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In one of the most unexpected twists of 2025’s cinematic landscape, Dhurandhar—already a nationwide superhit for its fierce patriotic pulse—has sparked a new conversation across India: How did Akshaye Khanna, in a supporting role, end up outshining Ranveer Singh, the film’s headline star? From critics’ columns to social media chatter, the consensus is strikingly clear—this is Khanna’s moment.

A Performance That Hits Hard Without Noise

Akshaye Khanna has long been celebrated for restraint—an ability to convey turbulent emotions with minimal theatrics. In Dhurandhar, that trademark understatement becomes his greatest weapon.
While the film’s narrative leans heavily on loud patriotism, Khanna’s character—worn down by duty, haunted by past failures, and quietly defiant—anchors the story with rare emotional gravity.

His eyes, not his voice, carry the weight. His pauses, more than his lines, communicate despair, vulnerability, and resolve. Critics are calling it “a masterclass in silent intensity” and “the film’s emotional backbone”. In a movie that thrives on explosive moments, Khanna wins by doing the opposite.

Standing Tall Beside Ranveer Singh’s Fireworks

Ranveer Singh delivers exactly what audiences expect—energy, charisma, and big-screen magnetism. His flamboyance drives the film’s commercial pulse, and reviews largely praise his commitment.

But placed next to Khanna’s quiet storm, the contrast becomes impossible to ignore.

Ranveer’s high-decibel heroism fuels the spectacle.
Khanna’s simmering internal conflict fuels the story.

It’s a rare case where subtlety eclipses swagger, and viewers seem to be gravitating toward the performance that lingers longer.

Critics Applaud the ‘Most Mature Performance of His Career’

Early reviews across leading entertainment portals credit Akshaye Khanna for elevating Dhurandhar beyond its patriotic framework. Sample reactions include:

• “Akshaye Khanna delivers the standout performance—controlled, devastating, unforgettable.”
• “In a film built on scale, it is his stillness that shakes you the most.”
• “This is Khanna at his sharpest—precise, intelligent, and emotionally loaded.”

Several reviewers note that while the film caters broadly to patriotic sentiment, Khanna injects nuance into a genre often criticised for excess.

Social Media Crowns Him the ‘Real Dhurandhar’

X (Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube are flooded with clips and fan edits spotlighting Khanna’s scenes. Hashtags like #AkshayeKhannaEra, #DhurandharSceneOfTheYear, and #SilentButDeadly trended through the opening weekend.

Common audience reactions include:

• “Didn’t expect this, but Akshaye Khanna just overshadowed everyone.”
• “Ranveer gave the fire, Khanna gave the soul.”
• “If there’s a National Award this year, I know where it’s going.”

His appeal appears to transcend age groups—older audiences appreciate his maturity, while younger viewers are discovering his brilliance anew.

Why His Appeal Is Growing Now

Analysts point to a mix of factors driving this resurgence:

1. Evolving audience tastes – Spectacle sells, but depth stays. Viewers increasingly reward performances rooted in emotional truth.
2. Khanna’s selective filmography – His absence from the mainstream over the years has added an aura of exclusivity; when he appears, audiences expect—and receive—substance.
3. Patriotic stories need emotional anchors – In films loaded with nationalistic fervour, characters who feel human and conflicted often stand out more vividly.
4. Contrast effect – Ranveer’s extroverted energy works as a perfect foil, making Khanna’s quiet craft even more striking.

A Veteran Reclaims His Space

With Dhurandhar, Akshaye Khanna has done something few actors manage late in their careers—he hasn’t reinvented himself; he has reminded India what made him exceptional in the first place.

In a film designed as a patriotic spectacle, Khanna emerges not as the loudest presence, but the most unforgettable one.
And if the current buzz is any indication, Dhurandhar may well mark the beginning of a renewed—and richly deserved—golden chapter for him.

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