Top 10 Bollywood Heroes Who Ruled the Screen as Villains in 2024–2025

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.

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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.