The movie Dhurandhar (2025) has taken the box office by storm, not just for its high action but for the uncanny transformations of its star cast. Director Aditya Dhar has pulled off a casting coup, with actors disappearing into roles inspired by real-life figures from the shadowy world of espionage and the Lyari gang wars.

Below is an in-depth Real vs. Reel breakdown,

Real vs. Reel: The Cast of Dhurandhar Unmasked

1. Ranveer Singh as Hamza / Jaskirat Singh Rangi

Based on: An Undercover Indian Agent (Composite/Inspired by profiles like Major Mohit Sharma)

1. On the Right (Reel): Ranveer Singh looks unrecognizable with long, unkempt hair and a heavy, rugged beard. He is wearing a dusty Pathani suit, his eyes burning with a manic intensity. His frame is bulked up, significantly larger than his usual lean self, blending perfectly into the gritty streets of Karachi.
2. On the Left (Real): A blurred silhouette of a covert operative. While the makers have clarified the character is fictionalized, the look draws heavy inspiration from undercover agents who operate in deep cover—ordinary men with extraordinary courage, often blending in as locals.

The Transformation: Ranveer has completely shed his "star" persona. The "Reel" image shows a man living on the edge. The physical transformation—specifically the muscle mass gained to look like a hardened enforcer in the Lyari gangs—is one of the film's biggest talking points. Unlike the flamboyant Khilji, this look is grounded, gritty, and terrifyingly real.

2. R. Madhavan as Ajay Sanyal

Based on: Ajit Doval (National Security Advisor)

1. On the Right (Reel): R. Madhavan is balding, wearing thick-rimmed spectacles, and sports a subtle moustache. His skin tone is tanned, and prosthetics have altered his jawline to give him a square, aged look. He wears a modest vest and shirt, looking like a unassuming bureaucrat.
2. On the Left (Real): A photograph of the real NSA, Ajit Doval. He is seen in his trademark decisive posture, wearing a similar sensible jacket and glasses, exuding quiet authority.

The Transformation: This is arguably the most shocking visual on the list. If you look closely at the "Reel" image, you can't even tell it's Madhavan. The prosthetics team (led by Preetisheel Singh) has done a phenomenal job. He captures the essence of India’s "James Bond"—unassuming on the outside, but sharp as a tack on the inside.

3. Akshaye Khanna as Rehman Dakait

Based on: Rehman Dakait (Lyari Gangster)

1. On the Left (Reel): Akshaye Khanna stands with a chilling, killing posture. He is wearing a crisp white Pathani suit. His eyes are deadpan but dangerous. He sports a specific wig that mimics the hairline of the real gangster, and his body language is loose yet threatening.
2. On the Right (Real): An archival news photo of the real Rehman Dakait—the notorious gangster of Lyari. He has a similar facial structure and is seen surrounded by his entourage, often wearing traditional shalwar kameez.

The Transformation: Akshaye Khanna doesn't just look the part; he feels the part. The "Reel" image captures the "eyes of a devil" that critics are raving about. The resemblance isn't just in the wig or the clothes; it's in the aura of fear he projects, mirroring the real-life dread associated with the Lyari kingpin.

4. Arjun Rampal as Major Iqbal

Based on: Ilyas Kashmiri (Terrorist/Militant Commander)

1. On the Right (Reel): Arjun Rampal is tall and imposing in a military-style jacket mixed with local attire. He wears distinct aviator sunglasses and a commando-style beard. One eye seems to droop slightly (a nod to the real figure's injury). He looks like a man of war.
2. On the Left (Real): Grainy footage of Ilyas Kashmiri, the Al-Qaeda commander. He is often seen in camouflage jackets with dark sunglasses, known for his missing eye and imposing height.

The Transformation: Arjun Rampal uses his natural height to his advantage here. The "Reel" look channels the menacing, "bad guy" aesthetic perfectly. The costume department nailed the mix of military gear and civilian clothing that defined the real-life militant's signature look.

5. Sanjay Dutt as SP Chaudhary Aslam Khan

Based on: Chaudhry Aslam Khan (The "Encounter Specialist" of Karachi)

1. On the Left (Reel): Sanjay Dutt is seen holding a cigarette in one hand and a gun in the other. He wears a loose white shalwar kameez that is slightly stained. He looks exhausted but relentless, a man who has seen too much blood.
2. On the Right (Real): A famous photo of SP Chaudhry Aslam standing amidst rubble after a bomb blast, defiant as ever. He was known for his "cowboy" reputation in the Karachi police force.

The Transformation: Sanjay Dutt was born to play this role. The visual comparison shows that Dutt didn't need much makeup to channel the rugged, fearless energy of Karachi's toughest cop. The "Reel" image mirrors the real-life officer's swagger and refusal to back down, even in the face of death.