Saif Ali Khan has earned a unique place in Bollywood not only for his leading man roles but also for his powerful portrayals of villains. With his next film Devarawhere he plays the role of Bhaira, Saif once again finds himself in a negative character, and this time, in the South Indian film industry. His journey in playing characters with grey shades has made him stand out, and ‘Devara’ will be another feather in his cap.
The transformation of the actor into gray characters
Saif Ali Khan has been praised for the convincing way he portrays negative characters. While many actors tend to stick to hero roles, Saif has fearlessly dived into villainous characters, often stealing the show. Let’s take a closer look at some of his most iconic roles, where his acting talent as a villain has overshadowed even the protagonists.
Omkara: The Rise of Langda Tyagi
One of Saif’s most memorable negative characters is Langda Tyagi in Vishal Bhardwaj Omkara (2006). Based on Shakespeare OthelloSaif’s performance as the cunning and vengeful Langda Tyagi was nothing short of remarkable. His looks, accent and body language captured the audience’s attention and the role earned him many awards. Interestingly, during one of the scenes where Langda Tyagi is slapped by his wife (played by Konkona Sen Sharma), Saif humorously shared that he ended up receiving around 20 real slaps during rehearsals.
Tanhaji: A Historical Villain
In the 2020 blockbuster TanhajiSaif Ali Khan took on the role of Udaybhan Singhthe antagonist who went up against Ajay Devgn’s titular character. Directed by Om Raut, Saif’s menacing portrayal of the cruel Udaybhan made him stand out, despite being cast opposite Ajay Devgn, one of Bollywood’s biggest stars. His portrayal of the cold-hearted villain added depth to the story and left a lasting impression.
Adipurush: Saif as Raavan
Saif has once again collaborated with Om Raut for the much-awaited film Adipurush (2023), where he played Raavanthe mythological villain. Although the film faced its share of controversies and failed to live up to the audience’s expectations, Saif’s performance as Raavan was lauded. His commanding presence and intense acting, especially in the scenes opposite Prabhas, were highly appreciated by critics, even though the film itself did not do well at the box office.
Kurbaan: Terrorism with a twist
In Kurban (2009), Saif played the complex character of Ehsaana terrorist who hides his true identity from his wife, played by Kareena Kapoor. The film explores themes of terrorism, love and betrayal, and Saif’s ability to balance a heartless terrorist with moments of vulnerability made the role memorable.
Ek Haseena Thi: The beginning of her negative streak
One of Saif’s first forays into negative roles was in Ek Haseena Thi (2004). In this film, he plays a manipulative lover who betrays Urmila Matondkar’s character. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Saif’s role Karan Rathod was chilling and proved that he could play dark roles with finesse. This film marked the beginning of Saif’s journey towards darker roles, which he continues to explore.
Devara: Saif’s South Indian debut as Bhaira
In his latest adventure, DevaraSlated to release in September 2024, Saif will be making his debut in the South Indian film industry. He will be seen playing the role of Bhairathe main antagonist opposite Jr. NTR. Directed by Koratala Siva, the film has already created a buzz even before its release. With Saif in a negative role, fans are eager to see how he will bring another dimension to his villainous characters. This film is set to cement Saif’s place not only in Bollywood but also in South Indian cinema.
Saif’s Fearless Approach to Wickedness
Saif Ali Khan has always proven that he is not afraid to take risks, especially when it comes to playing complex and grey characters. His willingness to take on villainous roles highlights his versatility as an actor. Each of his performances has left a mark, and with Devara On the horizon, Saif is all set to add another iconic role to his already impressive career.
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