‘Dhurandhar’ climax background score hides a clever 1980s TV show reference as Badshah hails Aditya Dhar calling him a ‘geeky genius’

Aditya Dhar’s period spy spectacle ‘Dhurandhar’ continues to dominate conversations, not just for its box office numbers but also for the layers fans are discovering with every rewatch. While the film’s songs grabbed attention early on, it is the background score especially in the final moments that has sparked a fresh wave of online discussion.

A climactic cue from 'Dhurandhar' that caught everyone’s ear

Accompanying the climactic moment of the film 'Dhurandhar' is a catchy piece of music as we see the reveal that Ranveer Singh's character has been chosen for a secret mission into Pakistan. Not only does this particular sequence give us a bit of insight into what the character's backstory was, but it also offers a glimpse into some of the things to come, as there are several hints and flashes of him in his new look with very short hair and a very clean-shaven face, leading to speculation about a possible sequel.

Doja Cat comparisons and fan theories

When the movie came out, some viewers said the song sounded a lot like Doja Cat's AAAHH MEN! from her Vie album. The Doja Cat song has a real 80s pop vibe, so it's easy to see why some people thought the composer, Shashwat Sachdev, got the idea from that modern Western style. But it turns out that's not true. People eventually found the song's real source.

Badshah points to an ’80s classic

Rapper-singer Badshah stepped in to clear the air, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the actual reference behind the score. “Why is no one talking about the knight rider theme in the end credits scene of dhurandhar?” he wrote, instantly igniting curiosity among fans.

While a few users initially confused it with Vishal–Shekhar’s ‘Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo’, the anthem associated with the Kolkata Knight Riders IPL team, others quickly clarified that the music nods to the iconic opening theme of the American TV series ‘Knight Rider’.

The legacy of ‘Knight Rider’

The original ‘Knight Rider Theme’, composed by Glen A. Larson and Stu Phillips, dates back to the early 1980s and served as the signature tune of the cult action series that aired from 1982 to 1986. Over time, the show, starring David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight—grew into a pop-culture phenomenon, despite receiving mixed reviews during its initial run. Interestingly, parts of the theme itself trace inspiration back to ‘Sylvia’, a 19th-century ballet composed by Léo Delibes.

See More: 'Dhurandhar' box office collection Day 25: Ranveer Singh starrer scores Rs 1078 crore worldwide haul; beats Deepika Padukone's 'Kalki 2898 AD' and Shah Rukh Khan's 'Pathaan'

Badshah calls Aditya Dhar a 'geeky genius'

Badshah later doubled down on his admiration for the filmmaker, tweeting, “No doubt @AdityaDharFilms is a geeky genius at so many levels.” The reference feels deliberate, given ‘Knight Rider’ revolves around reinvention, secret missions, and a government-backed justice system, elements that neatly mirror the themes at the heart of ‘Dhurandhar’. For fans, the musical Easter egg only adds to the film’s growing legend.

About 'Dhurandhar'

A spy thriller, the film has amassed more than Rs. 1000 crore with its worldwide collections. It features an ensemble cast of Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Saumya Tandon, Rakesh Bedi, Sara Arjun and Danish Pandor. The second part of the film is slated for a release on March 19, 2025.

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