Mukesh Chhabra debates casting of Akshay Khanna, Arjun Rampal in Dhurandhar
Casting director Mukesh Chhabra attributes the success of the film ‘Dhurandhar’ to his choice of surprising cast, adding that he wanted to “shake things up” for the audience. Chhabra revealed that he and the director had hours of intense debate on the suitability of Akshay Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal and R Madhavan.
Casting director Mukesh Chhabra gave credit for the success stalwart The creative choice to cast both established and lesser-known actors in unique, surprising roles. He confessed to debating extensively on the suitability of Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt and R Madhavan before finalizing the cast for the film.
Speaking to PTI, Mukesh said, “I always think about how to surprise people, and how to make the casting more interesting, fun and fresh. With this film, I wanted to do that. People were expecting twists in this film, and hence, I wanted to twist things with the casting. Every person should feel that it is a well-thought-out thing and we have not cast anyone without thinking.”
“With each casting, we really spent a lot of time thinking about whether Arjun, Madhavan, Sanju Baba or Akshay would be right. Every day, Aditya and I would sit for two to four hours, toss out names, fight, discuss, ‘This (actor) may work, may not work, let’s surprise people, let’s do more, and push ourselves.’ Earlier, we had some other names (actors), we had OTT faces (actors), then we thought of making it (the film) bigger.” He added.
Mukesh revealed that for the role of gangster Rehman Dacoit, he needed to consider a list of 50 to 60 actors, which also included many actors from South Indian cinema. However, the casting director eventually secured the proven talent of Akshaye Khanna, who has had critically acclaimed roles in films like shade, heart desires, LimitAnd Hamraaz Made him the ideal choice. The casting director insisted, “You can make a good casting only if you take more time to think rather than making an immediate contact.”
Set against the grim backdrop of real geopolitical and terrorist events – such as the Kandahar plane hijacking, the 2001 Parliament attack and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks – the film details a series of covert intelligence operations.
In stalwartRanveer plays the role of undercover agent Hamza Ali Mazari. The film also brings together a formidable cast: R Madhavan as Indian spy master Ajay Sanyal, Sanjay Dutt as SP Chaudhary Aslam, Akshaye Khanna as real-life gangster Rehman Dacoit, and Arjun Rampal as ISI Major Iqbal, who is inspired by terrorist Ilyas Kashmiri.
Actress Sara Arjun is also debuting with Ranveer in this film. Actors Rakesh Bedi, Manav Gohil, Gaurav Gera, Danish Pandor, Raj Zutshi, Saumya Tandon and others are in lead roles.
Actor Randeep Hooda recently praised the film on X and called for a “witch-hunt” investigation against it. His post read, “Absolutely shocked.” stalwartBig congratulations to @jiostudios @AdityaDharFilms, the direction is sharp, the writing is powerful, the BGM is electric, and the vision is unmistakable, Brilliant work by Akshaye Khanna, @RanveerOfficial, @actormadhavan, @Rampalarjun, @DuttSanjay, @bolbedibol and the entire cast, each one brings intensity and depth that stays with you for a long time,”
“Looking at its journey reminds me of what we faced during Swatantra Veer SavarkarSame tests, same obstacles, same magic. Savarkar and I also went through our storms. I am happy to see Aditya becoming strong and victorious. He deserves it (sic),” he concluded.
stalwart Released theatrically on December 5, 2025.