In a recent interview, veteran actor Mohan Kapur shared his high praise for the Aditya Dhar-directed blockbuster Dhurandhar, specifically highlighting the performance of Akshaye Khanna as the antagonist Rehman Dakait.
Using a colorful “Biryani” analogy, Kapur explained why Akshaye’s performance feels so impactful to the audience in 2026.
The “Biryani” Analogy
Mohan Kapur dismissed the idea that Akshaye Khanna was ever “underrated,” instead suggesting that his brilliance stems from his selective nature.
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Quality over Frequency: Kapur noted that if a person eats biryani every day, the excitement fades. However, having it after a long hiatus makes it feel extraordinary.
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The Comeback Effect: Because Akshaye works on his own terms and takes long breaks, his return in such a powerful role created a visceral reaction from the audience who had been “starving” for his talent.
“Intelligent Storytelling”
Initially skeptical of the massive hype surrounding Dhurandhar, Kapur admitted that watching the film alone changed his perspective entirely.
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The Verdict: He described the film as an “extremely intelligent piece of storytelling” where every cast member delivered phenomenal work.
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Akshaye’s Style: He speculated that Akshaye’s “moody” or selective approach to scripts is what allows him to deliver such concentrated, high-quality performances when he finally chooses a project.
Praise for the “Chameleon”: Ranveer Singh
Kapur also lauded the film’s lead, Ranveer Singh, calling him the “true chameleon of this country.”
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Generosity in Acting: Kapur was particularly impressed by Ranveer’s ability to “quietly carry the film” while allowing co-stars like Akshaye to take the spotlight—a trait he identified as a mark of true greatness.
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Transformation: He noted how Ranveer has consistently proved doubters wrong, evolving from the high-energy persona of Band Baaja Baaraat to the complex, varied roles seen in Padmaavat, Gully Boy, and now Dhurandhar.
Other Major News: May 13, 2026
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Economy: The Indian government has raised gold and silver import duties to 15% to stabilize foreign exchange during the West Asia crisis.
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Automotive: Mahindra has announced massive May discounts, offering up to ₹2.5 lakh off on models like the XUV400 EV and BE 6.
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Tragedy: The Yadav family is in mourning following the death of Prateek Yadav, younger son of Mulayam Singh Yadav, at age 38 in Lucknow.
