Gera appears in Dhurandhar as Mohammad Aalam, a middle-aged juice seller in Lyari, a character far removed from the comic personas that made him popular on television and social media. Known widely for viral characters such as Chutki and Aadu, Gera adopts a restrained, grounded approach in the film, relying on subtle expressions rather than humour.
The performance has drawn reactions from across the industry. Filmmaker Farah Khan, commenting on a post about Gera’s transformation, said she did not recognise him throughout the film, describing it as “the highest compliment for an artist.” Actors and comedians, including Kiku Sharda, Mukti Mohan and Tahira Kashyap, also praised the actor’s ability to completely inhabit the role.
Speaking in recent interviews, Gera credited director Aditya Dhar for trusting him with a part that challenged established perceptions. He also acknowledged casting director Mukesh Chhabra for offering him the opportunity to step beyond typecast roles. Gera said the response from audiences had been overwhelming, with many messages highlighting his unexpected shift into serious drama.
Behind-the-scenes footage released by the film’s makeup team has further underlined the effort behind the transformation. Makeup artist Preetisheel detailed the process of ageing the actor on screen through prosthetics, hairstyling and subtle texturing to create a lived-in appearance.
Gera, who first rose to prominence with Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin and later built a strong digital following through comedy, now finds himself at a pivotal moment. With Dhurandhar, he has demonstrated dramatic range that could broaden his trajectory in mainstream cinema, positioning him as an actor capable of moving beyond humour-driven roles.
