Akshaye Khanna's journey into the realm of villainy is a captivating exploration of his versatility as an actor. From charming conmen to ruthless emperors and feared ganglords, Khanna has crafted a diverse and memorable villainous portfolio in Bollywood. This article delves into his evolution, ranking his top seven negative roles, each offering a unique perspective on his talent and impact on Hindi cinema.
The Rise of a Villain
Akshaye Khanna's career began as a quintessential chocolate-boy hero, but his transition to more complex roles was seamless. He ventured into comedy with films like Priyadarshan's, showcasing his comedic timing and versatility. However, it was his darker roles that truly solidified his status as a scene-stealer.
7. Dishoom (2016)
In this action-comedy, Khanna plays a cricket bookie who orchestrates the kidnapping of India's top cricketer. While his suave menace is on display, the character lacks depth, becoming an unmemorable figure in a buddy-comedy-centric film. The role had promise, but it fell short of leaving a lasting impression.
6. Sab Kushal Mangal (2020)
Here, Khanna showcases his buffoonish villainy in a romantic comedy. He plays a middle-aged politician competing for a younger woman's affection. This light-hearted role stands out as the only one on the list, and while the film is forgettable, Khanna's performance is its saving grace.
5. Race (2008)
In Abbas-Mustan's thriller, Khanna delivers a slimy performance as a stepbrother who devises a convoluted plan to kill his brother and inherit his fortune. The writing, however, fails to support the intelligence of his character, making it feel more like a series of absurd twists.
4. Drishyam 2 (2022)
The Hindi remake of a Malayalam film, Drishyam 2, introduces Khanna as a menacing police officer, IG Tarun Ahlawat. His character physically tortures the protagonist's family and intimidates a woman, contrasting the honest officer from the original. Khanna's performance, despite the character's flaws, remains watchable, making it the film's biggest strength.
3. Dhurandhar (2025)
Khanna shines in the role of Rehman Dakait, a Pakistani ganglord. The character's impact is heightened by Aditya Dhar's staging, particularly in the hospital introduction. However, the narrative's twists and turns, including Hamza's manipulation, somewhat diminish the character's control and complexity.
2. Humraaz (2002)
Khanna's first negative role, Karan Malhotra in Abbas-Mustan's film, is a convincingly written opportunistic conman. His performance is deliciously smarmy, but the climax's clichés overshadow his efforts. Khanna's ability to improvise and turn the tables makes this role memorable.
1. Chhaava (2025)
In this historical drama, Khanna portrays Emperor Aurangzeb, a ruthless ruler. His restrained body language and venomous dialogue radiate menace. The film's portrayal, however, has sparked controversy, with some using it as an excuse for hatred. Khanna's performance, despite the controversy, is a testament to his talent and ability to embody complex characters.
Akshaye Khanna's villainous roles showcase his remarkable range and talent, leaving a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike. His ability to transform into diverse negative characters solidifies his place as one of Hindi cinema's finest scene-stealers.
