90s Stars Making a Comeback via Dhurandhar Success
Actor Shehzad Khan says the massive success of Dhurandhar is bringing back hit characters and actors from the 90s and 2000s to the big screen.
The massive commercial success of the Dhurandhar franchise is doing more than just breaking box office records; it is fundamentally shifting how filmmakers view veteran talent. Actor Shehzad Khan believes the film's impact has paved the way for iconic actors from the 1990s and 2000s to reclaim their spot in contemporary cinema.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Shehzad Khan, son of the legendary actor Ajit Khan, noted that the reception of the franchise has changed the mindset of directors across the industry. He highlighted that the audience's craving for familiar, high-impact characters is driving a new era for seasoned performers.
The Return of Akshaye Khanna and Rakesh Bedi
The conversation around the film's success was sparked by the widespread appreciation for the performances of Akshaye Khanna and Rakesh Bedi. Khanna’s presence in the first installment and Bedi's work in the second part have served as a testament to the enduring talent of that era.
"Now they want those people, those characters, the hit characters of the 90s and 2000s," Shehzad Khan remarked. He pointed out that after years of absence from major roles, actors like Akshaye Khanna and Rakesh Bedi are proving their mettle once again. However, he added a philosophical note on the nature of fame, stating that everything moves in a cycle where what goes up must eventually come down.
Comparing Villain Eras: Arjun Rampal vs. The Legends
While discussing the evolution of cinema, Khan touched upon the portrayal of antagonists. The franchise features Arjun Rampal in a villainous role, which prompted a comparison to the legendary villains of the 1970s.
Khan was quick to draw a distinction between modern and classic archetypes. He noted that while Arjun Rampal is impressive, he represents a "different genre" of villain compared to the titans of the past. He cited names like:
- Prem Chopra
- Ranjeet
- Pran
- Nitin
"You can't compare Arjun Rampal to Ranjeet sir or Prem Chopra sir," Khan explained, adding a humorous anecdote about how the fear of being associated with "villainous" characters was so strong in the past that parents even stopped naming their children Ranjit or Ajit to avoid such associations.
The Dhurandhar Phenomenon
The Dhurandhar films, directed by National Award winner Aditya Dhar, have become a global cinematic phenomenon. Starring Ranveer Singh in the lead, the franchise has reportedly amassed a staggering more than Rs 3,000 crore worldwide.
The films, which include Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar: The Revenge, feature an ensemble cast of heavyweights, including:
- R. Madhavan
- Arjun Rampal
- Akshaye Khanna
- Sanjay Dutt
- Rakesh Bedi
Following its landmark run in late 2025 and early 2026, the franchise has not only secured its place in history but has also acted as a bridge, bringing the magic of previous decades back to the modern silver screen.