Before hypermasculine films such as Bholaa, Shivaay and Tanhaji entered his life, Ajay Devgn was a different man. An action hero, who operated in the earthy realm. Somewhere between all the high octane filming, we lost the Ajay Devgn of Ishq and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. So indulge us as we look back fondly at the OG avatar of Ajay Devgn!
Kaal (2005)
This supernatural horror film sees Devgn in a villainous role of a tour guide in a wildlife national park. John Abraham, Vivek Oberoi, Esha Deol and Lara Dutta are tourists to the park, and Devgan takes it upon himself to show them around. But does he guide them to their deaths or actually saves them? The extremely popular track Kaal Dhamaal is from this film.
Yuva (2004)
A refreshingly modern multi-cast film, Yuva’s audience reception proved that it was ahead of its time. It’s a layered political-action film where Devgn plays a university student wanting to enter politics, with his heart in the right place. He faces strong objection from the existing political circle, and fights attempts on his life, multiple times. Abhishek Bachchan, Vivek Oberoi too play important roles in Yuva.
Major Saab (1998)
It is his love for Sonali Bendre in the film, which leads the spoil good-for-nothing Devgn to emerge as a military man. Of course, he goes on to fight the bad guys and win his lady love. Amitabh Bachchan plays ‘major saab’ in the film, and the duo is a treat to watch, and some of the most popular songs from back then are in the film.
Diljale (1996)
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Devgn and Bendre made a winning on-screen couple, and this film is proof. One of his best, this one’s a romantic action film, set against the backdrop of Indo-Pak violence. We’ll refrain from giving away much as the plot is key here, but leave you with the instruction that Diljale is must-watch.
We’re also adding Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke, Thakshak, Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha and Haqeeqat to this list.