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"Dhurandhar" Sparks Debate: Khanna vs. Singh Performance?

Los Angeles, CA - February 8th, 2026 - Netflix's recent premiere of 'Dhurandhar', a remake of the popular Marathi film 'Timepass', has ignited a fervent discussion amongst film audiences, but not necessarily about the film's overall quality. Instead, the primary focus of online chatter centers around a compelling debate: has Akshaye Khanna delivered a performance that overshadows that of his co-star, Ranveer Singh? The film, a comedic exploration of wedding chaos with a large ensemble cast including Pratik Gandhi, Amruta Khanvilkar, and Mustafa Burman, has received a mixed critical reception. However, it is Khanna's nuanced portrayal of the antagonist that's dominating social media conversations.

The debate isn't simply a matter of preference; many viewers are actively asserting that Khanna's acting outperforms Singh's. This claim is being amplified across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, with users meticulously dissecting scenes, sharing clip comparisons, and building arguments for Khanna's superior skill. Hashtags related to 'Dhurandhar' and the actors' names are consistently trending, demonstrating the widespread engagement.

Ranveer Singh is widely recognized for his dynamic and often larger-than-life characters. Roles in films like 'Padmaavat' and 'Bajirao Mastani' cemented his reputation for energetic performances and flamboyant screen presence. However, in 'Dhurandhar', this established style appears to be directly contrasted with Khanna's approach. Critics and online commentators are praising Khanna for a remarkably restrained and sophisticated performance - a deliberate departure from the high-energy antics typically associated with the genre.

Several commentators have noted the strategic effect of Khanna's subtlety. "He doesn't need to shout to command attention," wrote prominent film critic Anya Sharma on her blog. "Khanna's villain is menacing not because of grand gestures, but because of the quiet calculation in his eyes. It's a masterclass in understated villainy." This contrasts sharply with Singh's character, who, while intended to be comedic, some viewers feel relies too heavily on physical comedy and exaggerated expressions.

The core of the discussion isn't necessarily about which performance is "better" in an absolute sense, but rather about the contrasting styles and the impact they have on the film's narrative. Some argue that Khanna's grounded performance provides a necessary anchor amidst the surrounding chaos, while others contend that Singh's exuberance is essential to the comedic tone.

Interestingly, the debate extends beyond just these two actors. Many online discussions acknowledge the strong performances from Gandhi and Khanvilkar, noting the film's overall strength lies in its ensemble cast. However, the Khanna vs. Singh comparison continues to dominate, fueled by the actors' established reputations and the distinct choices they made in portraying their respective characters.

This situation highlights an evolving trend in film criticism and audience engagement. The proliferation of social media allows for immediate, granular analysis of performances, fostering discussions that go far beyond traditional reviews. While professional critics offer informed perspectives, the collective intelligence of online communities often provides a more nuanced and diverse range of interpretations. The 'Dhurandhar' debate is a prime example of this phenomenon, illustrating how audiences are actively engaging with the craft of acting and forming their own informed opinions.

Will this online buzz translate to increased viewership for 'Dhurandhar'? Netflix is likely hoping so. The platform has actively promoted the film's trending status on its social media channels, capitalizing on the free publicity generated by the performance debate. The situation also raises questions about casting dynamics and the potential for contrasting acting styles to either elevate or detract from a film's overall impact. It remains to be seen whether this debate will spark a resurgence in appreciation for Akshaye Khanna's consistently strong, yet often understated, body of work. For now, 'Dhurandhar' is less a film review topic, and more a battleground for cinephiles arguing the merits of nuanced acting versus energetic performance.


Read the Full RepublicWorld Article at:
[ https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment/ott/movies/dhurandhar-ott-release-netizens-debate-viral-akshaye-khanna-outperformed-ranveer-singh-claim-following-film-s-netflix-premiere ]