Aditya Dhar’s film Dhurandhar has emerged as a blockbuster, earning widespread praise for its casting choices and performances. The movie, released on December 5, 2025, has already crossed ₹250 crore at the domestic box office. It dramatizes covert intelligence operations against the backdrop of major geopolitical and terror events, including the Kandahar plane hijack, the 2001 Parliament attack, and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
The film’s ensemble cast features Ranveer Singh as undercover spy Hamza Ali Mazari, R. Madhavan as Indian spymaster Ajay Sanyal, Sanjay Dutt as SP Chaudhary Aslam, Akshaye Khanna as gangster Rehman Dakait, and Arjun Rampal as ISI Major Iqbal, a character inspired by terrorist Ilyas Kashmiri. Critics and audiences have praised the performances, noting how the actors brought authenticity and depth to their roles.
Mukesh Chhabra, the casting director of Dhurandhar, has been widely credited for assembling this diverse cast. He explained that his goal was to “surprise people” with unexpected casting choices, blending established film stars with lesser-known and television actors. Chhabra emphasized that TV actors hold a “special place” for him, highlighting their ability to adapt and deliver powerful performances. The film includes notable television names such as Rakesh Bedi, Gaurav Gera, and Saumya Tandon, who impressed audiences alongside the big-screen stars.
Chhabra also addressed criticism labeling Dhurandhar as propaganda. He firmly rejected such claims, stating that his focus was solely on the film’s talent, story, and direction, not external narratives. He reiterated that the casting was designed to reflect real-life inspirations while ensuring that each actor infused life into their character.
The success of Dhurandhar has brought appreciation for every team member, with the casting being recognized as one of the film’s strongest elements. Chhabra’s approach of valuing both big and small screen performers has resonated with audiences, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity and diversity in Bollywood casting.
