May 5, 2025: From Bobby Deol’s haunting act in Animal to Thalapathy Vijay’s bold turn in Thalapathy 68, these stars proved that villains can steal the spotlight too.
Also Read: ‘He Doesn’t Need to Ask..’: Riteish Deshmukh Responds to Salman Khan’s Industry Support Remark
In a refreshing departure from traditional heroism, several leading Bollywood actors embraced villainous roles in major films across 2024 and 2025, showcasing the depth and complexity that antagonistic characters can offer. Here’s a detailed look at these standout performances:
Bobby Deol in Animal
Director: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Co-stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Anil Kapoor
Role: Abrar Haque, a ruthless gangster
Bobby Deol’s portrayal of Abrar Haque was widely acclaimed, with his intense performance and the viral “Jamal Kudu” dance sequence leaving a lasting impression on audiences.
Akshaye Khanna in Chhaava
Director: Laxman Utekar
Co-stars: Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna
Role: Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb
Akshaye Khanna’s nuanced portrayal of Aurangzeb added depth to the historical narrative, earning praise for his ability to humanize a complex antagonist.
Kamal Haasan in Kalki 2898 AD
Director: Nag Ashwin
Co-stars: Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan
Role: Supreme Yaskin, the primary antagonist
Kamal Haasan’s transformation into the menacing Supreme Yaskin showcased his versatility, with critics highlighting his compelling performance in this sci-fi epic.
Arjun Kapoor in Singham Again
Director: Rohit Shetty
Co-stars: Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone
Role: A Sri Lankan militant antagonist
Arjun Kapoor’s entry into Rohit Shetty’s cop universe as a formidable villain was met with enthusiasm, with his performance adding a fresh dynamic to the franchise.
R. Madhavan in Shaitaan
Director: Vikas Bahl
Co-stars: Ajay Devgn, Jyothika
Role: Vanraj Kashyap, a sinister black magician
Madhavan’s chilling portrayal of Vanraj Kashyap was lauded for its intensity, contributing significantly to the film’s success and earning him a nomination for Best Performance in a Negative Role at the IIFA Awards.
Riteish Deshmukh in Raid 2
Director: Raj Kumar Gupta
Co-stars: Ajay Devgn, Vaani Kapoor
Role: Dada Manohar Bhai, a corrupt politician
Riteish Deshmukh’s transition into a serious antagonist role was well-received, with his performance adding gravitas to the sequel’s narrative.
Randeep Hooda in Jaat
Director: Gopichand Malineni
Co-stars: Sunny Deol, Regina Cassandra
Role: Ranatunga, a laborer-turned-crime boss
Hooda’s intense portrayal of Ranatunga added depth to the action-packed film, with audiences appreciating the formidable face-off between him and Sunny Deol.
Jr. NTR in War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Co-stars: Hrithik Roshan, Kiara Advani
Role: Khalid, a rogue agent
Jr. NTR’s entry into the YRF Spy Universe as a complex antagonist was met with excitement, with his performance adding a new layer to the franchise’s narrative.
Saif Ali Khan in Devara: Part 1
Director: Koratala Siva
Co-stars: Jr. NTR, Janhvi Kapoor
Role: Bhaira, a vengeful antagonist
Saif Ali Khan’s portrayal of Bhaira was praised for its intensity, with critics noting his ability to bring a menacing presence to the screen.
Thalapathy Vijay in The Greatest of All Time (Thalapathy 68)
Director: Venkat Prabhu
Co-stars: Meenakshi Chaudhary, Prashanth
Role: Dual roles, including an antagonist
Thalapathy Vijay’s venture into a dual role, including that of an antagonist, showcased his versatility and was met with enthusiasm from fans and critics alike.
These performances highlight a trend where Bollywood’s leading men are embracing complex villainous roles, adding depth and nuance to mainstream cinema.