As the curtain falls on another cinematic year, Indian cinema witnessed a slew of unforgettable performances, with the villains taking centre stage in 2023. From seasoned actors to unexpected debuts, these antagonists left an indelible mark on the audience with their menacing portrayals. Here's a closer look at the villains who made a deadly impact on the big screen in 2023.
1. Vijay Sethupathi in 'Jawan':
Tamil cinema's powerhouse, Vijay Sethupathi, made a striking presence in the action-packed thriller 'Jawan.' His portrayal of a cunning and ruthless antagonist added layers to the film, elevating the stakes for the protagonist.
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2. Arjun Rampal in 'Bhagavanth Kesari':
Bollywood's charismatic and good-looking Arjun Rampal marked his Telugu debut with 'Bhagavanth Kesari,' where he essayed the role of a formidable antagonist. Rampal's intense screen presence and gripping performance added a new dimension to the narrative, proving that his versatility transcends language barriers.
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3. Bobby Deol in 'Animal':
Bobby Deol was celebrated this year in the antagonist's role with 'Animal.' Known for his charismatic yet menacing portrayal, Deol's performance added depth to the character and 'Animal' showcased Deol's ability to bring a certain gravitas to negative characters.
4. Emraan Hashmi in 'Tiger 3':
Emraan Hashmi stepped into the antagonist's shoes in the blockbuster 'Tiger 3.' His enigmatic and calculating portrayal added an unpredictable element to the spy thriller. Hashmi's ability to strike a balance between charm and malevolence left audiences in awe.
5. John Abraham in 'Pathaan':
John Abraham’s menacing presence and physical prowess added intensity to ‘Pathan’, creating a formidable foe for the lead characters. Abraham's portrayal demonstrated that he can seamlessly switch between hero and villain roles.
6. Manish Wadhwa in 'Gadar 2':
In the sequel to the iconic film 'Gadar,' Manish Wadhwa delivered a memorable performance as the antagonist. His portrayal contributed to the emotional conflicts, creating a gripping narrative.
As we bid farewell to 2023, these formidable villains have not only challenged the protagonists on screen but have also won audiences’ hearts even while depicting shades of grey.