Ajay Devgn Top 20 Films Ajay Devgn completes 20 years in the Hindi film
This year Ajay Devgn completes 20 years in the Hindi film industry. When we asked him about this, he just paused and shook his head in near disbelief. From an expressionless action hero to one of the country’s most versatile actors, Ajay has come a long way. At the top of his game, even after two decades, Ajay rounds off a super successful 2011 with his last release of the year-Rascals. So as he gears up for his new set of films, we look at his 20 most memorable performances tracing his 20-year-long journey from Devgan to Devgn
Phool Aur Kaante: Releasing alongside Anil Kapoor’s Lamhe, the odds were against Ajay’s debut film. But the underdog conquered and how! Devgn did his cult split on a bike, danced to half a dozen smash hit songs, confronted his on-screen father, fought an army of villains and VOILA! A star was born.
Dilwale: A huge blockbuster of its times, it was Ajay Devgn’s first dramatic role after a series of monotonous action flicks. Devgn was cast as an angry lover boy who lands up in a mental asylum. Aided by a chartbusting soundtrack, Ajay gave a crowd pleasing performance that balanced romance as well action.
Suhaag: This prime time television favourite, was perhaps the first glimpse of Ajay’s comic skills. Teaming up with fellow action star Akshay Kumar, Ajay played the prankster to perfection in the lighter portions of this gripping potboiler.
Najayaz: This was a phase when Ajay had begun challenging himself beyond action. A typical Mahesh Bhatt drama about imperfect, self destructive characters, this movie saw Ajay Devgn overshadowing even the great Naseeruddin Shah in many of its confrontation scenes.
Ishq: Aamir Khan might have been the leader of the pack, but Ajay Devgn played second fiddle with amazing confidence and enhanced Khan’s sharp timing. While Devgn had dabbled with comedy occasionally in the past, Ishq was the first widespread acknowledgement of his funny side.
Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha: Kajol and Ajay’s enthusiastic chemistry gave this French Kiss rip-off a distinct feel, despite the plagiarism. While Kajol played the boisterous one with all the funny one liners, Ajay complimented her well, as the forever gloomy crook.
Zakhm: Ajay got his first national award in Mahesh Bhatt’s last official directorial outing. And even though it didn’t boast of a perfect screenplay, Ajay rose to the occasion and gave a sensitive performance that eclipsed all the film’s flaws.
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam: As the silent, introvert husband who decides to reunite his wife with her first lover, Ajay made everyone sit up and notice of his then untapped potential. So much so that even audiences accepted the film’s climax with open arms even though Salman-Aishwarya were a hot property then. The scene where he makes a disastrous attempt at singing in front of his musician father-in-law remains one of Ajay’s best on-screen moments.
Lajja: The first of a long association with Raj Kumar Santoshi, Devgn’s powerful cameo as an anti-establishment dacoit was the best thing about this movie. Unfortunately for the film, he came a little too late in the proceedings.
Company: Perhaps his career best, Devgn gave a knock out performance in this RGV classic. Letting his intimidating eyes do all the talking, Devgn evoked both fear and awe without any of the usual theatrics.
The Legend Of Bhagat Singh: Ajay Devgn is a pro at giving speeches on-screen. And this film provided him with ample opportunity. Without overdoing the jingoism, Devgn was spot-on in his spirited portrayal of the legendary freedom fighter.
Deewangee: This lazy remake of Primal Fear deserves a watch simply for Ajay’s act as the obsessive lover. Despite going over the top in some scenes, Ajay used his trademark intensity to great effect, particularly in the sequences where he fakes his split personality.
Bhoot: Urmila may have been the one making faces, but had Ajay not looked so genuinely freaked out on-screen; this horror film wouldn’t have made half the impact. In fact, Devgn’s expressions were so accurate that he was almost representing the audience’s fear on his face.
Gangaajal: Prakash Jha has done several films with Devgn, but reserved his best for the actor in this one. As the idealistic cop caught in a web of corruption and power struggles, Devgn brought immense dignity to his part.
Yuva: Abhishek Bachchan had the author backed role, but Devgn played the student leader with a smart mix of anger and sarcasm. Devgn was so effortless, that for a change even co-star Esha Deol came across as a complete natural.
Khakee: It requires some courage and serious talent to take on Big B when he is playing a cop. But despite the huge age difference, Ajay proved to be a worthy opponent for Bachchan in this Raj Kumar Santoshi masterpiece. Every time he uttered his signature line “Good Evening”…Even the mighty Bachchan shivered on screen.
Omkara: Saif may have hogged the accolades, but Ajay’s silent aggression as a low caste Baahubali was the foundation of the film. Watch him in the movie’s title song where he eliminates a rival politician with unmatched, menacing coldness.
Once Upon A Time In Mumbai: Despite having done a similarly themed Company, Devgn played the reel life don with just the right amount of dynamism that the part demanded. Which is why even when Sultan Mirza meets his eventual end in the climax, he walks away with all the sympathy.
All The Best: Golmaal might be the bigger franchise, but it is this Rohit Shetty film where Ajay’s timing was as its best. Playing the street smart Prem Chopra, Devgn was in complete sync with Dutt, even though the latter had the better lines.
Singham: The dialogues of this film have achieved cult status in hinterland India. Ajay’s act as the no-nonsense cop who flings humans and cars with equal ease was so convincing that audiences across cinemas felt like giving their corrupt Netas a hard kick on the rear.
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