Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar has continued to stay in focus even after its successful theatrical run, with the film finding renewed traction following its release on OTT platforms. As audiences revisit the film online, actor Sunil Shetty has now added fresh insight into its making by revealing that he was once part of one of Dhar’s shelved projects and by sharing his thoughts on Dhurandhar’s performances and creative choices.
In a recent interview with Lehren Retro, Sunil Shetty spoke about The Immortal Ashwatthama, the ambitious film that never materialised, and reflected on Aditya Dhar’s filmmaking vision.
Sunil Shetty’s Role in the Shelved ‘Ashwatthama’
Sunil Shetty revealed that he was originally cast in Aditya Dhar’s The Immortal Ashwatthama. The film, which was planned with Vicky Kaushal in the lead role, was eventually shelved due to budget constraints and shifting market conditions.
“I was supposed to play a role in Aditya’s film Ashwatthama. But then it got shelved. Everyone was signed, everything was done,” Shetty said, indicating that the project had progressed well before being called off.
The film has since remained one of the most discussed shelved projects in recent Bollywood history.
Watching ‘Dhurandhar’ Triggered Mixed Feelings
Looking back, Shetty admitted that watching Dhurandhar made him reflect on what could have been. The actor said the film’s execution and scale highlighted Aditya Dhar’s growth as a director.
“When I saw Dhurandhar, I wished I could have been a part of it,” he shared, adding that the film left a strong impression on him as a viewer.
Sunil Shetty Offers a Different Take on Performances
While Akshaye Khanna has received widespread praise for his role in Dhurandhar, Sunil Shetty shared a more nuanced view. According to him, both Aditya Dhar and Ranveer Singh stood out more strongly within the film’s narrative.
“Everyone was praising Akshaye Khanna for being the best in the film, but I felt that Aditya and Ranveer Singh were much better than him,” Shetty said.
He explained that Akshaye’s character benefited from strong writing, background music, and narrative build-up, which enhanced its impact on screen.
Why Ranveer Singh’s Performance Worked
Shetty pointed out that Ranveer Singh’s performance stood out despite having fewer cinematic advantages. He noted that the actor managed to create a strong presence without relying heavily on background score or dramatic framing.
“The audience can see that Akshaye’s character is built up with background music and everything working in his favour. But Ranveer has none of that, yet he shines,” Shetty said.
He credited Ranveer’s performance to his physicality, screen presence, and expressive eyes, which helped him shape the character organically.
Aditya Dhar’s Bet on a Long Runtime
Sunil Shetty also addressed questions around Dhurandhar’s lengthy runtime, calling it a well-thought-out decision. He said Dhar had a clear understanding of how audience viewing habits have changed after the pandemic.
“These days, people ask how a film can be 3 hours and 40 minutes long,” Shetty said, adding that audiences now regularly binge-watch web series for six to seven hours in one sitting.
A Theatrical Experience Built on Confidence
According to Shetty, Dhar believed that if viewers could invest long hours in content at home, they would be willing to do the same in theatres—provided the experience was immersive.
“If you can sit for that long for a web series, watch it on a big screen. I’ll give you an even more amazing experience,” Shetty recalled.
He concluded by praising Dhar’s conviction and clarity, saying Dhurandhar’s success was driven by the director’s belief in his vision.
As Dhurandhar continues to gain viewership on OTT, Sunil Shetty’s comments have added depth to the conversation around the film—while also revisiting The Immortal Ashwatthama, a project that remains a significant ‘what-if’ in modern Bollywood.
