Even as Dhurandhar continues to dominate the box office and captivate audiences across India, one person remarkably hasn’t seen the film yet: Rahul Khanna, brother of the movie’s acclaimed actor Akshaye Khanna.

The spy action thriller, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh alongside Akshaye, has become one of the most-watched and talked-about films of 2025. With a gripping story, high-octane sequences, and Akshaye’s standout performance as Rehman Dakait, the film not only won critical acclaim but also broke several box office records, surpassing previous hits like Jawan (2023) and Pathaan (2023).

Yet, despite all the buzz and family pride, Rahul Khanna revealed in a conversation with Mid-Day that he still hasn’t watched the film.

Waiting for the Right Moment

“I haven’t seen the movie yet. I’m waiting for him to show it to me,” Rahul admitted. While he refrained from delving into the plot or the film’s finer points, he did compliment his brother’s on-screen presence. “Anything he wears looks great, so I’m sure he looks fantastic in the film,” Rahul added.

The statement reflects not only the close bond between the two brothers but also a certain respect for experiencing Akshaye’s work in a private, intimate setting rather than in the public glare of reviews and reactions.

A Bond Between Brothers

Rahul and Akshaye share a quiet, understated relationship, far removed from the intense scrutiny of the Bollywood spotlight. In an earlier interview with The Times of India, Akshaye had reflected on the significance of family in his life: “In that sense, it hasn’t changed. But the immediate family for an individual is parents and siblings, and once that starts getting smaller, you hold to what is left even more.”

Their closeness is rooted in shared experiences growing up as sons of the legendary actor Vinod Khanna and Geetanjali Khanna. Despite Vinod Khanna’s dramatic life choices — leaving his film career and family to follow spiritual leader Osho to the United States — both brothers maintained a sense of connection and respect for one another, navigating the complexities of personal and public life with maturity.

Legacy of the Khanna Family

The Khanna family’s story is as compelling as any cinematic plot. Vinod Khanna, a superstar of his time, left India to live at Osho’s ashram for several years, later returning to the country in 1990. After his return, he married Kavita Daftary, with whom he had two more children, Sakshi and Shraddha Khanna. Meanwhile, Akshaye and Rahul grew up witnessing the dual worlds of Bollywood glamour and personal upheaval, learning the nuances of resilience and dedication from an early age.

Today, Akshaye’s career stands as a testament to that perseverance, with 2025 proving to be an extraordinary year.

Akshaye’s Blockbuster Year

Earlier in 2025, Akshaye appeared as the antagonist Aurangzeb in Chhaava, starring alongside Vicky Kaushal. The film enjoyed massive commercial success, holding strong at the box office until Dhurandhar surpassed it in December. With these back-to-back hits, Akshaye has become only the second Bollywood actor — after Shah Rukh Khan — to achieve a cumulative box office collection exceeding ₹2,000 crore within a single year.

The success of Dhurandhar has brought Akshaye immense recognition, with critics and audiences praising his nuanced portrayal of a morally complex character. His performance as Rehman Dakait, alongside Ranveer Singh’s dynamic lead, has been hailed as one of the highlights of the film, cementing his reputation as one of Bollywood’s finest actors.

A Quiet Celebration of Success

Even as the world lauds his achievements, Akshaye maintains a grounded approach, appreciating the support of his close family. Rahul’s decision to wait for a personal viewing of Dhurandhar reflects a subtle celebration of that success — one experienced first among family rather than the public.

It’s a poignant reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of Bollywood’s blockbuster culture, there are personal stories of patience, pride, and intimate family moments that often go unnoticed. For the Khanna brothers, the success of Dhurandhar is not just a professional milestone but also a shared family triumph, one that Rahul is choosing to witness in his own time.

As audiences continue flocking to theatres to watch Akshaye in one of his career-best performances, fans are equally eager to see the private moment when Rahul finally sits down with his brother to watch Dhurandhar together. It promises to be a quiet, heartfelt celebration, fitting for a family that has always balanced cinematic legacy with personal bonds.