Rehman Dakait: the gangster who stole the spotlight.
(Image Source: X.com)
On paper, Dhurandhar was meant to be Ranveer Singh’s film. A spy thriller directed by Aditya Dhar, and packed with stars like R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal, it had all the makings of a blockbuster. But when audiences walked out of theatres, one name kept echoing louder than the rest: Rehman Dakait.
Played by Akshaye Khanna, Rehman wasn’t the hero. He wasn’t even the central villain. He was a gangster from Lyari, Karachi — a supporting role in a sprawling narrative. Yet, in the weeks since the film’s release, Rehman Dakait has become the character everyone is talking about.
The Man Behind the Swagger
Akshaye Khanna has always been a reluctant star. Unlike his contemporaries, he never chased the limelight. He stayed away from social media, rarely gave interviews, and often disappeared from the public eye for years at a time. But when he does appear, he reminds audiences of why he’s one of Bollywood’s most underrated actors.
In Dhurandhar, Khanna slips into Rehman Dakait’s skin with unnerving ease. His entry scene — a slow walk, a sly smile, and a line delivered with razor-sharp precision — instantly shifted the film’s energy. By the time he danced to the viral track “FA9LA,” he had already hooked audiences. Here was a gangster who wasn’t caricatured, wasn’t over-the-top, but radiated menace and charm in equal measure.
Social Media’s New Obsession
What makes Rehman Dakait’s rise even more fascinating is that Akshaye Khanna himself is absent from the digital world. He doesn’t tweet, doesn’t post reels, doesn’t chase trends. Yet, his character has become a social media phenomenon.
Memes of his dialogues are flooding Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
Fan edits of his FA9LA dance have gone viral in the UK, especially among diaspora communities who see in him a mix of nostalgia and fresh swagger.
TikTok creators are mimicking his walk, his smirk, his lines — turning Rehman into a cultural shorthand for effortless cool.
It’s ironic: in an age where actors carefully curate their online personas, Khanna has stolen the spotlight by doing nothing at all. His silence has only amplified the noise around Rehman Dakait.
Why Rehman Resonates
There’s something timeless about the gangster archetype. From Hollywood’s Tony Montana to Bollywood’s Dawood-inspired dons, the anti-hero has always drawn audiences in. But Rehman Dakait feels different.
The film doesn’t paint him as a cartoonish villain. He’s grounded, unpredictable, and magnetic. He represents rebellion in a film otherwise dominated by soldiers and spies. His presence reminds viewers that power doesn’t always wear a uniform — sometimes it wears a smirk and a leather jacket.
For UK audiences, especially South Asian diaspora communities, Rehman Dakait has struck a chord because he embodies both menace and charisma. He feels like someone you shouldn’t root for, but can’t look away from.
The Film’s Narrative Shift
When Dhurandhar crossed ₹480 crore at the box office within two weeks, much of the credit went to its ensemble cast and slick action sequences. But critics and fans alike have noted that Khanna’s Rehman Dakait has hijacked the film’s narrative.
Ranveer Singh may have been marketed as the face of the film, but Rehman has become its soul. The debates online aren’t about the spy plot or the patriotic undertones — they’re about Khanna’s performance, his screen time, and whether the film should have given him more.
Akshaye Khanna’s Quiet Triumph
At 50, Akshaye Khanna has nothing left to prove. His career spans iconic films like Border, Dil Chahta Hai,and Taal. Yet, he has always remained on the fringes of stardom, choosing roles selectively, living quietly in Alibaug, far from the chaos of Mumbai.
With Rehman Dakait, he has reminded audiences of his enduring talent. He doesn’t need Instagram followers or PR campaigns. He doesn’t need to shout to be heard. His performance speaks louder than any marketing strategy.
When asked about the frenzy, Khanna reportedly shrugged and said,“Haan, mazza aaya.” That one line, casual and understated, sums up his approach. He doesn’t chase fame. Fame chases him.
The Unintended Hero
Rehman Dakait was never meant to be the hero of Dhurandhar. But in the swirl of memes, viral songs, and fan obsession, he has become exactly that.
For audiences in India and the UK, Akshaye Khanna’s gangster has redefined the film’s legacy. He has shown how one performance, delivered with honesty and restraint, can hijack the spotlight and turn a supporting role into a cultural phenomenon.
In the end, Dhurandhar may be remembered as the film that gave us Rehman Dakait — the gangster who stole the show, the man who reminded us that charisma doesn’t need noise, and the actor who proved that sometimes, silence is the loudest roar.
Stay updated with the latest news on The World Times. Get all the trending City News, India News, Business News, and Sports News.
