- By Swati Singh
- Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:25 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
New Bollywood movie Dhurandhar is the major focal point of discussion sinces its release. The movie's cast is being hailed by fans and critics alike. Dhurandhar is based on real-life events and it majorly highlights Lyari, also known as the Mother of Karachi. Lyari is one of the popular towns of Karachi, but it was once the hub of illegal activities, drugs smuggling and especially gangsters. Dhurandhar sheds light on what it took to eliminate violence from Lyari, by killing its king- Rehman Dakait. However, Lyari was later acquired by other gangsters and it took time to stop the process. If the reports are to be believed, Lyari is a gangster-free zone now, but very small parts of the place still practice the king-culture.
Dhurandhar brings to the screen one of Karachi’s most turbulent chapters and what makes the film even more gripping is the striking resemblance its cast holds to the real individuals who shaped Lyari’s dark underworld.
Dhurandhar Reel vs Real-Life characters
Rehman Dakait, played by Akshaye Khanna
Akshaye Khanna stands out as one of the most accurate portrayals in Dhurandhar. He portrays Rehman Dakait very precisely. The real photographs of Rehman which are now doing rounds on social media features a man with piercing eyes and a cold, calculated stillness—traits and as evident from Akshaye's role in Dhurandhar, he perfectly incapsulates the character. His transformation closely matches the gangster’s real appearance.
About Rehman Dakait: Rehman Dakait built the most-powerful criminal empire in the 2000s. He was appointed as the leader of the "Peoples' Aman Committee" and had political connections with the Pakistan People's Party (PPP). Rehman Dakait was brutal as reports suggest that he was allegedly involved in his first stabbing at just 13 years old. Also, at 19, he murdered his own mother, allegedly strangling her and hanging her body from a ceiling fan. In order to have dominance over people, he spread terror in several ways. According to reports, Rehman's associates played "football" with the severed heads of victims under his command. However, he was killed in a police encounter in 2009.
Recommended For You
(Image: X/@mysteriou_s1)
Uzair Baloch, played by Danish Pandor
Uzair Baloch was Rehman Dakait's cousin. He was a key figure who took over the gang's leadership after Rehman's death. He sought revenge against a rival gang for his father's murder which led to a war.
Uzair Baloch's real-life look features- thick beard, intense gaze and a dangerous aura. Danish Pandor, who plays his role in Dhurandhar, strongly resembles his well-documented public image, making the character instantly recognizable to those familiar with Karachi’s gang-war history.
(Image: ANI, Instagram/@danishpandor)
ISI Major Iqbal, played by Arjun Rampal
While Major Iqbal’s identity is still shadowy and unconfirmed, Arjun embodies the polished, authoritative, and secretive persona often associated with high-level ISI handlers. His sharp features and composed demeanor align with descriptions of the real figure.
Major Iqbal in the context of Pakistan’s ISI is believed to be the shadowy officer who handled David Headley, overseeing his training and reconnaissance activities linked to the Mumbai attacks. His true identity has never been officially confirmed, though various reports suggest he played a significant role in ISI operations and may have had ties to groups like LeT.
(Image: X/@mysteriou_s1)
Who killed Rehman Dakait?
Chaudhry Aslam, SP CID Karachi, played by Sanjay Dutt
Sanjay Dutt as Chaudhry Aslam is perhaps the most startling resemblance. He is fearless in the movie. Chaudhry Aslam, known for his fearless attitude and signature mustache, is mirrored powerfully by Dutt. The rugged face, heavy build and commanding presence make the portrayal almost lifelike.
(Image: X/@JawadYousufxai)
About Dhurandhar: Dhurandhar is a 2025 Hindi spy action thriller directed and co-produced by Aditya Dhar, starring Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan and others. Inspired by real RAW operations like Operation Lyari, the film blends events such as the IC-814 hijacking and the 2001 Parliament attack. The story follows IB Chief Ajay Sanyal as he launches a risky mission to break a major Pakistan-based terror network, recruiting a 20-year-old captive from Punjab and shaping him into an undercover weapon to infiltrate Karachi’s dangerous underworld.
