Veteran columnist Shobhaa De has added her voice to the growing praise for national award-winning actor Arjun Rampal and his performance in Dhurandhar: The Revenge. It is a role that is quickly becoming one of the film’s most talked-about elements. After all villains are far more interesting than the heroes, aren’t they? Keeping her assessment crisp, De called Rampal “brilliant”. It’s a big win for Rampal who was stepping into the space that was occupied by Akshaye Khanna and unmistakably was the highlight of the first part. Filling those shoes was never going to be easy, but Rampal as Major Iqbal has a rollicking time with the villainy, acing every bit of it.
Viewers across platforms have pointed to Rampal’s performance being their favourite - he avoids loud, exaggerated beats and brings in a more assured screen presence. His portrayal has been widely described as crackling by the audience. What seems to have worked most is the balance that Rampal leans into the character’s menace without overplaying it, letting small expressions do the heavy lifting. For audiences, that has translated into a performance that feels superlative.
For an actor who has often chosen unconventional roles, Dhurandhar: The Revenge adds a feather on his cap. With appreciation coming in from both critics like Shobhaa De and everyday viewers, Arjun Rampal’s turn as the antagonist is striking a chord and becoming a key reason for people to watch.