Veteran actor and the original Shaktimaan, Mukesh Khanna, has delivered a glowing and unfiltered review of the Ranveer Singh-starrer spy thriller 'Dhurandhar', declaring it a flawless cinematic achievement. The film, which has stormed the Indian box office, has earned high praise from the industry veteran, who highlighted the stellar work of the entire cast and crew.
Khanna's Unfiltered Praise for a Box Office Juggernaut
In a detailed review shared on his YouTube channel, Mukesh Khanna expressed his admiration for the Aditya Dhar-directed film. He described 'Dhurandhar' as the "perfect film" and a quintessential commercial entertainer designed to resonate with the masses. The movie has reportedly amassed over Rs 500 crore net in domestic collections and is on a record-breaking spree.
Khanna emphasized that every department of the film, from acting and direction to action and writing, performed at its peak. "Everyone has given their best, so that you can call the film 'Dhurandhar' in every way," he stated, applauding the collective effort behind the blockbuster.
Special Accolade for Akshaye Khanna's Scene-Stealing Act
While praising the ensemble cast featuring Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and Sara Arun, Khanna reserved his highest commendation for actor Akshaye Khanna. He noted that Akshaye's performance has become a major talking point among audiences and critics.
"In this film, he didn't just leave his mark, he ate all the competition," Khanna remarked. He drew a fascinating parallel to the iconic Bollywood classic 'Sholay', pointing out how a powerful villain can sometimes overshadow the hero. Khanna observed that such performances, like that of Gabbar Singh, leave a lasting legacy, much like Akshaye Khanna's role in 'Dhurandhar'.
Addressing the Shaktimaan Reboot Controversy
Khanna also took the opportunity to address the recent controversy surrounding his comments on Ranveer Singh's potential casting in the proposed 'Shaktimaan' reboot. He clarified his stance while lauding Singh's work in 'Dhurandhar'.
"Yes, I would like to praise this film's hero, 'Dhurandhar', Ranveer Singh. You will say, 'You didn't let him play Shaktimaan'. I may have denied him the role of Shaktimaan, but he is a good actor. I always say this," Khanna explained. He defended Singh against criticism that his impact was dimmed by Akshaye Khanna's viral dance sequence, explaining that Ranveer's character had a deliberate growth arc. Khanna expressed confidence that the sequel would further highlight Ranveer Singh's character journey.
Reflections on Legacy and the Future of Shaktimaan
Reflecting on his own iconic role, Khanna stressed the importance of strong writing and vision, crediting the writers and directors of 'Shaktimaan' for his success. He also shared exciting news for his fans, confirming his return as India's original superhero. In a video last year, he announced he would reprise his role, aiming for a 2027 release to guide the current generation.
Meanwhile, 'Dhurandhar' continues its dominant run, with global collections reportedly poised to cross the monumental Rs 1,000 crore mark. The film's success, coupled with endorsements from veterans like Mukesh Khanna, cements its status as a landmark in Indian cinema.
