R Madhavan on ‘Dhurandhar’: Director’s advice helped crack his NSA-inspired character

Mumbai: Actor R Madhavan, who plays a spy in the upcoming film 'Dhurandhar', has revealed how a small yet crucial piece of advice from director Aditya Dhar helped him perfect his look for the role.

Madhavan’s character in the film is inspired by India’s National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval. Speaking at the trailer launch on Tuesday, the actor praised Dhar for his meticulous attention to detail. He said that although he would spend three to four hours daily on make-up and prosthetics, something about the appearance still felt incomplete as he tried to match Doval’s likeness.

According to Madhavan, Dhar eventually approached him and suggested he make his lips appear thinner while speaking, a subtle adjustment that ultimately transformed the look.

The film also boasts a strong ensemble cast featuring Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal and Akshaye Khanna. While Dutt, Rampal and Khanna portray antagonists as Pakistani terrorists, Ranveer plays the protagonist who infiltrates their network under Madhavan’s command.

Rampal and Khanna stand out in the trailer, delivering menacing performances. The trailer itself is packed with intense action, including gunfights, explosions and large-scale destruction.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, 'Dhurandhar' is positioned as one of Bollywood’s major action releases of 2025. The earlier teaser introduced viewers to a world of covert operations and “men operating in the shadows”. Its high-energy title track, blending hip-hop and Punjabi elements and featuring rapper Hanumankind, has already added to the buzz, showcasing Ranveer in a fierce, guns-blazing avatar.

Reports suggest the film’s expansive storyline could pave the way for a two-part franchise. Framed as a big-canvas espionage thriller combining spectacle, drama and intrigue, 'Dhurandhar' is expected to be one of Ranveer Singh’s most ambitious roles to date.

IANS