In the world of Bollywood, comparisons between actors tackling similar roles are inevitable. This scenario has emerged again as actor Arjun Rampal prepares to step into the shoes of a blind character for the upcoming sequel Aankhen 2. This comes years after Hrithik Roshan delivered a critically acclaimed performance as a visually impaired man in the 2017 hit Kaabil.
Focus on Craft, Not Competition
Addressing the inevitable chatter, Arjun Rampal has firmly dismissed any notion of a rivalry or attempt to match Hrithik's celebrated act. In a recent interview, the actor clarified that his focus is squarely on personal artistic growth rather than external comparisons. "I am not competing with anyone," Arjun stated, emphasizing that his goal is to elevate his own craft and push his creative boundaries for the sequel.
He reflected on the legacy of the original film, noting, "'Aankhen' is always a special film in my career and people still talk about it wherever I go." Arjun added that with advancements in technology and filmmaking, the team aims to take the franchise to a new level with the sequel.
The Legacy and Challenge of Aankhen 2
Returning to the franchise is a responsibility Arjun Rampal does not take lightly. The original 2002 thriller Aankhen, featuring a stellar cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, and Sushmita Sen, became a cult favourite. Stepping back into this world for Aankhen 2 involves carrying forward his role from the prequel and enhancing it for a modern audience.
"I am trying to carry forward the role from the prequel and enhance it. For that, I need to train hard," he shared, highlighting the dedication required to meet the high expectations surrounding the sequel.
Current Success with Dhurandhar
On the work front, Arjun Rampal is currently riding high on the success of his latest release, Dhurandhar. In the Aditya Dhar-directed film, he portrays the character of Major Iqbal. The project boasts an ensemble cast featuring Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt, among others.
Meanwhile, Hrithik Roshan was last seen in the August 2025 release War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji. The action thriller also starred Jr NTR and Kiara Advani, continuing Roshan's streak of high-octane performances.
As the anticipation for Aankhen 2 builds, Arjun Rampal's clear intent to focus on his personal journey rather than comparative benchmarks sets a distinct tone for his upcoming performance.
