Rakesh Bedi says he added Dhurandhar’s comic moments, rejects PMO script allegations

Despite its intense action and violence, Ranveer Singh’s blockbuster Dhurandhar franchise became equally known for its unexpected comic moments, many of which went viral on social media. Now, veteran actor Rakesh Bedi has revealed that much of that humour stemmed from his own suggestions, adding that director Aditya Dhar was initially hesitant about introducing comedy into the high-stakes spy thriller.

Speaking at the Amrit Ratna 2026 summit in New Delhi on Wednesday, Bedi reflected on his role as Jameel Jamali, an Indian intelligence operative who infiltrates Pakistan’s political establishment and eventually rises to become a politician. The revelation that Jamali is actually an Indian agent remains one of the franchise’s biggest twists, and Bedi said he was aware of the character’s secret identity from the outset.

Recalling his early discussions with Dhar, Bedi said he felt the script’s intense tone created opportunities for moments of comic relief.

“When I read the script two or three times, I realised it was a very intense film. Because comedy comes naturally to me, I felt there were certain pockets where humour could be added. I told Aditya that I could see places where we could lighten the mood a little,” he said.

According to Bedi, Dhar was initially unconvinced.

“He said, ‘Let’s see how things develop as we work on it.’ At first he was a little reluctant, but gradually he started enjoying those moments and so did I,” the actor added.

Asked to identify one of the comic additions he contributed, Bedi pointed to a now-viral line from the film involving a humorous remark about ducks, which became one of the franchise’s most widely shared scenes online.

On claims about the script’s origins

Bedi also addressed long-standing allegations from critics that Dhurandhar was politically influenced and that its screenplay had effectively been written with support from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Dismissing the claims with humour, the actor joked that no one in the PMO could have come up with some of the film’s quirky dialogue.

“When the film became a hit, some people said the script came from the PMO. I told them, ‘Who in the PMO could possibly write a line like that?’ Nobody would even think of something like it,” he said.

The franchise has drawn both praise and criticism since its release. Supporters have lauded its slick storytelling, action sequences and performances, while detractors have argued that the films portray the BJP-led government in an overly favourable light and underplay the contributions of previous administrations.

About the franchise

Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar was released in December 2025, followed by Dhurandhar 2 in March 2026. The films star Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Gaurav Gera and Danish Pandor.

The story follows Jaskirat Singh Rangi, alias Hamza Ali Mazari, an Indian operative sent to Pakistan’s Lyari region to dismantle a terror network. To complete the mission, he infiltrates a Baloch gang, marries into a powerful political family and embeds himself deep within local society.

The first film reportedly earned ₹1,307 crore worldwide, while its sequel has crossed ₹1,790 crore globally. Both films are currently streaming worldwide.