Akshaye Khanna, a name synonymous with versatility, has recently been lauded as 'the real deal' by none other than Farah Khan! But what sparked this renewed appreciation for the actor? Well, it all boils down to his powerful performance in 'Dhurandhar,' leading many to revisit and re-evaluate his comedic brilliance in the 2010 film 'Tees Maar Khan.'
In 'Tees Maar Khan,' Akshaye Khanna embodied Aatish Kapoor, a hilariously arrogant superstar completely obsessed with winning an Oscar. The character resonated with audiences, showcasing Khanna's impeccable comedic timing. But here's where it gets controversial... While 'Tees Maar Khan' itself didn't set the box office on fire upon its release, Farah Khan argues that the film is experiencing a resurgence in popularity thanks to Akshaye's recent success in 'Dhurandhar.'
Akshaye's portrayal of the menacing Pakistani gangster Rehman Dakait in Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar' has been receiving rave reviews. Many viewers even claimed that he stole the show, further solidifying his reputation as a consistently brilliant performer. OG fans, of course, knew this already, having witnessed his impressive acting range for years. This renewed appreciation has naturally led to revisiting some of his past performances, including the memorable Aatish Kapoor.
During a recent visit to 'Bigg Boss 19' finalist Pranit More's home for her vlog, Farah Khan playfully declared that Akshaye himself is the 'Oscar.' This comment stemmed from a lighthearted moment where Pranit attempted to teach Farah's cook, Dilip, stand-up comedy. Dilip, struggling with the humor, declared 'Tees Maar Khan' as his favorite film.
Farah responded, "Dhurandhar ke baad Tees Maar Khan ka hi raaj chal raha hain (After Dhurandhar, if any film is ruling, it has to be Tees Maar Khan)." Pranit chimed in, "Asli Oscar toh waha hi he, aapke film mein (The real Oscar is in fact, in your film)!" Farah wholeheartedly agreed, even playfully mimicking Aatish Kapoor's constant repetition of "Oscaarrr!" – a testament to the character's desperation for the coveted award. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn't just a simple role; Akshaye truly understood and embodied the character's ambition and insecurities.
'Tees Maar Khan,' a heist thriller comedy also starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, may not have been a blockbuster, but it undeniably holds a special place for Akshaye Khanna fans. It's a reminder of his versatility and ability to shine even in films that received mixed reviews.
Meanwhile, 'Dhurandhar,' starring Ranveer Singh in the lead and featuring an ensemble cast including Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Sara Arjun, has reportedly become the highest-grossing film of 2025. A sequel is already slated for release on March 19th. So, could 'Dhurandhar' be the film that finally earns Akshaye Khanna the widespread recognition he deserves? Or does 'Tees Maar Khan' hold a special, perhaps underrated, comedic charm? What do you think? Which Akshaye Khanna performance is your favorite, and why? Let us know in the comments!
