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 crafted a diverse portfolio of negative roles that have left audiences enthralled. This article delves into the actor's evolution, ranking his seven best villainous performances, each a testament to his ability to steal the show from the shadows. The list showcases Khanna's transformation from the quintessential chocolate-boy hero to a master of dark art, leaving an indelible mark on Hindi cinema.
7. Dishoom (2016)
In this action-comedy, Khanna plays a cricket bookie who orchestrates the kidnapping of India's biggest cricketer, setting the stage for 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 John Abraham and Varun Dhawan. The role, despite its promise, fails to showcase Khanna's full potential, leaving audiences with an insulting exit.
6. Sab Kushal Mangal (2020)
Here, Khanna takes on a dual role, both the protagonist and antagonist, in a romantic comedy. He portrays a middle-aged politician competing for the attention of a younger woman, while also competing with a local content creator. This light-hearted role stands out as the only one on the list, and while the film is forgettable, Khanna's buffoonish villain act shines, making it the best aspect of the movie.
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 an elaborate plan to kill him and inherit his fortune. The convoluted plot, however, lacks the intelligence and sophistication that Khanna's performance suggests. The writing fails to support the sliminess, leaving the audience with an evil scheme that feels more like a series of twists than a well-crafted narrative.
4. Drishyam 2 (2022)
In this Hindi remake of the Malayalam film, Khanna's character, IG Tarun Ahlawat, is a stark contrast to the original's honest officer. He resorts to physical torture and intimidation, making him an antagonist in the truest sense. Despite the character's flaws, Khanna's performance remains watchable, and his cool, quietly menacing act is the film's biggest strength. However, his fans are left disappointed as he isn't returning for the threequel.
3. Dhurandhar (2025)
Akshaye Khanna's portrayal of Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar is a standout performance, but it's the reel edits that truly showcase his talent. The character's impact is heightened by Aditya Dhar's staging, particularly in the hospital introduction, which sets the tone for a menacing presence. However, the film's narrative lets Khanna down, as he is constantly being messed with, reducing his control over his situation and the character's overall appeal.
2. Humraaz (2002)
Khanna's first negative role in an Abbas-Mustan film, Humraaz, showcases his ability to turn a leading star into a memorable villain. He plays an opportunistic conman, Karan Malhotra, who uses his girlfriend to trap a wealthy businessman. Khanna's performance is deliciously smarmy, right until the climax, where he becomes a clichéd villain with a gang of henchmen. The character's evolution and Khanna's skill in improvising make this role a standout in his villainous career.
1. Chhaava (2025)
In this historical drama, Khanna portrays Aurangzeb, a ruthless emperor whose cruelty intensifies over time as he seeks to crush the young Maratha king, Sambhaji Maharaj. Khanna's restrained body language and venomous dialogue radiate menace, making him an absolute aura machine. However, the disturbing aspect lies in the audience's reaction, using Khanna's portrayal as an excuse to spew hatred towards an entire community.
Akshaye Khanna's journey into villainy is a testament to his versatility and ability to captivate audiences. His performances in these seven films showcase his talent for stealing the show from the dark side, leaving an indelible mark on Hindi cinema.
