Akshaye Khanna's gripping performance as Rehman Dakait in the film Dhurandhar has garnered significant acclaim, but the role was not initially his. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra disclosed that three actors had turned down the part, expressing concerns over the ensemble nature of the cast, particularly with Ranveer Singh as the lead. Despite the initial setbacks, Chhabra approached Khanna, who quickly recognized the script's potential and agreed to take on the role within a day. This decision proved pivotal, as Khanna's portrayal of the notorious Lyari ganglord has become a focal point of the film's discussion. Set in Karachi, the film intertwines themes of gang warfare with major geopolitical events, including the 2001 Parliament attack and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The sequel, released on March 19, further explores the character of Hamza, played by Singh, and his mission against a terror network in Pakistan, making Khanna's casting twist an intriguing aspect of the film's narrative journey.