When the villain stole the show: Bollywood movies where antagonists outshone the heroes

In Padmaavat, while Deepika Padukone’s portrayal of Rani Padmavati and Shahid Kapoor’s portrayal of Maharawal Ratan Singh were integral to the film’s storyline, it was Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of the ruthless Sultan Alauddin Khilji that truly outshone the rest. His menacing, unpredictable, and intense performance as the power-hungry and obsessed ruler made him one of the most iconic villains in recent Bollywood history. Ranveer’s larger-than-life portrayal of Khilji, with his volatile emotions and unhinged behavior, captured the audience’s attention, making him the true star of the film. His performance, coupled with his haunting presence, became the film’s defining feature, elevating it beyond the typical hero-centric narrative.