When Dhurandhar hit theatres on December 5, one moment stood out, as Rehman Dakait, played by Akshaye Khanna, strode into a dusty, menacing setup, the opening beats of FA9LA dropped. Instantly, the track made the entry unforgettable. The internet pounced. Reels, memes, and reaction videos started flooding social media. Even established names joined the wave. Saina Nehwal recreated the iconic walk, complete with swagger and smile, alongside her father, turning the villain entry into a fun, viral dance.
What began as a film’s background music rapidly turned into a cultural moment. FA9LA crossed regional and linguistic barriers, its Arabic hip-hop beat now plays in loops across India. The track is not just music: it’s attitude, energy, and style.
What Makes FA9LA the Perfect “Villain Anthem”
FA9LA was originally released in 2024 by Bahraini hip-hop artist Flipperachi and his collaborator Daffy. In its native dialect, FA9LA roughly means “fun time” or “party.” But in the context of Dhurandhar, this “celebration vibe” becomes deeply ironic, the song underscores the swagger of a deadly, cold-blooded character.
The contrast between the sleek urban gangster look (black outfit, sunglasses) and a bleak, rural, war-torn landscape adds a chilling cinematic weight. As the Khaleeji trap beat hits, the visuals amplify the menace. Rehman Dakait seems less like a stereotypical villain, more like an anti-hero whose style demands attention. This is why many now call FA9LA “that track”, because it does more than play in the background. It defines a character.
The Ripple Effect on Music and Pop Culture
FA9LA’s surge isn’t limited to film lovers. The song has put Middle-Eastern hip-hop on Indian playlists. Flipperachi, once known mainly in Gulf rap circles, now sees fans across India. Dhurandhar’s reach gave his work a breakout global platform. It’s a sign — Bollywood is increasingly open to embracing world music beyond usual boundaries.
On social media, reactions have ranged from enthusiastically praising the “cinematic banger” to creative recreations. One netizen wrote on X, “If addiction had a soundtrack, it would be this Arabic BGM. Rehman Dakait entry on loop 🔥🎧” Another: “Akkkha Bollywood ek taraf …………Akshay Khanna…” The song has become loop-worthy, share-worthy, vibe-worthy.
If addiction had a soundtrack, it would be this Arabic BGM. Rahman Dakait entry on loop 🔥🎧#Dhurandhar #AkshayeKhanna pic.twitter.com/cpKPXMew3z
— Abdul_azeez (@555_azeez) December 7, 2025
Some even compare the moment to the viral entry of Bobby Deol in Animal — with FA9LA now being dubbed the new “next Jamal Kudu.”
Why FA9LA Is One of 2025’s Biggest Soundtrack Wins
- Instant identity: Instead of generic background music, FA9LA became the signature sound of a character, making the villain memorable even before he speaks.
- Cross-cultural appeal: A Bahraini rap track, rooted in Arabic hip-hop, now resonates with Indian and global audiences — showing the universality of strong beats and mood.
- Social-media fuel: The entry scene, the dance moves, the swagger — all turned into reels, memes, and storytelling clips. The song lives beyond the theatre.
- Soundtrack reinvention: With FA9LA’s success, filmmakers and composers may increasingly look beyond traditional Bollywood music tropes — embracing global sounds for dramatic depth.
A retro-meets-hip-hop pop number
Dhurandar mixes old retro classics with a fresh pop style, giving the soundtrack a wide appeal. Songs like Hawa Hawa introduce Sanjay Dutt’s character, SP Aslam Chaudhry, while Monica Oh My Darling plays during a fast chase, boosting the excitement.
This blend lets every age group enjoy the music. Gen Z loves the lively beats, while millennials and older listeners enjoy the familiar melodies and nostalgic feel.
Punjabi pop and Rap Music
The Dhurandhar Title Track (Jogi) reimagines the Punjabi folk classic Na De Dil Pardesi Nu (1995). This new version embraces a bold, bass-heavy hip-hop sound. Hanumankind, Jasmine Sandlas, and Sudhir Yaduvanshi deliver powerful vocals, while Shashwat Sachdev and Charanjit Ahuja craft the energetic music. The mix of Punjabi and English lyrics gives the track a strong attitude and perfectly matches Ranveer Singh’s fearless character.
For sheer adrenaline, Ez Ez stands out. Created by Diljit Dosanjh, Hanumankind, and Shashwat Sachdev, the song starts slowly and then explodes into a fast, punchy beat. It’s bold, loud, and ideal for action scenes, combining Punjabi elements with hip-hop energy.
And of course, FA9LA brings Arabic trap straight into mainstream cinema, adding a totally new flavour.
Overall, Dhurandhar combines many musical styles instead of sticking to the usual romantic-dance-sad formula.
What Happens Next — The Bigger Impact
Dhurandhar has already done strong business at the box office, but FA9LA’s success has likely boosted its value further. The track’s popularity could influence upcoming films: expect more filmmakers to explore international music, global genres, and mood-setting tracks. For artists like Flipperachi, this could open doors beyond regional markets.
More broadly, FA9LA’s rise is a small but clear sign — audiences are ready for music that breaks barriers, not just aesthetic ones. When a Bahraini hip-hop song can become a Bollywood anthem, maybe it’s time to rethink music boundaries.
