The blockbuster period spy film 'Dhurandhar', directed by Aditya Dhar, continues to captivate audiences far beyond its impressive box office performance. While the movie's songs were an initial hit, it is the film's background score, particularly a climactic musical cue, that has triggered a fresh wave of dissection and discussion among fans on social media platforms.
The Climactic Musical Reveal That Captivated Fans
In the film's final moments, as Ranveer Singh's character is selected for a covert mission into Pakistan, a distinctive and catchy piece of music swells. This sequence not only provides crucial backstory but also teases future events with flashes of the protagonist in a new, clean-shaven look with very short hair, fueling intense speculation about a potential sequel. The unique sound of this score immediately caught the collective ear of the audience, leading to a hunt for its origins.
Initially, some viewers drew comparisons to contemporary Western music, specifically pointing out similarities to Doja Cat's track 'AAAHH MEN!' from her 'Vie' album. The 80s-inspired pop vibe of Doja Cat's song led many to believe composer Shashwat Sachdev had drawn inspiration from modern styles. However, this theory was soon debunked as the true source of the inspiration came to light.
Badshah Solves the Mystery: An '80s TV Classic
The mystery was officially solved when popular rapper and singer Badshah took to X (formerly Twitter). He directly addressed the growing curiosity by posting, "Why is no one talking about the knight rider theme in the end credits scene of dhurandhar?" This revelation instantly ignited conversations among film and pop culture enthusiasts.
While a handful of users initially confused the tune with Vishal-Shekhar's IPL anthem 'Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo' for the Kolkata Knight Riders, the majority quickly recognized the homage. The score is a deliberate nod to the iconic opening theme of the classic 1980s American television series 'Knight Rider'.
A Legacy of Reinvention: From 'Knight Rider' to 'Dhurandhar'
The original 'Knight Rider Theme' was composed by Glen A. Larson and Stu Phillips for the show that aired from 1982 to 1986, starring David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight. Despite mixed initial reviews, the series became a pop-culture phenomenon. Interestingly, parts of its iconic theme itself trace inspiration back to 'Sylvia', a 19th-century ballet by Léo Delibes.
Badshah further expressed his admiration for Aditya Dhar, tweeting, "No doubt @AdityaDharFilms is a geeky genius at so many levels." The reference is profoundly deliberate. 'Knight Rider' is fundamentally a story about reinvention, secret missions, and a government-backed justice system—themes that perfectly mirror the core narrative of 'Dhurandhar'. For fans, this clever musical Easter egg has only deepened the film's growing legend and rewatch value.
About the film itself, 'Dhurandhar' is a spy thriller that has amassed over Rs. 1000 crore in worldwide collections. It features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Saumya Tandon, Rakesh Bedi, Sara Arjun, and Danish Pandor. The eagerly awaited second part of the film is slated for release on March 19, 2025.
