Aparshakti Khurana is stepping into completely new territory. In the upcoming action entertainer Gunmaaster G9, the actor will be seen playing a menacing villain, leaving behind the roles audiences have come to associate with him.
Interestingly, director Aditya Datt has revealed that Khurana was always his first choice for the antagonist. In fact, the filmmaker says there was never much doubt about the casting.
“He was on top of my list from the beginning,” Datt shared.
Aditya Datt Wanted a Different Kind of Villain
When developing Gunmaaster G9, Datt wanted to move away from the usual villain clichés often seen in commercial action films.
However, he also wanted to retain the scale, excitement and mass appeal that audiences expect from the genre. Therefore, finding the right actor became crucial.
After revisiting several of Aparshakti’s performances, especially his acclaimed role in Jubilee, Datt felt he had found the perfect fit.
Why Aparshakti Khurana Was the Perfect Choice
According to Datt, one of the biggest reasons behind the casting was the element of surprise.
“Aparshakti has never played an out-and-out commercial and wild-ass villain,” the director explained.
As a result, the role offered something fresh and unexpected. Datt believed the actor had the range and intensity needed to bring the character to life.
“I knew he’d do justice to the role,” he added.
A Major Shift for Aparshakti Khurana
For Aparshakti, Gunmaaster G9 marks a significant career move.
The actor is widely known for his performances in comedy, drama and character-driven stories. However, he has rarely explored a full-fledged villain role.
This time, things are different. Instead of playing a relatable or light-hearted character, he will embrace a darker and more dangerous persona.
Consequently, fans will get to see an entirely new side of the actor.
More Than Just an Action Film
While Gunmaaster G9 promises high-octane action, Datt insists the film is not just about fights and explosions.
Instead, he describes it as a “musical drama action film,” where emotions, music and action are equally important.
For the filmmaker, action works best when it is backed by strong emotional stakes.
Action With Purpose
Datt was determined to avoid making a mindless action spectacle.
Therefore, he focused on creating action sequences that serve the story rather than simply looking flashy.
“I was very clear about not making a mindless action movie,” he said.
Moreover, the director personally designed many of the action scenes while writing the screenplay. His goal was to create sleek, stylish and visually engaging sequences that also carry emotional weight.
A Strong Cast Adds to the Excitement
Apart from Aparshakti Khurana, Gunmaaster G9 features an impressive cast.
The film stars Emraan Hashmi in the lead role, while Genelia D’Souza also plays a key part.
Additionally, the project reunites Emraan Hashmi and Himesh Reshammiya, a combination that is sure to strike a nostalgic chord with fans.
As a result, expectations surrounding the film continue to grow.
Release Plans Still Under Wraps
So far, the makers have not announced an official release date.
However, reports suggest that Gunmaaster G9 is targeting a Dussehra 2026 release window.
Meanwhile, fans are eagerly waiting for the trailer and more details about the story.
Until then, one question remains at the center of the excitement: Can Aparshakti Khurana deliver the chilling villain performance that Aditya Datt envisioned from day one?
Given the director’s confidence, audiences certainly have plenty to look forward to.
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