to be a massive commercial success, amassing a staggering Rs 572 crore at the global box office. This overwhelming response has already greenlit a sequel.
Dhurandhar 2 is officially scheduled for release on March 19, 2026. The date sets the stage for a major box office clash, as it coincides with the release of the Yash-starrer Toxic, which is also slated to hit theatres on the same day.
