AJAY DEVGN’S 25 YEARS IN BOLLYWOOD: 10 Most Underrated Performances
As the versatile actor completes 25 glorious years in the Indian Film industry, we recall 10 such characters of his career which broke his action hero image and set him apart...
Being the son of the most popular stunt director, Veeru Devgn, Ajay Devgn started off his career as an action star with Phool Aur Kaante (1991). Even today's generation talks about him because of films like Singham which showcased him as the high flying action star. Even his comedy flicks, like Bol Bachchan, Son Of Sardaar, Golmaal have him as the guy who beats everyone else to pulp.
This action star image has been etched so much with Ajay's characters that it's difficult for the audience to look beyond. However, that isn't the case. He has given many films, where the action was less and his performance was more. While few of them registered high box office figures, there were others who bit the dust.
So, on his 25th anniversary in Bollywood, let's look at 10 of his most underrated performances:
Zakhm (1998)
Image Source: ravepad
Directed by Mahesh Bhatt, this movie saw Ajay win the National Film Award, even though the movie didn't do extremely well at the box office. The film was based on the Hindu - Muslim riots, which were quite prevalent during the time when the movie's story was set.
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)
Image Source: alicemp3
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, this movie saw Ajay playing the soft subtle hero in a romantic love triangle - something which he hadn't tried before. The story is adopted from Maitreyi Devi's Bengali novel Na Hanyate.
Deewangee (2002)
Image Source: whocopypaste
Directed by Anees Bazmee, this was Ajay's first brush with negative characters. The psychological thriller was loosely based on Primal Fear (1996) starring Richard Gere.
Yuva (2004)
Image Source: extratorents
Directed by Mani Ratnam, this movie saw Ajay as a young aspiring political leader. The film is based on the lives of three young men from completely different strata of society and how one fateful incident on Kolkata's Howrah Bridge changes their lives forever.
Raincoat (2004)
Image Source: hdlinks
Directed by Rituparno Ghosh, this film was based on O Henry's classic short story, The Gift Of The Magi (1906). It's the story of two lovers, who have been separated by destiny, but fate makes them meet again after many years. This small encounter allows them to realize the truth about each other's lives.
Main Aisa Hi Hoon (2005)
Image Source: nainatv
Directed by Harry Baweja, this movie saw Ajay play a mentally challenged father of a little girl. It was a remake of the American drama film I Am Sam, starring Sean Penn.
Halla Bol (2008)
Image Source: junglekey
Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, this film saw Ajay play a superstar onscreen who voices out his opinions against some of the social evils prevalent in the society. How he receives the backlash of his actions and who all stand by him during this time, makes him realize how shallow the film industry is.
Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge (2010)
Image Source: impawards
Directed by Ashwini Dhir, this film saw Ajay as a helpless common man who is bugged by an unwelcomed guest at his house. How this unwelcomed guest's misdeeds turn beneficial for Ajay and his family formulates the rest of the story. It is one of the most hilarious films of this decade.
Aakrosh (2010)
Image Source: behance
Directed by Priyadarshan, this film saw Ajay in a gritty cop avatar, however it was quite realistic (unlike Singham). The movie dealt with honour killings based upon real incidents that happened in Bihar.
Drishyam (2015)
Image Source: vosube
Directed by Nishikant Kamat, Ajay was a common man once again in this film who does everything to protect his family from being convicted wrongfully in a police case. Being an avid movie watcher, Ajay's character uses techniques he had seen in films to save himself and his family from getting convicted in a murder case. One of the best thriller films to have come out in this decade.
Thumbnail Image Source: specials, thefusratedindian, thetube, fankystar
- Trending
_2025-4-24-2-22-32_small.jpg)
_2025-4-24-10-29-56_small.jpg)
_2025-4-24-9-47-34_small.jpg)
