Akshaye Khanna’s viral ‘Fa9la’ look from Dhurandhar almost didn’t happen, reveals costume designer Smriti Chauhan

Akshaye khanna fa9la

Akshaye Khanna’s striking ‘fa9la’ look in Dhurandhar has become one of the film’s most talked-about visual elements, but costume designer Smriti Chauhan has revealed that the now-viral appearance almost never made it to the screen. In a recent interaction, Chauhan shared insights into the creative process behind the character’s styling and how close the team came to abandoning the look altogether.

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According to Chauhan, the idea was to craft a visual identity that felt raw, unsettling, and true to the psychological layers of Akshaye’s character. However, translating that idea into a final on-screen look came with its own set of challenges. In a conversation with Digital Commentary, costume designer Smriti Chauhan revealed, “It was a very important input by Akshaye sir himself, that we should not forget that he is also from the streets.”

Smriti elaborated that shortly thereafter, the costumes were meticulously crafted to reflect the trajectory of Rehman Dakait's political ascent throughout the film. “It made a lot of sense, because we also see his rise in the film as he progresses to join a political party later in the story. So, we had a journey where we see him distressed in linens and denims, and then cut to silk-wool pathani, which is one of the most important looks in the film.”

Smriti shared that even after the first look test, Akshaye remained unsure. “He had the first look test, and after a few weeks, we were summoned for a meeting. He said, ‘I’m not sure if we take this route,’ and we were like, okay.” What followed was a deeper conversation about the character’s origins. “That’s when he mentioned that we can’t forget he comes from the street and there has to be ruggedness to his vibe,” she continued.

Once the teaser and promotional material were released, the response exceeded expectations. Social media platforms were flooded with reactions praising Akshaye’s transformation, with many fans calling it one of his most intense and memorable looks in recent years. The visual became a key talking point, significantly boosting the film’s pre-release buzz and contributing to its box-office momentum.

Also read: After Dhurandhar's success, Akshaye Khanna exits Drishyam 3 amidst fee and creative differences: Report

Starring Ranveer Singh alongside Akshaye Khanna, Dhurandhar has been widely discussed for its performances and visual detailing.