Oftentimes, actors are forced to do scenes they might not particularly agree with. In some contexts, it works; in others, it simply does not. Dhurandhar had one of its most jarring scenes when the Mumbai blast, 26/11, scene was shown alongside the red screen.

Just like Ranveer Singh’s character, we, as an audience, were also left stunned, unable to move our eyes from the screen because of what we had witnessed. However, there were some who had been celebrating the attack within the film. Behind the camera, they were just as distraught.

During an interview with Sonia Shenoy, R Madhavan revealed how difficult it was for Akshaye Khanna and Arjun Rampal to film the 26/11 scene. The two played Pakistani characters Rehman Dakait and Major Iqbal, both responsible for the horrendous act in the film. While Madhavan and Ranveer Singh’s characters had to act shocked, the other two didn’t.

"After that scene ended, they broke down completely. They cried uncontrollably. It wasn't just acting for them. They have lived through those times. They have seen real incidents like that. It brought back memories. That's when I realised this was a very special film."

Many of these actors lived through that time, so enacting it in such a different setting wasn’t an easy task. It was a scenario that was too real and too traumatic. Rooting for the other side felt wrong. They were weeping after the scene was shot because of just how difficult it was to pretend, they were okay with it.

The dedication and intensity with which each actor has given their all will pay off when the sequel comes out on March 19. The sequel, titled Dhurandhar: The Revenge, will explore the backstory of Jaskirat Singh Ranga and what pushed him into taking the job as Hamza Ali Mazari.

It will also see the aftermath of Rehman Dakait’s death, the rampage of Major Iqbal and a special featured appearance of Yami Gautam in the movie.

Lead and social image credits: Jio Studios