In this weekend’s blog, I am writing on Bollywood.
Bollywood is generally known for making stereotype masala films, but sometimes directors try making films of other genre, and one of the genre is portrayal of serial killers, which has always been a fascinating subject for both filmmakers and audience. Over the years, Bollywood has produced some memorable and chilling characters that have left a lasting impact on viewers. Filmmakers/directors have explored the psyche of serial killers through various characters. These characters have been portrayed with a range of motivations, from revenge and obsession to mental illness and societal pressure. Through their hard-hitting portrayal of serial killers and psychopaths , the filmmakers have left audience terrified and scared.
Here are six of the most terrifying psychopaths and serial killers from Bollywood films that have send shivers down your spine:
1 Lajja Shankar Pandey from Sangharsh
The antagonist, Lajja Shankar Pandey from the movie Sanghrash was a terrifying villain. He was portrayed as a religious fanatic who believed that human sacrifices could appease the god. This character was played by Ashutosh Rana, who delivered power-paced performance that left a lasting impression on the audience. Many who grew up in 1990s still carry traumatic memory of Ashutosh Rana in a red sari, wailing loudly in the middle of street. It still sends shivers down the spine, when watching in repeat run on TV channel. The film was directed by Tanuja Chandra.
2 Ramana from Raman Raghav 2.0
Inspired by the real-life serial killer Raman Raghav, the antagonist from this movie is a terrifying villain. He is portrayed as psychopathic serial killer who goes on a killer spree in Bombay. This character is played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who delivers a spine-chilling and intense performance that leaves a lasting impact on the audience. The character’s unpredictable behavior, lack of remorse, and disturbing actions make hin one of the most frightening villains in Bollywood cinema. The film was directed by Anurag Kashyap
3 Rakesh Mahadkar from Ek Villain
He was indeed a terrifying villain. He was portrayed as a cold-blooded serial killers who took pleasure in committing gruesome murders. He murders women to let out his frustration with his unhappy wife who he loves. This character was played by Ritesh Deshmukh, who surprised everyone by accepting this role, as his image till he accepted this role was of romantic/comedy hero. His performance received critical acclaim, and after that Bollywood realized that Ritesh can also do different type roles. The film was directed by Mohit Suri.
4 Dheeraj Pandey from Murder 2
The antagonist from the movie Murder 2 was indeed a terrifying villain. Inspired by a South Korean serial killer and sex offender, this character was portrayed as a psychopathic serial killer who derived pleasure from torturing and murdering women. Prashant Narayan enacted this role, and delivered a chilling performance that was praised by both audiences and critics. The character’s brutality and sadistic nature made him one of the most dangerous villains in Bollywood cinema. The film was directed by Mohit Suri.
5 Gokul Pandit from Dushman
The antagonist from this movie was a terrifying and ruthless villain. He was portrayed as a serial rapist and killer who had no empathy for his victims. How he brutally murders Sonia (played by Kajol) still haunts the audience. This charcter was played by Ashutosh Rana, who delivered another powerful and chilling performance that left a deep impact on the audience. The character’s brutality and lack of remorse made him one of the most frightening villains in Bollywood cinema. The film was directed by Tanuja Chandra.
6 Ma’am from Kaun?
Urmila Matondkar’s role as psychotic killen in movie Kaun? Remains one of the most terrifying characters in Bollywood’s cinematic history. Throughout the film, the suspenseful storyline keeps the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end. The revelation that a seemingly meek young woman is the culprit is shocking. Undoubtedly, Urmila’s portrayal is one of the most exceptional performances of all time. The film was directed by Ram Gopal Varma.
The surprise element from this list is that out of six movies mentioned above two are directed by woman, Tanuja Chadra, and in both these film antagonist is played by Ashutosh Rana, who got the award for Best Villain in both the movies.
Movies like Jaani Dushman, Gumnaam, and Bees Saal Baad were also based on the serial killer story, but here the antagonist was revealed only in the climax, hence there was no terrifying villainy.
Waiting for your feedback on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
10th May 2024