Ever since Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar hit theatres, the film has been the talk of the town. While Akshaye Khanna turned into an overnight internet sensation with his menacing act as Rehman Dakait, recent rumours claimed that the role was initially offered to Nagarjuna — and that the South superstar had turned it down.Now, Nagarjuna has set the record straight.In a recent interaction with Bollywood Hungama, the actor dismissed the speculation, clarifying that he was never approached for the part that eventually went to Akshaye Khanna.“Absolutely not. I was not offered the role, though I wish I was… Dhurandhar is a superb film… Really incredible direction by Aditya Dhar. I loved his earlier film Uri also! Superb acting by everybody in the film, and Akshaye Khanna was terrific… Looking forward to the sequel! Wishing them another blockbuster,” Nagarjuna said.

‘Audiences demand international standards of storytelling’

Currently shooting for his 100th film, Nagarjuna also spoke about taking his time with the milestone project.“We are not rushing anything. There is no hurry to complete the film. We want it to be very special. After Dhurandhar, it is clear that the audiences demand international standards of storytelling,” he shared.

What lies ahead

Nagarjuna was last seen in Bollywood in Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva (2022), where he played Anish Shetty, the wielder of the Nandi Āstra, alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. His next film is slated for a January 15 release during Sankranthi. Meanwhile, Akshaye Khanna is expected to return as Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, which is scheduled to release on March 19. After Dhurandhar 2, the actor also has Mahakali and Ikka lined up.