An AI artist recently sparked nostalgia by reimagining the hit film Dhurandhar with a cast from the 1980s. The digital creation features legendary actors like Amitabh Bachchan and Vinod Khanna in key roles. This imaginative project explores what the blockbuster might have looked like four decades ago.
AI Artist Souvik Creates Alternate Casting Vision
Short filmmaker and AI artist Souvik shared his fascinating "what if" scenario on Instagram. He used artificial intelligence to generate visuals of Dhurandhar set in the 1980s. The project presents a dream lineup of yesteryear stars taking on iconic characters from the recent box office sensation.
Amitabh Bachchan Transforms into Hamza Ali Mazari
The AI-generated image shows Amitabh Bachchan as Hamza Ali Mazari. Big B appears with a beard and long hair, radiating brooding intensity. His olive-green outfit and cigarette instantly remind viewers of his Deewar days. Bachchan exudes raw power and quiet menace in this reimagined role.
Vinod Khanna Steps into His Son's Role as Rehman Dakait
Vinod Khanna, once considered Bachchan's biggest competitor, appears as Rehman Dakait. Interestingly, this character was originally played by his son, Akshaye Khanna, in the actual film. The AI visual shows Khanna in sleek black Pathani suits with aviators, showcasing effortless charisma. Parveen Babi joins him as his on-screen wife, Ulfat.
Complete Star-Studded Cast from the 1980s
The reimagining includes several other iconic actors from Hindi cinema's golden era:
- Sridevi takes on the role of Yalina, originally played by Sara Arjun
- Amrish Puri appears as SP Aslam
- Jackie Shroff transforms into Major Iqbal
- Rishi Kapoor plays Uzair
- Paresh Rawal becomes Ajay Sanyal
This alternate casting creates a nostalgic dream team for Bollywood enthusiasts who remember these stars in their prime.
Dhurandhar's Remarkable Box Office Journey
Released on December 5, Dhurandhar opened to modest numbers but gained tremendous momentum over its first weekend. The film eventually became the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025. It has now entered the top five highest-grossing Indian films of all time.
Dhurandhar joins an elite group that includes:
- Dangal
- Baahubali 2: The Conclusion
- Pushpa 2: The Rule
The film surpassed RRR's lifetime collection to become the fourth highest-grossing Indian film ever. Its worldwide earnings have crossed an impressive Rs 1,300 crore mark.
This AI reimagining comes more than forty days after Dhurandhar's theatrical release. The film continues to maintain its powerful magic at the box office. It has firmly established itself as Ranveer Singh's emphatic comeback vehicle while reviving Akshaye Khanna's stardom.
The AI-generated images provide a fascinating glimpse into an alternate cinematic reality. They blend modern technology with nostalgic casting choices, creating conversation among film lovers across generations.