In today’s weekend blog, I am writing about Bollywood.
The year 2025 has witnessed massive blockbuster films. Several Bollywood films have joined the ‘Blockbuster’ club in India, thanks to award-worthy performances. Some of the standout performances during 2025 won critics and audiences’ hearts with their craft and conviction, leaving a lasting mark on the cinematic and creative landscape.
Here is the list of Top Bollywood Performances of 2025
1 Vicky Kaushal- Chhaava
Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava is about the life of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, one of India’s greatest warriors. Vicky Kaushal played the titular role, for which he received rare reviews from critics, audiences and his peers. After Uri:The Surgical Strike, Chhaava was yet another power-packed performance by Vicky Kaushal.
2 Aamir Khan- Sitaare Zameen Par
The actor, who is known for sharing meaningful content, won hearts with comedy and heart-wrenching emotional element, that resonated with the audience. Mr Perfectionist sensitively highlighted the treatment of specially-abled children through this compelling sports drama. Directed by RS Prasanna, the film sees Aamir Khan in the role of a basketball coach guiding a team of neuro divergent individuals. His character is flawed, vulnerable for which he garnered global praise.
3 Ranveer Singh- Dhurandhar
This film received polarized views, with some praising the scale, visuals, direction, story telling and performances, and many criticizing it for the extreme gore, violent, hyper-nationalism propaganda. However, Ranveer received praise for his nuanced performance. Instead of heavy dialogues or dramatic monologues, his silent expression to express pain, patriotism, and rage were appreciated by audiences, critics and his friends and colleagues from the industry. With thisrole Ranveer yet again proved that he can pull off any roles.
4 Akshaye Khaana- Chhaava and Dhurandhar
Few actors manage to leave a mark with their comebacks. Akshaye Khanna impressed us not once, but twice this year with his menacing roles in Chhaava and then Dhurandhar. His portrayal of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, earned him widespread praise. He also garnered plaudits for his powerful role as Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar. His ruthless swagger, viral improvised dance moves made him unintended star of this spy actioner.
5 Yami Gautam- Haq
She had a successful year with the release of the courtroom drama Haq, where she portrayed the role inspired by the landmark Shah Bano case. Critics and audiences lauded her phenomenal and nuanced career-best performance, calling it National Award-worthy
6 Sanya Malhotra- Mrs
She delivered one of her finest performances in Mrs. Her nuanced and in-depth performance made her star of te film, for which she received widespread acclaim. Sanya earned a standing ovation at the Melbourne Indian Film Festival for her breakthrough act.
Other standout performances which won audiences and critics hearts were
- Monika Panwar- Nishaanchi
- Abhishek Banerjee- Stolen
- Vishal Jethwa-Homebound
- Siddhant Chaturvedi- Dhadak 2
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
2nd January 2026