The spy thriller 'Dhurandhar', directed by Aditya Dhar and released in theaters on December 5, 2025, has become a massive box office success. While the film boasts an ensemble cast of Bollywood heavyweights like Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, and Sanjay Dutt, a group of talented television actors has managed to capture the audience's attention with their remarkable performances.
From Sitcoms to Spy Thrillers: A Dramatic Shift
The film provided a unique platform for several small-screen favorites to showcase their versatility in a high-stakes, dramatic setting, moving far beyond their established on-screen personas.
Saumya Tandon, adored for years as Anita Bhabi in 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain!', took on a radically different role. She played Ulfat, the courageous wife of dacoit Rehman, bringing deep emotional layers to the narrative. Her transition from a comedy icon to a dramatic performer was both surprising and impressive.
Similarly, comedy legend Rakesh Bedi, known for classics like 'Shrimaan Shrimati', stepped into a serious political role. He portrayed the prominent Pakistani leader Jameel Jamali with great conviction, adding significant weight to the film's plot and proving his mastery extends beyond impeccable comic timing.
Reality TV and Daily Soap Stars Make Their Mark
The blockbuster also served as a grand launchpad for stars from other television genres.
Ayesha Khan, who first gained fame as a contestant on 'Bigg Boss 17', brought her vibrant energy to the big screen. She appeared in the special song 'Shararat' alongside Krystle D'Souza, with her captivating presence delighting audiences. The actress herself expressed her disbelief at the opportunity on social media.
Krystle D'Souza, forever remembered as Jeevika from 'Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai', charmed viewers once again with her graceful dance moves in the same song. Her appearance was a thrilling moment for her legion of television fans.
Veteran actor Manav Gohil, of 'Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii' fame, delivered a reliable and strong performance as Sushant Bansal, a sharp intelligence officer. His character was crucial to the film's investigation plot, and his screen presence added a layer of gritty realism to the thriller.
Complete Transformations and Nod to the Past
Some actors underwent complete transformations, leaving their most famous roles far behind.
Gaurav Gera, fondly recalled as the nerdy Nandu from 'Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin', completely reinvented himself. He played Mohammad Alam, a brave and skilled Indian spy whose intelligence is vital to the mission. His serious and strong performance was a stark departure from his comedic roots, highlighting his underrated versatility.
The inclusion of these artists not only enriched the film's casting but also demonstrated the vast pool of acting talent present in the Indian television industry. Their ability to hold their own in a project of this scale, alongside established film stars, has been widely appreciated by critics and audiences alike, making their performances a standout aspect of the 'Dhurandhar' experience.
