Akshaye Khanna's journey into the realm of villainy is a captivating exploration of the actor's versatility and range. From charming conmen to ruthless emperors, Khanna has carved out a unique niche in Bollywood, becoming a master of stealing the show from the shadows. This article delves into his seven best villain acts, ranking them from the least menacing to the most, and exploring the actor's evolution and impact on Hindi cinema.
7. Dishoom (2016)
In this action-comedy, Khanna plays a cricket bookie who orchestrates the kidnapping of India's biggest cricketer before a crucial India-Pakistan match. While his suave menace is on display, the character lacks depth, becoming an unmemorable figure in a film dominated by the buddy-comedy antics of John Abraham and Varun Dhawan. The role had promise, but it fell short of leaving a lasting impression.
6. Sab Kushal Mangal (2020)
Here, Khanna showcases his versatility as both the protagonist and antagonist in a romantic comedy. He plays a middle-aged politician who falls for a younger woman, competing with a local content creator for her attention. This light-hearted role stands out on the list, and while the film is forgettable, Khanna's buffoonish villain act is its best aspect, offering a delightful contrast to his more serious roles.
5. Race (2008)
In Abbas-Mustan's thriller, Khanna delivers a slimy performance as a man who hates his stepbrother and devises a convoluted plan to kill him and inherit his fortune. The writing, however, fails to support the sliminess, making the character feel more like an evil scheme with twists rather than a smart, intelligent villain. Despite this, Khanna's performance is a standout, leaving a lasting impression despite the film's flaws.
4. Drishyam 2 (2022)
In the Hindi remake of the Malayalam film, Khanna's character, IG Tarun Ahlawat, is an antagonist who resorts to physical torture and intimidation. While the original's integrity is compromised, Khanna's performance remains watchable, showcasing his ability to portray a complex, flawed character. His cool, quietly menacing act is a testament to his skill, even if the character's moral ambiguity is a double-edged sword.
3. Dhurandhar (2025)
Akshaye Khanna shines in the countless reel edits of Rehman Dakait, a character whose impact is more about the staging than the film itself. The character's struggle for control and the manipulation by Hamza add layers of complexity. Khanna's evil smirks and aura-machine framing are memorable, but the character's lack of agency is a minor setback.
2. Humraaz (2002)
Khanna's first negative role, Karan Malhotra, is a conman who uses his girlfriend to trap a wealthy businessman. The character is deliciously smarmy, and Khanna's performance is a standout. The climax, however, reduces him to a clichéd villain, but the character's evolution and Khanna's portrayal make it a memorable performance.
1. Chhaava (2025)
In this historical drama, Khanna plays Emperor Aurangzeb, a ruthless ruler whose cruelty intensifies over time. His restrained body language and venomous dialogue radiate menace, and the character's portrayal has sparked both admiration and controversy. The disturbing aspect is the audience's reaction, using Khanna's performance as an excuse for hatred. This film highlights the fine line between art and its impact on society.
Akshaye Khanna's villainous journey is a testament to his acting prowess and the power of character portrayal. From charming conmen to ruthless emperors, he has left an indelible mark on Hindi cinema, proving that sometimes the most memorable performances come from the shadows.
