Bollywood’s New Charming Threat: How Akshaye Khanna & Bobby Deol Are Driving A Dark Character Shift
A compelling shift is underway in Bollywood, with actors Akshaye Khanna and Bobby Deol redefining their careers by embracing villainous roles and captivating audiences with their dark portrayals. Both actors, once known for their heroic or charming personas, have found a new lease on their careers by exploring the complexities of antagonists, earning critical acclaim and commercial success in the process.
Akshaye Khanna, who began his Bollywood journey as a lead hero in 1997 with Himalaya Putra, experienced a career transformation by transitioning into antagonist roles. Despite initial recognition for his "cute smile, dashing looks, and performance," he didn't achieve the superstar status that was expected of him. However, 2025 proved to be a turning point with his performances in Chhaava and Dhurandhar. In Dhurandhar, where he plays the Pakistani gangster Rehman Dakait, Khanna has been praised for his intense portrayal, even overshadowing the lead actor, Ranveer Singh. Critics have lauded his performance as "dark, electric, and terrifying," noting his ability to command attention with stillness, a cold stare, and methodical dialogue delivery. His portrayal has generated significant online buzz, with many calling it a career-defining turn. Some fans have noted that Khanna is cultivating a cool, charismatic image through his villainous role. Following the success of Dhurandhar, Khanna is set to appear in the Telugu film Mahakali as demon guru Shukracharya, further solidifying his position as a sought-after antagonist.
Bobby Deol's resurgence in Bollywood follows a similar trajectory. After debuting in 1995 with Barsaat, Deol struggled to replicate the success of his superstar father, Dharmendra. After facing a period with little work, Deol made a significant comeback with Prakash Jha's web series Aashram in 2020. In Aashram, Deol plays Baba Nirala, a "slimy godman," marking a departure from his previous roles. Deol himself has stated that playing the role of Baba Nirala was liberating, as it allowed him to explore a character far removed from his established image. This role was followed by his portrayal of a convict-turned-hitman in Love Hostel in 2022. However, it was his role as the mute antagonist Abrar Haque in the 2023 film Animal that cemented his status as a formidable villain. Despite limited screen time and no dialogue, Deol's presence in Animal was impactful, turning him into a "meme material, thirst-trap fodder, and a sex symbol in his 50s". This role has led to further opportunities in South Indian cinema, including his role as the antagonist "Udhiran" in Suriya's Kanguva. Deol's decision to embrace villainous roles has been driven by a desire to reinvent himself and to prove his versatility as an actor.
The success of Akshaye Khanna and Bobby Deol in these darker roles reflects a broader trend in Bollywood, where villains are becoming increasingly complex and captivating. These actors are not simply playing one-dimensional baddies; they are delving into the characters' backstories and motivations, offering audiences a glimpse into the darkness that drives their actions. Bobby Deol has said that even a dark character has a dark backstory. This shift towards nuanced portrayals of villains has resonated with audiences, who are increasingly drawn to characters that challenge traditional notions of good and evil.
The rise of Akshaye Khanna and Bobby Deol as Bollywood's new charming threats signals a willingness among actors to take risks and explore unconventional roles. By embracing the dark side, these actors have not only revitalized their careers but have also contributed to a more diverse and engaging landscape in Hindi cinema.
