Dhurandhar Release Turned Akshaye Khanna Into a Viral Sensation as Fans Say Netflix ‘Flipped the Script’

Veteran actor Akshaye Khanna found himself at the centre of online conversation following the release of Dhurandhar, particularly after the film debuted on Netflix. Long after its theatrical run, the movie’s arrival on the popular streaming platform reignited interest, making Dhurandhar on Netflix a talking point across social media. Scenes and character moments began circulating as viral clips, with many viewers highlighting Akshaye Khanna’s performance. Online discussions suggested that the edits and promotional focus around his role significantly elevated his presence during the film’s digital rollout.

The renewed focus on Dhurandhar came as Netflix pushed curated clips that spotlighted strong performances and key emotional beats from the film. One sequence featuring Khanna, in particular, drew widespread attention. Fans actively shared reaction videos, memes and commentary, discussing how his portrayal stood out within the film’s broader narrative. Many credited Netflix’s strategic presentation - through trailers, thumbnails and highlighted moments - for driving this second wave of interest, with users saying the platform effectively “flipped the script” on how audiences perceived the film after its streaming release.

Social media reactions reinforced this trend, with viewers praising Akshaye Khanna’s acting depth and expressing surprise at how impactful his performance appeared when showcased through select clips. Some users noted that the viral attention following the Netflix premiere brought fresh appreciation for the actor’s nuanced character work, which may have been overlooked during the theatrical release. Others pointed out that the buzz around these moments encouraged repeat viewings, not through spoilers, but by increasing curiosity around the film’s storytelling.

For many fans, watching Dhurandhar on a streaming platform offered a noticeably different experience compared to the cinema. The ease of sharing short clips and standout scenes across Instagram, X and other social platforms allowed certain moments to resonate in new ways. Akshaye Khanna’s performance, already well-regarded by critics, gained an added layer of visibility through this digital amplification - highlighting how streaming releases on Netflix can reshape audience perception long after a film’s box office run.

Industry observers have noted that this pattern - where a film’s OTT release sparks renewed conversation and elevates specific performances - is becoming increasingly common in the streaming era. In Akshaye Khanna’s case, the combination of Netflix’s content positioning and organic fan engagement helped generate a wave of viral interest, demonstrating how films and performances can find fresh relevance and appreciation well beyond their original release window.