The genre of action holds an unwavering fascination among Bollywood enthusiasts. The dynamic stunts, heightened intensity, and electric energy of action sequences consistently captivate audiences. Rooting for the hero's triumph over the villain, viewers revel in the sheer excitement of these scenes like no other. The actors donning the roles of these action-packed protagonists swiftly become synonymous with the valiant figures who conquer evil, often gaining instant and fervent fan adoration.
Yet, there's no Bollywood luminary quite as renowned for their prowess in action stunts as Akshay Kumar. Emerging from the streets of Chandni Chowk in New Delhi, this actor possesses a formidable background in Karate, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and other martial arts disciplines. Right from the early stages of his career as a leading Bollywood figure, he etched his name as an exceptional action performer. His involvement in numerous action-packed blockbusters solidified his reputation as one of Bollywood's most distinguished action superstars. Across his extensive decades-spanning cinematic journey, Akshay Kumar has amassed a plethora of triumphant action films.
As his much-awaited release OMG 2 hits the theatres, we take a trip down memory lane and run through the best action movies by Khiladi himself
1. Khiladi (1992)
Khiladi stands as a milestone in Bollywood history, marking Akshay Kumar's first major success. Emerging in the early stages of his career, the film swiftly elevated Akshay Kumar to widespread recognition. Headlining a talented cast, the actor earned praise from both insiders and viewers alike for his compelling performance. Even now, after all these years, Khiladi remains one of Akshay Kumar's most iconic movies. If you're a fan of 90s films, this one is a must-watch for you.
2. Awara Paagal Deewana (2002)
Awara Paagal Deewana, an action comedy, featured Akshay Kumar in the role of a gangster. Renowned for his action prowess and comedic flair, Kumar showcased his versatility in this film. It stands as a prime illustration of his adeptness at seamlessly blending action and humour within his character's portrayal. This movie served as a platform for Akshay Kumar to exhibit his multifaceted acting abilities, firmly establishing this role as one of the most cherished and unforgettable among fans.
3. Khakee (2004)
In the action-packed cop film Khakee, Akshay Kumar steps into the shoes of a Mumbai police officer. The storyline revolves around a team of officers, led by Senior Inspector Shekhar Verma, played by Kumar, as they confront a criminal faction to safeguard their city. The movie's thrilling action sequences, suspenseful plot, and intense moments garnered immense praise from fans. Akshay Kumar's dedicated portrayal of his character earned him widespread acclaim and positive reviews.
4. Aan (2004)
Once again donning the role of a police officer, Akshay Kumar capitalised on his established popularity among Bollywood fans. He skillfully infused his character with new nuances, ensuring a refreshing departure from his previous portrayals. Demonstrating remarkable acting prowess, Kumar adeptly balanced drama, action, and intensity. To this day, audiences hold this movie dear as one of their cherished Akshay Kumar favourites.
5. Tashan (2008)
Tashan stands as an iconic Bollywood film, capturing attention even before its release. Reviving the beloved on-screen duo of Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor after a significant hiatus, the movie garnered immense anticipation before its debut. Akshay Kumar's portrayal of an innocent, kind-hearted thug endeared him to the audience, reaffirming his exceptional acting abilities.
6. Rowdy Rathore (2012)
Rowdy Rathore, a quintessential Bollywood action film, features Akshay Kumar in dual roles. The storyline revolves around a mix-up between two characters portrayed by Akshay Kumar—a small-town, benevolent thief, and a police officer. Kumar's portrayal struck a chord with fans, with several of his dialogues still echoing among enthusiasts, solidifying the movie's position as one of his top-notch action ventures.
7. Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty (2014)
In the film Holiday, Akshay Kumar takes on the role of an Indian army soldier. While on leave in Mumbai, spending quality time with his family, Kumar's character inadvertently becomes entwined in a complex and perilous terrorist scheme aimed at devastating the city. Skillfully infusing touches of humour into this action-packed narrative, Akshay Kumar once again leaves his mark with a memorable action performance in his career.
8. Baby (2015)
Baby is a gripping spy action thriller that delves into the realm of terrorists, spies, and the intricate world of espionage. The film centres around a team of intelligence agents assigned the mission of infiltrating a dangerous terrorist organisation plotting against India. Their objective is to acquire crucial information to thwart the impending attack. Akshay Kumar delivers an unforgettable performance, portraying a seasoned and formidable spy, characterised by his lethal expertise and unwavering dedication.
9. Naam Shabana (2017)
Naam Shabana is a part of the Baby franchise, where Akshay Kumar reprises his role as the spy officer from the original film. He embarks on another mission of equal importance, sensitivity, and risk. In this instalment, Kumar portrays a resolute and dedicated intelligence officer with remarkable expertise, earning him widespread acclaim and enthusiastic reviews for his portrayal.
10. Kesari (2019)
Kesari is a film grounded in historical reality, recounting the Battle of Saragarhi. This poignant tale unfolds in 1897, portraying the remarkable courage of twenty-one British Sikh army officers who valiantly defended against an overwhelming force of over ten thousand Afghan tribal warriors. Akshay Kumar steps into the shoes of Havildar Ishar Singh, the valiant leader who fearlessly led his troops into the battlefield. Kumar's profound dedication and emotional depth in portraying this historic figure have elevated Kesari to one of the pinnacles of his cinematic career.
11. Sooryavanshi (2021)
Stepping into director Rohit Shetty's renowned police universe, Akshay Kumar takes on the lead role in Sooryavanshi as a Mumbai police officer. The storyline follows Kumar's character and his team of officers as they confront a terrorist group determined to unleash chaos on India. The movie's standout feature is its electrifying, adrenaline-pumping action sequences, destined to evoke whistles and cheers from the audience as the cops strive to triumph over adversity.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication only.