 "Amid Vikrant Massey's National Award for '12th Fail', biopics to revisit- From Ranbir Kapoor in 'Sanju', Vicky Kaushal in 'Chhaava' to Anant Joshi in 'Ajey'")
Biopics have become a pivotal platform for actors in Hindi cinema, offering roles of profound emotional and historical depth that often result in career-defining performances. Vikrant Massey has won the National Award for the Best Actor for his performance in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th Fail.
The latest to join this prestigious wave is Anant Joshi with his portrayal in the film ‘Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi,’ tracing the journey of a simple man to a significant political leader.
Ranbir Kapoor - Sanju
Ranbir Kapoor undertook the transformative role of Sanjay Dutt in this roller-coaster biographical film. His dedication to mimicking Dutt’s mannerisms and physical evolution across decades was widely lauded. The performance earned him a Filmfare Award and delivered his biggest box-office blockbuster to date, effectively reviving his commercial standing and reaffirming his incredible versatility.
Vicky Kaushal - Chhaava
Kaushal takes on the ambitious, epic historical role of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son and successor of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The role demanded intensive physical and emotional preparation, and the film solidifies his trajectory as a leading man capable of headlining large-scale historical dramas, proving his versatility across genres.
Anant Joshi - Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi
Joshi embodies Ajey (based on Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath), chronicling the fascinating journey from a young man to a Yogi and ultimately, a significant political figure. Building on the foundation of his critically appreciated work in 12th Fail, his decision to lead this high-profile biopic signifies a major career leap. This performance offers a complex, transformative challenge, establishing him as a serious contender for central roles in substantial, relevant cinema and marking his arrival as a versatile lead actor.
Vikrant Massey - 12th Fail
Massey delivered an intensely honest portrayal of Manoj Kumar Sharma, the real-life IPS officer whose journey from a failed high school student to a civil servant is a saga of relentless perseverance. This subtle, heartfelt performance elevated him into the A-list of bankable lead stars. The film’s sleeper hit status cemented his reputation as a master of sincere, everyman roles, achieving significant critical and commercial success.
Rajkummar Rao - Shahid
Rao’s deeply committed and nuanced portrayal of Shahid Azmi, the human rights lawyer who was assassinated in 2010, is widely regarded as his breakthrough performance. It earned him the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actor, him from a strong supporting actor to one of the most respected leading men in Indian cinema.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui - Thackeray
Siddiqui stepped into the role of Balasaheb Thackeray, the founder of the Shiv Sena political party. His ability to transform, capturing the effortless delivery and striking resemblance of the recognizable public figure, was the core strength of the film.