Rainman of Dhurandhar Set: Why R Madhavan Got This Nickname

As anticipation builds for Dhurandhar 2 – The Revenge, actor R Madhavan has taken fans back to the very beginning of the franchise, revealing an intriguing behind-the-scenes story from the shoot of the first film. In a recently shared social media post, the actor explained why he earned the nickname “Rainman” on the sets of Dhurandhar—a title born out of repeated weather disruptions that unexpectedly enhanced the film’s opening sequence.

Sharing a behind-the-scenes video, Madhavan reflected on the filming of the opening scene, which recreates the dramatic Kandahar plane hijacking. According to him, director Aditya Dhar had originally envisioned the scene unfolding under a bright blue sky, with clear sunlight providing a stark contrast between the calm exterior and the chaos inside the aircraft. The idea was to heighten the tension by juxtaposing natural beauty with unfolding violence.

However, nature had other plans.

Madhavan revealed that every time he arrived on set, heavy rainfall followed, earning him the playful moniker of “Rainman” among the crew. What was initially seen as an obstacle soon turned into a creative advantage. Instead of clear skies, the production was met with overcast weather and torrential rain, creating a gloomy and intense atmosphere that ultimately elevated the visual tone of the scene.

The actor noted that the grey skies and rain-soaked visuals added an unexpected layer of realism and emotional weight to the opening shot. Rather than fighting the conditions, the team adapted, allowing the environment to shape the narrative mood. Madhavan reflected that such moments highlight the unpredictability of filmmaking and the importance of trusting the process.

In his post, the actor emphasised that sometimes creative outcomes are stronger when filmmakers work with circumstances instead of against them. The experience, he suggested, was a reminder that not everything can be planned, and that improvisation often leads to memorable cinematic moments.

Dhurandhar is a high-octane spy action thriller that brought together a powerful ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R Madhavan. The film draws inspiration from major real-life incidents such as the 1999 IC-814 hijacking, the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, and covert intelligence operations linked to Pakistan’s Lyari region.

Despite its debut on Netflix, the film delivered a historic theatrical performance, amassing more than Rs 1,300 crore globally, with over Rs 1,000 crore earned in India alone. Its sustained box office momentum reinforced audience appetite for large-scale spy thrillers, even in the era of streaming releases.

With Dhurandhar 2 – The Revenge set for a theatrical release on March 19, expectations are soaring. The sequel is poised for a major box office clash with other high-profile releases, further adding to the excitement surrounding its arrival.

Madhavan’s anecdote not only offers fans a glimpse into the making of the franchise but also underlines how unexpected challenges can shape defining cinematic moments—sometimes, quite literally, under stormy skies.