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 examining the evolution of his performance in negative roles.
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 its leading men, 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 so much that he 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 a product of the screenplay's twists rather than a well-crafted villain. Despite this, Khanna's performance is a standout, leaving a lasting impression despite the film's shortcomings.
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 film'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 flaws are a letdown.
3. Dhurandhar (2025)
Akshaye Khanna shines in the countless reel edits of Rehman Dakait, a character that stands out due to Aditya Dhar's staging. The hospital introduction, in particular, sets the tone for a menacing presence. However, the character's lack of control over his situation and the manipulation by Hamza weaken his impact. Khanna's evil smirks and aura-machine framing are memorable, but the character's arc feels incomplete.
2. Humraaz (2002)
Khanna's first negative role in an Abbas-Mustan film, Humraaz, showcases his ability to portray an opportunistic conman with a deliciously smarmy performance. The character, Karan Malhotra, is convincingly written, and Khanna's improvisation and clever turns make him a memorable villain. The climax, however, reduces him to a clichéd villain, but his performance throughout the film is a highlight.
1. Chhaava (2025)
In this historical drama, Khanna plays Aurangzeb, a ruthless emperor whose cruelty intensifies over time. His restrained body language and venomous dialogue radiate menace, and the character's portrayal has disturbing implications. The film's one-sided depiction of historical events has sparked controversy, but Khanna's performance as a complex, menacing figure is a standout, even if it has been used by some to spew hatred.
Akshaye Khanna's journey into villainy is a testament to his versatility and skill, offering a range of memorable performances that have left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.
