Saif Ali Khan has earned a unique place in Bollywood, not just for his roles as a leading man but for his powerful portrayals of villains. With his upcoming film Devara, where he plays the role of Bhaira, Saif is once again stepping into a negative character, and this time, in the South Indian film industry. His journey of taking on grey-shaded characters has made him stand out, and “Devara” will be another feather in his cap.
The Actor’s Transformation into Grey Characters
Saif Ali Khan has been celebrated for how convincingly he plays 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 brilliance as a villain overshadowed even the protagonists.
Omkara: The Rise of Langda Tyagi
One of Saif’s most memorable negative characters is Langda Tyagi in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Omkara (2006). Based on Shakespeare’s Othello, Saif’s portrayal of the cunning and vengeful Langda Tyagi was nothing short of remarkable. His look, accent, and body language captured the audience’s attention, and the role earned him multiple awards. Interestingly, during one of the scenes where Langda Tyagi gets slapped by his wife (played by Konkona Sen Sharma), Saif humorously shared that he ended up receiving around 20 real slaps during the rehearsals.
Tanhaji: A Historical Villain
In the 2020 blockbuster Tanhaji, Saif Ali Khan took on the role of Udaybhan Singh, the antagonist who faced off against Ajay Devgn’s titular character. Directed by Om Raut, Saif’s menacing portrayal of the cruel Udaybhan made him a standout, 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 once again collaborated with Om Raut for the much-anticipated film Adipurush (2023), where he played Raavan, the mythological villain. While the movie faced its share of controversies and didn’t meet audience expectations, Saif’s performance as Raavan received praise. His commanding presence and intense acting, especially in scenes opposite Prabhas, were highly appreciated by critics, even though the film itself didn’t fare well at the box office.
Kurbaan: Terrorism with a Twist
In Kurbaan (2009), Saif played the complex character of Ehsaan, a terrorist who hides his true identity from his wife, played by Kareena Kapoor. The film dealt with themes of terrorism, love, and betrayal, and Saif’s ability to balance a cold-hearted terrorist with moments of vulnerability made this role memorable.
Ek Haseena Thi: The Start of His Negative Streak
One of Saif’s earliest forays into negative roles was in Ek Haseena Thi (2004). In this film, he played a manipulative lover who betrays Urmila Matondkar’s character. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Saif’s role as Karan Rathod was chilling and proved that he could pull off grey roles with finesse. This film marked the beginning of Saif’s journey into darker roles, which he continues to explore.
Devara: Saif’s South Indian Debut as Bhaira
In his latest venture, Devara, set to release in September 2024, Saif will make his debut in the South Indian film industry. He will be seen playing the role of Bhaira, the main antagonist opposite Jr. NTR. Directed by Koratala Siva, the movie has already created 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 just in Bollywood, but also in South Indian cinema.
Saif’s Fearless Approach to Villainy
Saif Ali Khan has consistently proven that he isn’t afraid to take risks, especially when it comes to playing complex, grey characters. His willingness to embrace villainous roles showcases 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.
