Stars who redefined Indie Cinema with their performances.
Credit: Special Arrangement
Vishal Jethwa – Homebound
Vishal Jethwa in Homebound
Credit: Dharma Productions
Vishal Jethwa delivered a career-defining performance in Homebound, evolving from his Mardaani 2 intensity into a master of naturalism. He perfectly balanced raw vulnerability with great grit and captured the complexities of grief and survival.
Abhishek Banerjee – Stolen
Abhishek Banerjee in Stolen
Credit: Jungle Book Studio
Abhishek Banerjee had a great shift in his career with his powerful performance in Stolen. While the film premiered to standing ovations at global festivals, it was Abhishek’s performance that became the talking point everywhere. In Stolen, he played a man entangled in circumstances that test the limits of morality, justice, and fear.
Adarsh Gourav – Superboys of Malegaon
Adarsh Gourav in Superboys of Malegaon
Credit: Tiger Baby Films
Adarsh Gourav has been on an upward trajectory since The White Tiger, but Superboys of Malegaon added a new dimension to his artistic identity. The dramedy, based on the real-life passion of small-town filmmakers, gave Adarsh the perfect canvas to showcase both humour and heart. His portrayal of a young man chasing dreams with childlike sincerity was touching, delightful, and unmistakably authentic.
Siddhant Chaturvedi – Dhadak 2
Siddhant Chaturvedi in Dhadak 2
Credit: Dharma Productions
Shedding his usual persona, Siddhant Chaturvedi redefined his work in Dhadak 2. His portrayal of personal turmoil and resilience was both deeply affecting and masterfully restrained.
Aaishvary Thackeray – Nishanchi
Aaishvary Thackeray in Nishanchi
Credit: Jar Pictures
Aaishvary Thackeray emerged as 2025’s most exciting newcomer with a strong debut in Nishanchi 2. Playing a dual role as twin brothers Babloo and Dabloo, charting their intertwined lives, family conflict, and revenge in a tale reminiscent of Gangs of Wasseypur. Critics praised his performance and natural delivery, making him a promising talent to keep an eye on.
Janhvi Kapoor – Homebound
Janhvi Kapoor in Homebound
Credit: Dharma Productions
Janhvi Kapoor surprised audiences and critics alike with a deeply nuanced performance in Homebound. Shedding her glamorous image, she transformed into a grounded, emotionally complex character that demanded vulnerability and restraint.
Kritika Kamra – The Great Shamsuddin Family
Kritika Kamra in The Great Shamsuddin Family
Credit: JioHotstar
Kritika Kamra’s performance in The Great Shamsuddin Family was a masterclass in subtlety, blending sensitivity with social realism to anchor the year's most compelling family drama.
Sanya Malhotra – Mrs
Sanya Malhotra in Mrs
Credit: ZEE5
Portraying the complexities of marriage with profound empathy, Sanya Malhotra’s performance in Mrs. was both subtle and soul-stirring. It remains one of 2025’s most impactful and relatable acts.
Akshaye Khanna in Dhurandhar and Chhaava
Akshaye Khanna
Credit: Instagram/@ind_cyborg
Akshaye Khanna dominated the box office in 2025, cementing his status as a top-tier commercial star. The massive success of back-to-back blockbusters Chhaava and Dhurandhar successfully propelled him back into the industry’s spotlight.