The year 2025 witnessed an interesting crossover trend in Indian cinema, as several Bollywood actors stepped into South Indian films—not as heroes, but as powerful antagonists. While villain roles often demand strong screen presence and intense performances, success at the box office did not always follow. From Telugu and Tamil cinema to big-budget pan-India releases, these Hindi film actors left a mark with their negative roles, even if the films themselves struggled commercially.
Bobby Deol was among the most prominent Bollywood villains in South cinema this year. He played key antagonist roles in two Telugu films, Daku Maharaj and Hari Hara Veera Mallu. Though both movies failed to impress at the box office, Bobby’s fierce expressions, physical transformation, and commanding dialogue delivery received widespread critical acclaim. Many viewers felt his performance stood out despite the films’ overall shortcomings.
Emraan Hashmi made his much-anticipated South Indian debut as the villain in They Call Him OG. Known in Bollywood for his romantic and thriller roles, Emraan surprised audiences with a darker and more menacing avatar. While the film underperformed commercially, his stylish portrayal of the antagonist was praised, with fans applauding his successful transition into South cinema.
Ali Fazal entered Tamil cinema with Kamal Haasan’s ambitious project Thug Life. Playing a negative character in a star-studded cast, Ali delivered a restrained yet impactful performance. Critics appreciated his role, but the film failed to live up to expectations and ended its theatrical run as a box-office disaster.
Sohail Khan made his Telugu cinema debut in 2025 with Arjun Son of Vaijayanti. Cast as the antagonist, Sohail’s role failed to generate much buzz. The film did not perform well commercially, and his character lacked the impact needed to leave a lasting impression on audiences.
In a surprising move, Aamir Khan appeared in a negative cameo role in Rajinikanth’s much-talked-about film Coolie. Expectations were high due to Aamir’s involvement, but his brief role did not resonate strongly with viewers. The film itself also struggled at the box office, adding to the disappointment.
Veteran actor Mahesh Manjrekar, already known for his strong villain roles, featured in three South Indian films in 2025—Thug Life, Coolie, and The Devil. While the first two films failed commercially, The Devil emerged as a hit, reaffirming Mahesh’s reputation as a reliable and effective antagonist.
Overall, 2025 highlighted how Bollywood actors continue to explore diverse opportunities in South Indian cinema. Even when box-office success proved elusive, many performances were appreciated, proving that a well-played villain can shine regardless of a film’s fate.