Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the release of "Deewangee," a psychological thriller starring Ajay Devgn that significantly altered his on-screen persona and earned him a Filmfare Award. Released in 2002 and directed by Anees Bazmee, the film saw Devgn portray a character with shades of grey, a departure from his earlier roles.

"Deewangee" is partially inspired by William Diehl's novel, "Primal Fear". The movie revolves around a successful lawyer, Raj Goyal (Akshaye Khanna), who defends a talented singer, Tarang Bharadwaj (Ajay Devgn), accused of murder. As the case unfolds, Raj uncovers a complex web of deceit and hidden personalities, with Tarang's character proving to be far more intricate than initially perceived.

Ajay Devgn's performance as Tarang was highly acclaimed, with critics noting the nuance and intensity he brought to the role. His portrayal of a character battling inner demons and displaying unpredictable behavior was a departure from the typical Bollywood hero. This role earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Villain, a Screen Award, a Bollywood Movie Award, and a Zee Cine Award in the same category.

Prior to "Deewangee," Devgn was known for his action roles and romantic portrayals. While he had delivered strong performances in films like "Zakhm," which won him a National Film Award for Best Actor in 1998, "Deewangee" showcased his versatility and willingness to experiment with darker, more complex characters.

The early 2000s were a significant period for Devgn, as he delivered critically acclaimed performances in films like "Company" and "The Legend of Bhagat Singh". He jointly won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Critics) for his performance in both films. In "The Legend of Bhagat Singh" he played the role of the freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, which also earned him a National Film Award for Best Actor.

While Ajay Devgn was not nominated for The Legend of Bhagat Singh, Bobby Deol was nominated for Humraaz. Rani Mukherjee and Ajay Devgn were given awards for The Legend of Bhagat Singh and Saathiya respectively.

"Deewangee" cemented Ajay Devgn's position as one of the leading actors in Bollywood. He continued to take on diverse roles, proving his ability to excel in action, drama, and comedy. His filmography includes a wide range of successful movies, including "Gangaajal," "Khakee," "Omkara," the "Golmaal" series, "Singham," and "Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior," for which he won his third National Film Award. In 2016, he was honored with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honor.