An overview into Vicky Kaushal’s versatile filmography and what makes him a fantastic actor and also a potential superstar.

Starting from his critically acclaimed debut in the very moving Masaan (2015) Vicky Kaushal has done a wide plethora of roles whether it is characters based on history or more contemporary roles.

Son of the well-known action director Shyam Kaushal, Vicky, before making his debut with Masaan, worked as an assistant director on the movie Gangs of Wasseypur (2012).

In fact, Masaan— Neeraj Ghaywan’s directorial— was co-produced by Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane under the banner Phantom Films.

Masaan saw Vicky in the role of a bright student from a marginalized caste. His character Deepak works in the cremation Ghats of the place Varanasi; it isn’t something he likes doing but Deepak has no other option. Vicky made a splendid debut, particularly in the portion where he expresses the centuries of discrimination that the marginalised caste people have been subjected to.

Before tasting huge commercial success with the action drama Uri in 2019, Vicky had a very good 2018 with first-rate performances in Raazi, Sanju and Manmarziyaan.

Playing to the strengths

In Raazi, Vicky played a Pakistani soldier contrary to the usual stereotypes. In terms of screen time, Vicky’s role was more of a supporting one, but the actor made his presence amply felt. Vicky has an endearing persona, particularly in the scenes where he romances Alia Bhatt’s Sehmat.

There is a visible sensitivity in the way he treats her. His character Iqbal was written as a sensitive soul and Vicky with his acting made the viewers feel for Iqbal.

A major strength of Vicky is this endearing quality both on and off-screen. He comes across as a very loving person, which explains the female fan following.

Another standout strength of Vicky as an actor is his physicality. To portray a warrior king in Chhaava, having a strong build is crucial; the audience must feel that the hero has the power to cut through countless enemies and become a real threat to the antagonist. Vicky naturally fits this role with his tall stature and solid presence, making him the perfect fit for such characters.

Following are some of Vicky Kaushal’s best performances over the years. This ranges from intense to slightly more comedic parts.

Chhaava

Laxman Utekar’s Chhaava has stirred up significant attention for various reasons. While the film has been lauded for its strong performances and its grand cinematic appeal, it has also faced criticism over the accuracy of its historical events.

Regardless of these debates, one thing is undeniable: Vicky’s dedication in embodying the courageous Maratha warrior on screen. He fully embodies the fierce king, presenting a character who is a true menace to Akshay Khanna’s portrayal of Aurangzeb. Beyond his physical transformation, Vicky masterfully conveys the emotional and psychological toll of being a warrior.

Beneath his warrior exterior, there’s a profound vulnerability—whether it’s the longing for his mother’s affection or the haunting nightmares involving his father. In Chhaava, Vicky’s tenderness shines through in the romantic moments with Rashmika Mandanna.

His tender moments, like calling her “Shri Sakhi” and adoring her with such genuine affection, enrich the character, giving it a rare emotional depth.

These layers of complexity add depth to the role, and Vicky Kaushal’s performance brings them to life brilliantly.

Sardar Udham Singh

In Shoojit Sircar’s nuanced biopic of the Punjabi revolutionary Sardar Udham Singh, Vicky Kaushal delivered a stellar performance, conveying the inner rage of a freedom fighter with nothing but his eyes.

Vicky skillfully portrayed the many emotions of Sardar Udham through subtle changes in his body language.

A special mention must be made of his performance during the Jallianwala Bagh sequence. Vicky’s portrayal of Sardar Udham’s anguish gives the audience goosebumps. He truly brought to life the various stages of Udham Singh’s journey.

Sam Bahadur

Meghana Gulzar’s biopic on the dynamic Sam Manekshaw may follow a predictable path, often playing out like a highlight reel, but Vicky Kaushal’s charismatic performance makes the movie worth watching.

He perfectly embodied the fearless attitude and dynamism of Sam Manekshaw.

There’s a Dev Anand-like demeanour to his portrayal, and Vicky was simply superb. He also excelled in the vulnerable moments shared with his wife, played by Sanya Malhotra.

Sanju

Although Ranbir is the main pivot of this Rajkumar Hirani directorial, Vicky Kaushal as Sanju’s best friend Kamlesh was also equally good.

In the initial portions, he brings in a lot of laughs but as the movie progresses, he also provides solid emotional depth.

He is exceptional, particularly in the scene where he encourages Sanju to not succumb to difficult circumstances and reminds him of how his father is facing an equally big battle.

In fact, Vicky Kaushal can be called the second lead of Sanju.

Bad Newz

The best way to describe Anand Tiwari’s Bad Newz is as a showreel of Vicky Kaushal. Apart from his nimble dance moves in “Tauba Tauba,” Vicky was fantastic as a typical happy-go-lucky Punjabi boy undergoing a transformation.

Vicky Kaushal played a major role in lifting the movie’s energy whenever the proceedings started to slow down.

Not only did Vicky bring the house down with his impeccable comic timing, but he also excelled in the emotional scenes. For instance, there’s a moment when his character, Akhil Chaddha, has a breakdown during introspection, and another scene where Vicky reflects on the loss of his late father. In both of these moments, Vicky showcased his versatility and all-around capability.

This is all about Vicky Kaushal’s current filmography. His ability in seamlessly jumping genres is what makes him a potential superstar.

Here’s hoping that Vicky Kaushal continues to entertain the audiences with different roles and genres.

(Edited by Sumavarsha)

https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/the-many-faces-of-vicky-kaushal-a-look-at-his-iconic-roles/