Imagine capturing the raw horror of a national tragedy on screen, only to have your characters revel in it—now, that's the kind of filmmaking that shakes you to your core. But here's where it gets controversial: how do actors navigate portraying villains who cheer for real-life atrocities, and does it blur the lines between art and sensitivity? Dive in as we explore Arjun Rampal's candid insights on the gripping spy thriller Dhurandhar, and discover the emotional toll behind its most intense scene.
Updated on: December 10, 2025, at 1:21 PM IST
In the high-stakes world of espionage films, Dhurandhar stands out with its bold storytelling. Ranveer Singh steps into the shoes of Hamza Ali Mazari, a central figure in this tale of intrigue. Meanwhile, Arjun Rampal delivers a powerhouse performance as Major Iqbal, lending depth to the narrative.
Arjun Rampal, the talented actor behind Major Iqbal in Dhurandhar, recently shared heartfelt thoughts on a pivotal moment—the film's portrayal of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. For those new to this topic, 26/11 refers to the devastating terrorist strikes in Mumbai on November 26, 2008, where over 160 people lost their lives in coordinated assaults on iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. In the movie's scene, Ranveer's character, Hamza Ali Mazari, appears utterly stunned, while Arjun's Iqbal, alongside Akshaye Khanna's role and others, is depicted celebrating the tragedy. This stark contrast highlights the film's exploration of betrayal and conflicting loyalties in a spy drama.
And this is the part most people miss: the human cost behind the camera. Arjun took to Instagram with an extensive post praising the film's ensemble and production team. He showered compliments on Akshaye Khanna, calling him a standout star who excelled brilliantly—'you owned it, ruled it, and hit it out of the park. More power to you.' He also commended actor R. Madhavan as a 'pure genius,' expressing eagerness for future collaborations. To Sanjay Dutt, he expressed deep affection: 'you know I love you, thank you for just being you. Big Jappi.'
Arjun reserved special words for Ranveer Singh, whom he dubbed 'the beast, the wrath of God' as Hamza. He reflected on the 'beautiful journey' of witnessing Ranveer's unwavering focus, relentless determination, and immersive acting techniques that kept him deeply in character. Arjun praised Ranveer's boldness, fearlessness, and charm, even joking about 'ice baths'—a nod to intense method acting practices—and claiming 'the last dance belongs to me.' His post ended with love and gratitude.
But the real spotlight shone on the emotionally charged 26/11 scene. An Instagram follower commented on its profound impact, noting how the audience felt Hamza's pain through Ranveer's masterful portrayal. Yet, they probed deeper: 'As an Indian, how did you and the other star cast feel while acting as your character and after the scene was cut?' Arjun's response was stark and revealing: '@mandala 9348, most difficult scene of my life.' Another fan echoed the sentiment, describing a theater falling into hushed silence, as if reliving the horror, and even mentioned their father—a tough critic who rarely praises films—being moved to tears and feeling a sense of helplessness.
Now, here's the controversy that might divide viewers: depicting terrorists celebrating a real attack—does it honor the victims or risk glorifying the perpetrators? It's a bold choice that sparks debate, as some argue it humanizes complex characters for deeper understanding, while others worry it could desensitize audiences to the gravity of terrorism. For beginners in film analysis, think of it like exploring a villain's mindset in movies such as The Dark Knight or Inception, where evil actions are shown to heighten tension, but always with a moral compass.
Beyond the emotional aftermath, Dhurandhar has been a box office triumph, injecting energy into the film industry. This big-budget spy drama, helmed by director Aditya Dhar, exploded onto screens with massive success across top theater chains and urban hubs, providing a welcome uplift in the year's closing months. As of now, it has raked in over ₹150 crore, according to Sacnilk.com, starring a stellar cast including Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Ranveer Singh.
What do you think? Does portraying such sensitive historical events in films help us process trauma, or does it cross ethical boundaries? Share your views in the comments—do you agree with Arjun's take on the scene's difficulty, or see it differently? Let's discuss!
