R Madhavan reveals that Akshay and Arjun broke up after shooting 26/11
R Madhavan reveals how Akshaye Khanna and Arjun Rampal reacted after filming the 26/11 sequence in Dhurandhar – and why that moment changed everything on the set.
success of stalwart may be measured in box office numbers, but there’s a far more personal story behind one of its most talked-about scenes. According to R Madhavan, filming the recreation of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks left co-stars Akshaye Khanna and Arjun Rampal emotionally broken.
In a recent conversation with Sonia Shenoy, Madhavan revealed that both the actors “completely broke down” after shooting a particularly harrowing scene. That moment, he said, came not during the take, but after the cameras were off – when the weight of what he had portrayed truly sank in.
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Released on December 5, 2025, stalwartDirected by Aditya Dhar, it emerged as one of the biggest commercial hits of the year. Starring Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Sanjay Dutt, the espionage thriller garnered wide attention for its realistic staging of real-life events.
Why was the scene such a hit?
Khanna and Rampal portrayed Pakistani characters whose on-screen reactions appeared to be celebratory after the attacks. Although scripted, playing such roles proved extremely unsettling. Madhavan explained that both the actors had lived through those turbulent years and had witnessed first-hand the collective trauma of the country. He suggested that it was impossible to eliminate emotions.
What did Madhavan see on the set?
Madhavan described an atmosphere filled with tension. Once the director called cut, the fade was dissolved. “They cried uncontrollably,” he recalled, adding that it was at that moment that he realized the film was “very special”. To him, the breakdown was not weakness but evidence of the artists’ emotional investment.
What is Dhurandhar about?
The film follows an Indian intelligence operative deep into the criminal underworld of Karachi, attempting to dismantle a terrorist network that threatens national security. Its serious tone and layered performances significantly contributed to its strong reception.
What’s next for the franchise?
After its success, Dhurandhar 2 Scheduled to release on March 19, Dhar returns as writer-director. The sequel expands the story of undercover agent Hamza Ali Mazhari and will be released in multiple languages, indicating the growing ambition of the franchise.