Arjun Rampal On Playing An ISI Mastermind In Dhurandhar: ‘I Felt Horrible’

Dhurandhar continues its unstoppable run at the box office, emerging as one of the biggest action blockbusters of the year. Headlined by Ranveer Singh and featuring powerhouse performers Arjun Rampal,

Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, and others, the film has struck a strong chord with audiences across the country with its gripping storyline, intense performances, and intriguing music.

Arjun Rampal’s portrayal of Major Iqbal, a cold and calculating ISI mastermind, has drawn widespread praise for its intensity and brutality. In an interview with Grazia India, the actor spoke about the emotional toll of playing such a character and his eagerness to detach from the role once filming wrapped.

“I wanted to get out of the character as soon as I could,” Rampal shared, adding, “One of the important reasons to do it was because it is an important film to do. To see the event is one thing, what happened behind the scenes to see those events taking place is something that would excite me as an audience. I felt horrible when you’re doing it because you love your country so much, but I guess that’s what an actor’s job is and you just dive into it.”

Dhurandhar Storyline And Cast

Made under the direction of Aditya Dhar and bankrolled under the banners of Jio Studios and B62 Studios, Dhurandhar is a large-scale action entertainer that showcases the bravery of India’s special agents operating in Pakistan. The actioner brings together a powerhouse ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Akshaye Khanna, and Sara Arjun.

Inspired by real-life events linked to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the film shows Ranveer Singh playing a fearless undercover spy. Sporting long hair, a rugged beard, and a gritty look, Singh appears in one of his most intense avatars to date.

Released on December 5, 2025, the film blends high-octane action, suspense, and strong patriotic themes. Arjun Rampal’s performance has been one of the film’s standout elements. Riding high on its success, the makers have already announced a sequel slated for release in March 2026.

Dhurandhar Box Office Collection

At the box office, Dhurandhar has delivered staggering numbers. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the film crossed Rs 580 crore within just 20 days of release. It collected approximately Rs 207.25 crore in its first week and Rs 253.35 crore in its second week.

As of day 20, the total box office collection stands at an impressive Rs 589.67 crore, cementing Dhurandhar as one of the biggest hits of 2025.