As the blockbuster film Dhurandhar completes a triumphant month in theatres, crossing the monumental Rs 1,200 crore mark worldwide, conversations have shifted from just box office numbers to the performances within. While Akshaye Khanna's portrayal of the enigmatic Rahman Dakait has garnered immense acclaim, a co-star from the film feels the spotlight has been unfairly distributed.
On-Set Dynamics: Khanna's Distance vs. Singh's Energy
In a revealing interview, actor Naveen Kaushik, who played a close aide to Khanna's character, shed light on the contrasting atmospheres created by the two leads. He described Ranveer Singh as an approachable and energetic presence on set, who treated everyone like friends and disliked seeing people idle.
"Every time the director said 'cut', Ranveer would instantly switch back to being himself," Kaushik noted, highlighting Singh's ability to compartmentalise without the baggage of starry tantrums. In stark contrast, Akshaye Khanna maintained a noticeable distance, deeply immersed in his character.
"Interestingly, the on-screen dynamic translated into real life as well," Kaushik observed. "You'd see all the gang members sitting together, while Rahman Dakait would sit a little apart. That's how it was." He clarified that Khanna was never rude but would retreat into his own space after cordial interactions, mirroring his character's quiet and unpredictable nature.
The Case for Ranveer Singh's 'Contained' Performance
Despite his praise for Khanna's iconic character, Naveen Kaushik passionately argued that Ranveer Singh's work has been under-recognised. He emphasised the immense difficulty of Singh's task: to suppress his naturally explosive energy to play the subdued and monotone Hamza.
"What Ranveer has done as an actor—the tiny nuances, his voice modulation—for someone so energetic to suppress all of that and play the complete opposite, it's extremely difficult," Kaushik stated. He pointed to a specific example in the popular 'FA9LA' song, where everyone else is dancing energetically, but Singh's character remains restrained—a choice he believes went unnoticed due to Khanna's commanding screen presence.
Kaushik praised Singh's lack of ego, noting that an insecure actor might have tried to upstage others in a film where his character is deliberately third in the command hierarchy. "Ranveer stayed true to his character and allowed someone else to shine," he added.
A Cordial Collaboration Amidst Contrasting Methods
Addressing rumours of any friction, Kaushik described the relationship between the two stars as very cordial and collaborative. They rehearsed together and looked out for each other in small ways, like arranging chairs on set. This professional harmony existed despite their vastly different working styles—one a methodical observer, the other a vibrant, childlike presence who could switch off his character in a click.
Kaushik also mentioned that Ranveer seemed far more emotionally balanced during the shoot of Dhurandhar compared to his earlier projects like Padmaavat, crediting him with having an "internal switch" for his characters.
As Dhurandhar continues its historic box office run, marking Ranveer Singh's grand return since Gully Boy in 2019, this insider perspective adds a new layer to the appreciation of the film's craft, questioning which performances truly define a cinematic juggernaut.
