Bollywood Hungama Best of 2025: From Akshaye Khanna to Arshad Warsi, here are the performances that shined bright in the bygone year
The year 2025 will be remembered as one of the most exciting and performance-driven years in Bollywood in recent times. While big budgets, grand visuals, and box office numbers often dominate headlines, 2025 reminded audiences and critics alike that true cinema is powered by acting. Bollywood Hungama’s “Best of 2025” list stands as a tribute to those artists who elevated films with their talent, sincerity, and emotional depth. From seasoned performers like Akshaye Khanna and Arshad Warsi to younger actors who proved their versatility, the year was a powerful showcase of cinematic brilliance.
Bollywood Hungama, known for its keen eye on quality cinema and performances, compiled this list not merely based on popularity but on the impact actors made through their roles. The selection reflects a shift in audience preferences: today’s viewers value strong storytelling and convincing performances more than just star power. This change has given actors greater freedom to experiment and take risks, resulting in richer cinema.
2025 was special because it was not dominated by one type of film. It offered a mix of intense dramas, thrillers, comedy-dramas, socially relevant cinema, and character-driven stories. The rise of OTT platforms alongside theatrical releases also created more space for meaningful roles. Actors were no longer limited to formulaic characters; instead, they explored complex personalities, moral conflicts, and emotional struggles.
At the heart of this cinematic revival was a renewed respect for acting as a craft. Audiences applauded subtle expressions, layered emotions, and honest storytelling. Performances were discussed on social media, analyzed by critics, and celebrated by fans. It was a year when acting, not just spectacle, became the center of attention.
Among all the performers who shined, Akshaye Khanna stood out as a symbol of artistic excellence.
Akshaye Khanna: A Masterclass in Controlled Brilliance
Akshaye Khanna’s performance in 2025 reaffirmed why he is considered one of Bollywood’s finest actors. Known for his understated style, Akshaye once again proved that powerful acting does not always require loud dialogues or dramatic gestures. His strength lies in subtlety – in the silence between words, in the calmness of his expressions, and in the depth of his eyes.
In his 2025 release, Akshaye portrayed a character layered with emotional conflict and intellectual complexity. Whether it was a morally torn professional, a broken man seeking redemption, or a strategist playing psychological games, his portrayal carried maturity and realism. His performance felt natural, not acted. Viewers did not see Akshaye Khanna on screen; they saw the character breathing and living.
What made his acting exceptional was:
- Precision in dialogue delivery
- Controlled body language
- Emotional restraint
- Psychological depth
He did not rely on exaggerated drama. Instead, he let the story flow through him. Critics praised his performance as “textbook acting,” while audiences appreciated how effortlessly he brought intensity to the screen.
Akshaye’s success in 2025 also reflected a larger truth: the industry is rediscovering the value of mature actors. In an era obsessed with youth and glamour, Akshaye proved that experience adds authenticity. His role showed that a character’s power comes from emotional truth, not just screen presence.
The Return of Veteran Excellence
2025 also became a year when veteran actors reclaimed center stage. Many senior performers were given strong, well-written roles, allowing them to shine without being reduced to supporting stereotypes. The industry finally recognized that storytelling becomes richer when experience meets creativity.
Actors like:
- Akshaye Khanna
- Arshad Warsi
- Pankaj Tripathi
- Manoj Bajpayee
- Anupam Kher
were celebrated not because of nostalgia but because they delivered performances that were modern, relevant, and deeply impactful.
These actors proved that age is not a limitation; it is an advantage. Their characters carried emotional weight, intellectual sharpness, and authenticity that younger actors often take years to achieve. Bollywood Hungama’s list acknowledged this shift and honored the brilliance of seasoned talent.
Why 2025 Was a Landmark Year for Performances
Several factors made 2025 special:
- Strong Writing
Writers focused on character-driven stories rather than formulaic scripts. This gave actors more depth to explore. - OTT Revolution
Streaming platforms encouraged experimentation. Actors could take risks without box-office pressure. - Audience Maturity
Viewers now appreciate meaningful cinema and nuanced performances. - Diverse Genres
From crime thrillers to slice-of-life dramas, actors explored multiple dimensions. - Respect for Craft
Acting workshops, method preparation, and role research became common.
Together, these elements created a perfect environment for performances to flourish.
The previous year saw a number of iconic films on the celluloid. These movies had some fine performances from actors who impressed greatly despite not playing lead characters. They managed to prove that one can walk away with glory even if one is not playing the central character in a film. It’s that time of the year again when Bollywood Hungama honours the best of the bygone year.
Dhurandhar had a long ensemble cast comprising of Ranveer Singh, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Sanjay Dutt. However, despite their presence, Akshaye Khanna came out with flying colours in the role of Rehman Dakait. His mannerisms and attitude as the ruthless gangster of Lyari won many a hearts. And his signature dance step to the song ‘Fa9la’ by Flipperachi was the icing on the cake.
Konkona Sen Sharma played Pankaj Tripathi’s wife in Anurag Basu’s Metro… In Dino and the two complemented each other well. The actress showed her versatility while being funny but at the same time switched over to a firm self effortlessly. Her performance played a vital role in ensuring that this segment in the film came alive.
Arshad Warsi returned to this courtroom franchise by Subhash Kapoor. The film had a parallel lead in the form of Akshay Kumar. But Arshad still succeeded to come on his own as the lawyer Jagdish Tyagi aka Jolly. The film had a number of sequences where the actor displayed his comic skills, both on and off court, and that too without trying too hard.
The previous year saw a number of iconic films on the celluloid. These movies had some fine performances from actors who impressed greatly despite not playing lead characters. They managed to prove that one can walk away with glory even if one is not playing the central character in a film. It’s that time of the year again when Bollywood Hungama honours the best of the bygone year.
Bollywood Hungama Best of 2025: From Akshaye Khanna to Arshad Warsi, here are the performances that shined bright in the bygone year
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male): Akshaye Khanna – Dhurandhar
Dhurandhar had a long ensemble cast comprising of Ranveer Singh, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Sanjay Dutt. However, despite their presence, Akshaye Khanna came out with flying colours in the role of Rehman Dakait. His mannerisms and attitude as the ruthless gangster of Lyari won many a hearts. And his signature dance step to the song ‘Fa9la’ by Flipperachi was the icing on the cake.
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female): Konkona Sen Sharma – Metro… In Dino
Konkona Sen Sharma played Pankaj Tripathi’s wife in Anurag Basu’s Metro… In Dino and the two complemented each other well. The actress showed her versatility while being funny but at the same time switched over to a firm self effortlessly. Her performance played a vital role in ensuring that this segment in the film came alive.
Best Actor in a Comic Role: Arshad Warsi – Jolly LLB 3
Arshad Warsi returned to this courtroom franchise by Subhash Kapoor. The film had a parallel lead in the form of Akshay Kumar. But Arshad still succeeded to come on his own as the lawyer Jagdish Tyagi aka Jolly. The film had a number of sequences where the actor displayed his comic skills, both on and off court, and that too without trying too hard.
Best Actor in a Negative Role: Akshaye Khanna – Chhaava
It won’t be overstatement to say that Akshaye Khanna shined bright in 2025. Before the triumph of Dhurandhar at the end of the year, he started the year with a dedicated act as Aurangzeb in Chhaava. Akshaye’s performance in this film is a lesson that one doesn’t need to act wild and violent in order to appear ruthless. It is possible to achieve that even with a calm demeanour.
