Bollywood has always loved its heroes, but it's the anti-heroes, the
flawed, unpredictable, and dangerous ones, who often steal the show. These
complex characters, driven by obsession, trauma, or power, push the boundaries
of morality and make for some of the most unforgettable performances in Indian
cinema. Here’s a look at some actors who have brilliantly brought anti-heroes
to life:
Shah Rukh Khan - Before he
became the King of Romance, Shah Rukh Khan stunned audiences with his portrayal
of the obsessive and terrifying Rahul in Darr (1993). His haunting delivery of “K-k-k-Kiran” remains iconic. He later took on
the role of a stylish and ruthless criminal mastermind in Don 2 (2011), redefining the anti-hero
for a new generation.
Randeep Hooda - Randeep Hooda played a menacing anti-hero in Jaat,
delivering a performance that balances charm with menace. Known for diving deep
into intense characters, Randeep brings depth and grit to the role, portraying
a man who operates in grey zones while still commanding empathy.
Ranbir Kapoor - In Animal (2023), Ranbir Kapoor’s
transformation into the violent, emotionally volatile Ranvijay was both
shocking and powerful. He plays a man caught in a cycle of love and
destruction, making audiences both fear and feel for him in equal measure.
Saif Ali Khan- Saif Ali Khan
portrayed a dark, enigmatic antagonist in Devara, opposite Jr NTR. With a
history of playing morally grey characters in films like Omkara and Laal
Kaptaan, Saif continues to explore the darker corners of human nature with
finesse and flair.
Shahid Kapoor - In Vishal Bhardwaj’s Shahid Kapoor's gritty,
double-edged performance in Kaminey (2009), a film that
dared to break stereotypes and present flawed protagonists who win your empathy
without necessarily seeking your approval. From his dual roles as the
stammering Guddu and the lisping Charlie — both morally ambiguous and living on
the edge — Kapoor embraced characters who were as messed up as they were
magnetic.
Vicky Kaushal - While Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s serial killer
character grabbed headlines, Vicky Kaushal’s performance as a corrupt,
drug-addicted cop in Raman Raghav 2.0
(2016) was equally disturbing. His descent into darkness blurs the line
between law and lawlessness, making him a fascinating anti-hero.
Ranveer Singh - As the unhinged and ferocious Alauddin Khilji in
Padmaavat (2018), Ranveer Singh delivered
a tour de force performance. His portrayal of unchecked ambition and madness
was so magnetic, it dominated the film and redefined villainy in modern cinema.
