Bollywood’s breakout performances of first half of 2025: Stars who defined the year so far

The curtains have barely risen on 2025, yet the silver screen has already gifted us a slate of performances that linger like echoes—long after the final scene fades to black. From brooding period dramas to soul-stirring personal journeys, these portrayals haven’t just entertained—they’ve moved, provoked, and stayed with us.

Performances that defined Bollywood’s first half of 2025

This year, it’s not just about stars—it’s about the stories behind their eyes, the silences between their lines, and the emotions they’ve managed to excavate from deep within the human experience. Here are the standout performances from the first half of 2025 that are setting the gold standard for acting in Hindi cinema:

Abhishek Banerjee in Stolen

Few actors can oscillate between fragility and grit as seamlessly as Abhishek Banerjee. In Stolen, he delivers a performance that feels almost lived-in—quiet, contemplative, and quietly powerful. His portrayal becomes the emotional spine of the film, drawing viewers into a world where survival is often silent, but always searing.

Sanya Malhotra in Mrs

Sanya Malhotra is nothing short of revelatory in Mrs. In a film that rests almost entirely on her shoulders, she delivers a nuanced portrayal of a woman navigating quiet despair and everyday strength. Her performance is intimate and piercing—a portrait of resilience painted in the subtlest of strokes.

Adarsh Gourav in Superboys of Malegaon

Adarsh Gourav once again proves that brilliance often lies in the details. In Superboys of Malegaon, he transforms effortlessly into a small-town dreamer with charm and authenticity. The film thrives on his ability to blend humor with heart, making his character a symbol of hope in the humdrum of ordinary life.

Wamiqa Gabbi in Bhool Chuk Maaf

Wamiqa Gabbi delivers a hauntingly powerful performance in Bhool Chuk Maaf. With each emotional turn, she peels back the layers of a character caught in the crossfire of love, loss, and redemption. It's a commanding portrayal that leaves no moment unearned, no emotion untouched.

Randeep Hooda in Jaat

Randeep Hooda is a force of nature in Jaat. As Ranatunga, he channels menace with remarkable restraint, crafting a villain who isn’t just brutal, but bruised. The performance is both raw and magnetic—an intricate dance between tradition, rebellion, and identity. Randeep doesn’t just play the role; he inhabits it, making Jaat not just a film, but an experience.

Kajol in Maa

In Maa, Kajol gives one of the most emotionally resonant performances of her career. Portraying a mother pushed to her limits, she brings vulnerability and strength into perfect harmony. Her portrayal is not just compelling—it’s transformative, reminding us why she remains one of Bollywood’s most enduring leading ladies.

Vicky Kaushal in Chhaava

As Maratha warrior Shambhaji Maharaj in Chhaava, Vicky Kaushal strikes the rare balance between grandeur and emotional intimacy. His is a performance steeped in history yet driven by heart, making the legendary figure not just heroic, but human. With this role, Vicky doesn’t just act—he elevates.

Aamir Khan in Sitaare Zameen Par

In Sitaare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan reminds us why he continues to be one of the most emotionally intelligent actors of our time. Marking his return to the big screen, Aamir delivers a gentle, soul-stirring performance that addresses sensitive themes with wisdom and empathy. It’s not just a comeback—it’s a reconnection.

Halfway through 2025, and the bar is already sky-high. If these performances are any indication of what the rest of the year holds, then we’re in for a cinematic ride defined not just by spectacle—but by soul.