How a Tiny Detail Transformed Madhavan's Look in Dhurandhar
In a fascinating revelation, acclaimed actor R. Madhavan has shared the pivotal piece of advice from director Aditya Dhar that perfectly finalized his appearance for the highly anticipated action film, 'Dhurandhar'. Madhavan, who plays a major role inspired by India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, disclosed this detail during the film's trailer launch event in Mumbai.
The Three-Hour Makeup Process and the Missing Element
Madhavan described the extensive process of getting into character, which involved sitting through 3-4 hours of makeup and prosthetics application. Despite this lengthy preparation, the actor confessed that he felt something was still not quite right with his avatar. He struggled to capture the exact resemblance to the real-life figure he was portraying, the esteemed NSA Ajit Doval.
It was at this crucial moment that director Aditya Dhar, known for his sharp eye for detail, stepped in. Madhavan recounted the simple yet transformative suggestion: "And then Aditya said... 'Maddy, make your lips thinner.'"
One Small Change, A Whole New Result
The actor took this direction to heart. "For the entire film, I changed my lip shape (made them thinner), and because of that one small detail, the whole result changed," Madhavan explained. This minor adjustment created a significant impact, finally achieving the desired similarity to his character's inspiration. The experience was a humbling one for the seasoned actor, who acknowledged, "And then I realized—I am not the master here. I am working with true masters... all of them."
Madhavan's Praise for Director Aditya Dhar
At the same event, Madhavan did not hold back in his admiration for director Aditya Dhar's talent and dedication. He shared an anecdote about when Dhar first approached him with the script for 'Dhurandhar'. "I remember Aditya came to me one day while I was shooting for something else to narrate the script of Dhurandhar," Madhavan said.
He was thoroughly impressed by the director's extensive preparation. "I listened to him, I listened to the research he had done, and I wondered, 'Where has this man been all this time? This is national-level research, but where was he?'" This statement highlights the depth of research Dhar invested in the project, setting a high bar for the film's authenticity.
All About the Action-Packed 'Dhurandhar'
'Dhurandhar' boasts an impressive ensemble cast that includes Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Akshaye Khanna, alongside R. Madhavan. The film's trailer, unveiled recently, promises a high-octane cinematic experience.
Viewers can expect a barrage of action-packed sequences featuring intense gun fights, dramatic blasts, and large-scale destruction of infrastructure. The scale of the project has led to speculation about a potential second installment, hinting at an expansive narrative universe.
Mark your calendars, as 'Dhurandhar' is scheduled to hit theaters on December 5, 2025, positioning it as one of the most awaited films of the year.