Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi, known for his role as the sly Pakistani politician Jameel Jamali in Aditya Dhar's hit film Dhurandhar, has drawn a parallel between his co-star Akshaye Khanna and the iconic Bollywood actor Shatrughan Sinha. Bedi's comparison highlights the audience's enthusiastic reception of Khanna's villainous character, Rehman Dakait, in the action-packed spy thriller.

In a recent interview, Bedi shared his observations about Akshaye Khanna's performance and the audience's reaction to it. He noted that Khanna's character, enhanced by the popular song "FA9LA," created a "lethal combination" that resonated strongly with viewers. Bedi stated, "This is a lethal combination, when a villain becomes lovable, then he becomes more loved than the hero".

Bedi then drew a comparison to Shatrughan Sinha, recalling how Sinha's entry into theaters was often met with cheers and applause, even when he played villainous roles. He emphasized that Sinha was a "lovable villain," suggesting that Akshaye Khanna has achieved a similar level of endearment with his portrayal of Rehman Dakait.

Akshaye Khanna's performance in Dhurandhar has been widely praised, with many considering it one of the best villainous roles of his career. Critics have lauded his portrayal of Rehman Dakait as a calculating and menacing character, with some even comparing him to iconic Hollywood villains. His intense look, dialogue delivery, and impactful entry scene have particularly resonated with audiences. Netizens have pointed out how Akshaye Khanna cultivated a charismatic image through his actions and aesthetic choices.

Khanna's success in Dhurandhar marks a significant turn in his career, with the actor embracing negative roles after having initially seen himself as a hero. Prior to Dhurandhar, Khanna has played antagonists in films such as Humraaz, Race, Dishoom, and Chhaava. His portrayal of Aurangzeb in Chhaava also garnered considerable attention, with some comparing his look to Ranveer Singh's portrayal of Alauddin Khilji in Padmaavat.

Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, is a spy action thriller that delves into the world of anti-terror covert operations. The film features an ensemble cast, including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, and Sara Arjun, alongside Rakesh Bedi and Akshaye Khanna. The film has been a commercial success, grossing over ₹1,000 crore and becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian films of 2025. A sequel, Dhurandhar: Part 2, is scheduled to be released on March 19, 2026. Rakesh Bedi has hinted that his character will be even more "rascal-like" in the sequel.