Mukesh Khanna Praises Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' as Perfect, Addresses 'Shaktimaan' Casting

Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna has given a glowing review of Ranveer Singh's recent cinematic triumph, 'Dhurandhar.' Khanna described the action-packed spy thriller as a “perfect film” and commended the performances of the cast, director Aditya Dhar, and the entire production team.

In a video posted on YouTube, Khanna shared his candid thoughts on the movie, which has become a box office sensation, earning over Rs 500 crore in India alone. The film, featuring Ranveer Singh in the lead role alongside Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and Sara Arun, has garnered widespread acclaim, including high praise from Khanna. He went so far as to label 'Dhurandhar' as the quintessential commercial film, destined to resonate with a broad audience. Khanna emphasized the exceptional work across all departments, from acting and directing to action choreography and screenwriting, stating that each element contributed to the film's overall success.

Khanna singled out Akshaye Khanna for particular recognition, noting the widespread praise the actor has received from both viewers and critics. Khanna observed that Akshaye Khanna, though selective in his film choices, consistently delivers memorable performances. In 'Dhurandhar,' Khanna asserted, Akshaye not only left his mark but also outshone his peers. Drawing parallels to the iconic film 'Sholay,' Khanna highlighted how villainous characters can sometimes eclipse the heroes. He noted that, even decades later, Gabbar Singh's famous line remains deeply ingrained in popular culture. Khanna also reflected on the significance of strong writing in his own career, stating that the vision and script provided by the writers and director were crucial to his success as Shaktimaan.

Addressing his earlier reservations about Ranveer Singh potentially playing Shaktimaan, Khanna clarified his position while acknowledging Singh's performance in 'Dhurandhar.' While he may have initially opposed Singh's casting as the superhero, Khanna affirmed that he recognizes the actor's talent. Khanna also lauded Singh's on-screen presence, highlighting his energy and the intensity he brought to the role of a character infiltrating a Pakistani gang. He further defended Singh against criticisms suggesting that Akshaye Khanna's widely circulated dance sequence overshadowed the lead actor's performance. Khanna emphasized the character's gradual development throughout the film and expressed confidence that the sequel would further explore 'Dhurandhar's' backstory.

As 'Dhurandhar' continues its successful run in theaters, projections indicate that the film will surpass Rs 1,000 crore in worldwide earnings. In a related development, Mukesh Khanna announced his return as Shaktimaan in a video shared on his YouTube channel last year. Donning the iconic costume, Khanna expressed his deep connection to the character, emphasizing that his performance stemmed from a genuine place within himself. He conveyed his excitement about reprising the role and continuing the work he began in 1997, with the goal of positively influencing today's youth.