Months On, Ranveer Singh's Hamza Still Leads the Conversation, as Varun Dhawan Picks Dhurandhar Over Animal

Most performances are measured in their opening weekend. A few are measured in how long people keep talking about them. Months after the release of the Dhurandhar franchise, Ranveer Singh's turn as Hamza Ali Mazari belongs firmly in the second category.

The rapid-fire answer

The latest endorsement came on the third episode of Koffee With Karan Season 9, which also featured Janhvi Kapoor's much-discussed appearance. During the rapid-fire segment, host Karan Johar asked Varun Dhawan to choose between Ranveer's Hamza and Ranbir Kapoor's Ranvijay in Animal.

Varun answered without pausing: "I would definitely say Ranveer in Dhurandhar."

It is a small moment in a light-hearted format, but it carries weight. Animal is itself one of the most debated performances of recent years, and choosing between the two is not an easy question for a peer to answer on camera.

Why Hamza endures

The case for Ranveer's portrayal rests on three things: the scale of the physical transformation, the intensity of his screen presence, and the conviction with which he inhabits the character. Together, they produced a screen persona that audiences have continued to revisit, quote and debate long after the theatrical run.

The commercial picture strengthens the argument. Dhurandhar's success at the box office was substantial, and the combination of strong returns and sustained conversation has made Hamza one of the defining characters of Ranveer's career, and, for many viewers, of contemporary Hindi cinema.

Recognition from his peers

Varun is not the first to weigh in on the same show. Salman Khan, who opened Season 9, had earlier praised Ranveer for the commitment he brought to the role and for the security he shows as an actor. Endorsements from fellow stars, offered on a platform as widely watched as Koffee With Karan, tend to reflect the industry's private view as much as its public one.

A performance that keeps building

In an industry that often moves on within weeks, Hamza has done the opposite. Each new mention, whether from a co-star, a critic or a fan, adds to a conversation that shows no sign of closing. Ranveer has delivered more than a memorable character; he has delivered a performance that continues to shape how audiences and the industry talk about ambition, transformation and commercial cinema in the same breath.

Frequently asked questions

What did Varun Dhawan say about Ranveer Singh on Koffee With Karan?

Asked to choose between Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar and Ranbir Kapoor in Animal, Varun said he would definitely pick Ranveer in Dhurandhar.

Who does Ranveer Singh play in Dhurandhar?

Ranveer Singh plays Hamza Ali Mazari in the Dhurandhar franchise.

Did Salman Khan praise Ranveer Singh on Koffee With Karan?

Yes. On Season 9 of the show, Salman Khan praised Ranveer's commitment to the role and his security as an actor.