Casting Insights from Mukesh Chhabra: Arjun Rampal and Akshaye Khanna in Dhurandhar

Mukesh Chhabra, the casting director for the film Dhurandhar, recently opened up about the extensive casting process that took nearly a year and a half. Alongside director Aditya Dhar, Chhabra focused on crafting a unique cast that would surprise audiences.

Chhabra explained that their goal was to present established stars in unexpected roles. He stated, “I always think about how to surprise people and how to make casting look more interesting, funny, and fresh.” This approach was evident in the film, where viewers see actors like Ranveer Singh as an undercover spy and Akshaye Khanna as a notorious gangster.

The film, which depicts covert intelligence operations against real-life events such as the Kandahar plane hijack and the Mumbai attacks, has garnered significant attention since its release on December 5. It has already grossed over ₹250 crore at the domestic box office.

Chhabra mentioned that choosing the right actors was a meticulous process. They considered many options, including actors from OTT platforms, before finalizing Rampal and Khanna. “With each and every casting, we literally spent so much time on thinking whether Arjun, Madhavan, Sanju baba or Akshaye would be correct or not,” he shared.

For the role of Rehman Dakait, they had a long list of potential candidates, ultimately deciding on Khanna, known for his impactful performances in various films. Chhabra emphasized the importance of taking time for casting, stating, “You can do good casting only when you take more time to think rather than approaching immediately.”

The film also features a mix of lesser-known actors, adding layers to the narrative. Chhabra expressed pride in the film’s reception, likening the enthusiasm to that of his past notable projects.

As they move forward, a sequel titled Dhurandhar: Part 2 – Revenge is set to release on March 19, 2026, promising to build on the groundwork laid by the first film.