Akshaye Khanna is currently the talk of the town, not just for his compelling portrayal of Rehman Dakait in the recently released spy action thriller Dhurandhar, but also for his unexpectedly viral dance moves in the film. The song, "FA9LA," a Bahraini rap track by Flipperachi, has taken the internet by storm, becoming synonymous with Khanna's character and adding a unique flavor to the movie.
Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh alongside Khanna, was released on December 5, 2025, and has been generating significant buzz. The film, inspired by real RAW missions and global tensions, features Khanna as Rehman Dakait, a ruthless Pakistani crime lord. While the film itself is a high-stakes thriller, it's Khanna's entry scene, set to the infectious beats of "FA9LA," that has truly captured the audience's imagination.
The song "FA9LA" which translates to "fun time" or "party" in Bahraini Arabic, might seem like an odd choice for the entrance of a menacing villain. However, it ironically underscores Dakait's character, who sees brutality and bloodshed as a form of entertainment. The aggressive beats, heavy bass, and Arabic trap style of the song amplify Khanna's on-screen presence, giving his character an instant larger-than-life persona.
What makes this viral sensation even more remarkable is that Khanna's dance moves were entirely improvised. According to Khanna's co-star, Danish Pandor, the scene was originally choreographed with Khanna simply walking through the dancers and taking his seat. However, Khanna surprised everyone by asking director Aditya Dhar if he could dance, and the rest is history.
Pandor recalled that Khanna, during the take, looked at everyone dancing and started grooving on his own. The spontaneous performance stunned the cast and crew, who erupted in applause. The unchoreographed dance sequence perfectly encapsulated the character's menacing aura, further fueling the song's popularity.
The impact of "FA9LA" extends beyond just a catchy tune. It has become a cultural phenomenon, with social media flooded with recreations of Khanna's walk and dance moves. The song's virality has drawn comparisons to "Jamal Kudu" from the film Animal, another instance of a villain's theme song gaining immense popularity.
Adding another layer to the story, choreographer Vijay Ganguly revealed that the "FA9LA" sequence was filmed in the high-altitude region of Ladakh. Due to the low oxygen levels, Khanna had to carry a small oxygen cylinder with him and use an oxygen mask after every shot. Despite these challenging conditions, Khanna completed the shoot flawlessly, showcasing his dedication and professionalism.
Akshaye Khanna's performance in Dhurandhar and the viral sensation of "FA9LA" have solidified his position as one of Bollywood's most versatile and engaging actors. With upcoming projects like Drishyam 3 and Ikka in the pipeline, fans can expect to see more of Khanna's talent on screen in the coming years.
