From Kartik Aaryan in 'Chandu Champion' to Alia Bhatt in Netflix's 'Darlings': The underrated performances that deserved more

Bollywood's biggest stars are often remembered for their blockbuster hits, iconic dialogues, and larger-than-life screen personas. But every once in a while, they surprise audiences by taking a completely different route, choosing characters that are quieter, more vulnerable, and far removed from what we expect of them. While these performances may not always dominate mainstream conversations, they showcase these actors at their most compelling. If you're looking for films that deserve a second look, here's a list worth bookmarking.

Kartik Aaryan – Chandu Champion & Satyaprem Ki Katha

Known for his impeccable comic timing, rapid-fire dialogue delivery, and relatable charm, Kartik Aaryan has built a career around entertaining audiences. That's precisely why his performances in Kabir Khan's Chandu Champion and Sameer Vidwans' Satyaprem Ki Katha, both backed by producer Sajid Nadiadwala, feel like such pleasant surprises. Whether portraying extraordinary grit and determination or embracing emotional vulnerability, Kartik proved there's far more to him than just punchlines and crowd-pleasing moments.

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Kareena Kapoor Khan – Jaane Jaan

Few stars have balanced glamour, commercial success, and longevity quite like Kareena Kapoor Khan. In Jaane Jaan, however, she stepped away from her usual comfort zone and embraced a character shrouded in mystery, guilt, and emotional complexity. The result was a mature, nuanced performance that reminded audiences why she continues to be one of Bollywood's most versatile leading ladies.

Hrithik Roshan – Super 30

The Greek God of Bollywood has spent years dazzling audiences with blockbuster spectacles, gravity-defying dance moves, and undeniable screen presence. But in Vikas Bahl's Super 30, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, Hrithik Roshan traded glamour for grit and delivered one of the most raw and grounded performances of his career. Stripped of all superstar trappings, he immersed himself completely in the role, reminding viewers that behind the movie-star aura lies an actor capable of remarkable transformation.

Alia Bhatt – Darlings

Alia Bhatt has earned a reputation for consistently delivering strong performances, but Darlings deserves a special mention for how effortlessly she balanced humour, heartbreak, and resilience. As Badru, she navigated a complex emotional journey while maintaining the film's unique darkly comic tone. It's one of those performances that becomes richer with every viewing and showcases just how comfortably Alia can move between genres.

Varun Dhawan – October

Varun Dhawan is often associated with energetic entertainers, infectious charm, and commercial crowd-pleasers. That's what makes Shoojit Sircar's October such a standout in his filmography. With very few dramatic flourishes to lean on, Varun delivered a performance built almost entirely on restraint and emotional honesty. Quietly moving and deeply affecting, it's a film that reveals a side of the actor many didn't know existed.

Ranveer Singh – Lootera & 83

Today, Ranveer Singh is synonymous with boundless energy and larger-than-life performances. Yet some of his finest work has come when he has chosen subtlety over spectacle. In Lootera, he delivered a beautifully restrained portrayal filled with longing and heartbreak, while in Kabir Khan's 83, he disappeared so completely into cricket legend Kapil Dev that it became difficult to separate the actor from the character. Together, these films showcase the remarkable range that often gets overshadowed by his flamboyant public persona.

Taapsee Pannu – Thappad

Taapsee Pannu has never shied away from challenging roles, but Thappad remains one of the most quietly powerful performances of her career. Rather than relying on dramatic confrontations, she communicated an entire emotional journey through subtle shifts in expression and body language. It's the kind of performance that feels deeply personal, making the film's message resonate even more strongly.

Vidya Balan – Sherni

When it comes to commanding attention on screen, few actors do it as effortlessly as Vidya Balan. Yet Sherni often flies under the radar when discussing her best work. Playing a forest officer navigating bureaucracy, politics, and conservation challenges, Vidya delivered a wonderfully understated performance that relied on quiet confidence rather than dramatic moments. The result is a film, and a performance, that lingers long after the credits roll.