Bollywood has long been known for its larger-than-life heroes, but in recent years, several leading men have stepped into the shoes of antagonists, delivering some of the most memorable villainous performances. Whether it was for a career transformation, a challenging role, or simply the thrill of playing dark characters, these actors proved that villains can be just as captivating as heroes. Here’s a look at Bollywood stars who once played protagonists but recently embraced their dark side.
Arjun Kapoor [Singham Again]
Arjun Kapoor, known for films like Ishaqzaade and Gunday, stepped into the shoes of a formidable antagonist in Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again as Zubair Hafeez, better known as Danger Lanka. With the Singham franchise already known for its larger-than-life villains, Arjun’s portrayal added a fresh intensity to the cop drama.
Jackie Shroff [Baby John]
Jackie Shroff, the evergreen hero of the ’90s, had played everything from a romantic lead to an action star. However, in Baby John, he reinvented himself by taking on a sinister role as Babbar Sher. Given his commanding screen presence, he successfully transformed into a menacing antagonist, capturing the attention of his fans.
Kamal Haasan [Kalki 2898 AD]
A legend in Indian cinema, Kamal Haasan had always been known for his versatility. In Kalki 2898 AD, he took on the antagonist’s role as Supreme Yaskin. With Prabhas in the lead, Haasan’s dark and powerful character became one of the highlights of the movie.
Bobby Deol [Animal]
Bobby Deol, once the heartthrob of Bollywood with hits like Gupt and Soldier, took on a dramatic shift as Abrar ul Haque in Animal alongside Ranbir Kapoor. Bobby’s transformation into a villainous character in this intense, action-packed film was a game-changer. His fierce portrayal of a ruthless antagonist left audiences in awe, adding a gripping layer to the film’s narrative.
R. Madhavan [Shaitaan]
Madhavan, beloved for his romantic and boy-next-door roles in films like Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein and Tanu Weds Manu, shocked audiences as Vanraj in Shaitaan. The film featured Madhavan in an eerie, spine-chilling villainous role—a complete departure from his charming hero image.
Saif Ali Khan [Devara]
Saif Ali Khan had previously dabbled in negative roles like Omkara and Tanhaji, and he embraced it once again in Jr. NTR’s Devara as Langda Tyagi. Known for his ability to balance suave and sinister, Saif’s role in this action-packed entertainer was highly appreciated by fans and critics alike.
Neil Nitin Mukesh [Hisaab Barabar]
Neil Nitin Mukesh, who had started as a romantic lead in Johnny Gaddaar and New York, experimented with negative roles for a while like in Players and Saaho. In Hisaab Barabar, he delivered another gripping performance as Mickey Mehta, proving once again that he shone brightest when playing a villain.
[Contributed By Anushka Gaikwad]