Social Media Sparks Debate Over Iconic Roles
A recent discussion on social media has reignited comparisons between veteran actor Paresh Rawal’s role in Uri: The Surgical Strike and actor R. Madhavan’s character in the Dhurandhar film series. Both actors portrayed characters inspired by India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, which led fans to debate who delivered the better performance.
The comparison gained traction after a user on X (formerly Twitter) shared a still of Paresh Rawal from Uri, praising his portrayal but pointing out that the film did not show his character smoking. This seemingly minor observation quickly became a talking point among movie lovers and fans of both actors.
Paresh Rawal’s Humorous Reply Goes Viral
Responding to the post, Paresh Rawal delivered a witty and humorous reply that instantly caught the internet’s attention. He said, “Yes, didn’t smoke but only broke the phones,” referring to a memorable scene from Uri.
His lighthearted response highlighted the difference in character portrayal without directly criticizing Madhavan’s performance. Fans appreciated his sense of humor, and the comment quickly went viral across social media platforms.
Many users praised Rawal’s sharp wit, while others joined the debate by sharing their opinions on both performances. The response added a fun twist to what could have been a serious comparison.
‘Dhurandhar’ Success Fuels Comparisons
The ongoing comparisons have been fueled by the massive success of Dhurandhar and its sequel. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the films have achieved remarkable box office success and have become some of the highest-grossing Hindi films in recent times.
R. Madhavan’s portrayal in the film has received both praise and criticism, especially following controversies related to certain scenes. This has further intensified discussions comparing his role with Rawal’s earlier performance in Uri.
Different Styles, Same Inspiration
While both characters are inspired by the same real-life figure, their portrayals differ significantly in tone and style. Paresh Rawal’s character in Uri was depicted as calm, strategic, and authoritative, focusing on intelligence and decision-making.
On the other hand, Madhavan’s character in Dhurandhar is presented with a more intense and dramatic approach, reflecting the film’s larger-than-life narrative style. These differences have naturally led audiences to form varied opinions.
Fans Remain Divided
The debate has left fans divided. Some believe Paresh Rawal’s portrayal had more realism and gravitas, while others argue that Madhavan brought a fresh and dynamic interpretation to the role.
Ultimately, both performances have been appreciated in their own right, and the comparison highlights the impact of strong character-driven storytelling in Indian cinema.

