Aditya Dhar’s film Dhurandhar made waves at the box office upon its release in December 2025. Now, anticipation builds for its sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, set to premiere on March 19. Recently, Akshay Kumar shared his views on the film’s remarkable success, its implications for the industry, and his feelings about not being involved in the Ranveer Singh-led project.
During a discussion at the India Today Conclave Delhi 2026, Akshay Kumar commended the Ranveer Singh starrer. He reflected on the evolution of cinematic trends, stating, “Take Dhurandhar, for instance. It’s an action-packed film with gripping violence. It resonates with audiences, and they’ve embraced it wholeheartedly. A powerhouse like Ranveer Singh embodies the angry young man persona, which had become less prominent in recent years. A few years back, I was focused on social films that resonated well. Now, we see a rise in horror comedies—like Stree, which was a hit. The landscape keeps shifting, and predicting audience preferences remains a challenge.”
When asked if he wished he had been part of the film after watching it, Akshay revealed, “I don’t believe Aditya felt I was the right fit for the Layari gang. That’s the reason I wasn’t cast. I have a good rapport with Ranveer, and he appreciates my work. There have been roles he desired to play that I landed, and vice versa.” He further noted, “In Hindi cinema, we have about 15-20 leading actors, yet around 180 films are produced in India. Each actor has their unique place. While there might be a tinge of regret wishing to take on certain roles, it’s not about jealousy.”
In another insight, Anil Kapoor mentioned being offered a cameo in Dhurandhar 2 by Aditya Dhar. However, he had to turn it down due to other commitments.
At the India Today Conclave, he explained, “Yes, Aditya approached me for a cameo in Dhurandhar 2. But my journey has been shaped by professionalism and commitment—those are crucial. Talent alone doesn’t define success.” He continued, “At the time, I had already allocated those dates to another filmmaker. I told Aditya, ‘I would have loved to participate, but my schedule is full.’ The film is fantastic, and it’s a missed opportunity on my part, but that’s alright.” He added, “Aditya did offer me the role, and I hope we can collaborate in the future.” When asked about participating in Dhurandhar 3, Anil responded, “I think I’ll explore something new. Kuch naya karunga.”