Ajay Devgn’s five most FANTASTIC films till date

Ajay Devgn, who celebrates his birthday today, is possibly one of the most robust and fierce actors in Hindi Cinema. With a career spanning over 26 years, he has given some incredible performances and has won the National Award twice.

And in case you were unaware, he’s the only actor to have a successful film every year ever since he made his foray into the world of movies. It was only on two occasions when he didn’t taste success in a particular year. Raju Chacha and Deewane in 2000 and Cash and Ram Gopal Verma Ki Aag in 2007. So on his birthday, let’s revisit his strongest and most memorable films:-

1. COMPANY (2002)

One of the finest gangster dramas directed by RGV, Devgn portrayed the role of Malik, an Underworld don who locks horns with his own protégé when their egos collide. Blending intensity and nonchalance, the actor completely owned the character and made Company a thrilling cinematic experience.

2. GANGAAJAL (2003)

Prakash Jha’s most powerful film till date, GANGAAJAL depicted the plight and struggles of the Indian Policemen and how one man undertakes the responsibility of colliding with corrupt and heinous politicians. Devoid of any melodrama and unrealistic action, reminiscent of those Rohit Shetty potboilers, Devgn was marvelously restrained in this gripping film that never gets old.

3. ZAKHM (1998)

Winning his first National Award for this Mahesh Bhatt directorial, Zakhm wasn’t an easy watch. In the days of archaic and asinine comedies and candy-floss romance, Bhatt made a relevant and fearless film that depicted the struggles of a son who wanted to bury her mother according to the Muslim rituals. Amidst a sea of backlash and political tension, he finally buries her and finds solace. After Zakhm, the filmmaker hung up his boots and Devgn consolidated his position in the industry as an actor who spoke more with his eyes than words.

4. THE LEGEND OF BHAGAT SINGH (2002)

Bagging his second prestigious National Award, the actor essayed the role of Bhagat Singh, the fearless freedom fighter who dared to challenge the British Rule. Collaborating with Rajkumar Santoshi, Devgn replicated the nuances of Singh with aplomb. Although, a commercial failure at the time of its release, it has acquired unanimous appreciation and praises over the years, particularly because of the leading man and Rahman’s musical score.Personally, this is the best Bhagat Singh biopic after Manoj Kumar’s Shaheed (1965).

5. HUM DIL DE CHUKE SANAM (1999)

In this Sanjay Leela Bhansali love triangle, Ajay Devgn played the third bead in the rosary of Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Portraying the role of a shy and quiet lawyer, yes, a shy lawyer, named Vanraj, Ajay brought warmth and anguish to his character in equal measure and made the heartbreak of his separation with his wife fully palpable. This is easily one of his better films till date.

Honorable Mentions-  Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha (1998), Deewangee (2002), Yuva (2004), Raincoat (2004), Apaharan (2005), Omkara (2006) and Once Upon a Time In Mumbai (2010). 

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