Dhanush, the actor who is all over the world now, turned a year older on July 28.
From starting as a Tamil actor to making people crazy about his talent with his Bollywood debut Raanjhanaa and now leaving a spark on the global map with his Hollywood debut, The Gray Man, the actor has done everything right at the correct time.
And today on his 39th birthday, let’s have a look at the five best performances by the National award-winning actor.
Aadukalam
Aadukalam was the first film that won Dhanush his first National Award in the Best actor male category. The movie has released in 2011 in the Tamil language and the film also featured Tapsee Pannu and Kishore, Naren and Murugadoss.
Aadukalam revolves around a master called Pettaikaran, who is famous in town for an impeccable track record of successes in rooster fights. And things turn interesting when one of his aides, Karuppu, goes against his word in a fight. The movie had not only released to critical acclaim but also won five awards at the 59th Filmfare Award South.
Dhanush broke the assumption that he could not carry character burned throughout a film, with Polladhavan. The Tamil actor not only pulled off heavy roles with ease in that year but also effortlessly played the boy-next-door who lands up in an extraordinary situation in Polladhavan.
The thriller not only film established Dhanush as an actor who can deliver in acting and still play with a starry image, but also impressed critics.
Raanjhanaa
Raanjhanaa will always be a film, which should be applauded for its versatility. The makers and director Anand L Rai did bring the real essence of UP and Banaras through his characters like Bindiya (Swara Bhaskar), Zoya (Sonam Kapoor), Murari (Mohammed Ayub) and Akram (Abhay Deol), but the show stealer will always be Dhanush’s character Kundan Shankar.
The film marked the Bollywood debut of Dhanush and also won him the Filmfare Award in the best actor category. The 39 years old, did not only enter the skin of his character but portrayed his vulnerability, USPs and defects with pride.
Asuran
Asuran won Dhanush his second National Award in the best actor male category.The fourth collaboration of Dhanush and Vetrimaaran treated the audience with a blood-soaked tale of revenge and redemption. The movie was based on the best-selling novel Vekkai by Poomani.
The story of the rural backdrop with two warring families and a social class divide could not have been made more effective. Not only Dhanush should be applauded for his work in Asuran, who played double roles of a forty years old man and a fearless youngster in his 20’s but also filmmaker Vetrimaaran should be hailed as handling these complexities with ease is not an easy job.
The Gray Man
The Gray Man may be criticised for dealing with too many things at once, but the acting done by Dhanush is top-notch. The Tamil actor made the entire nation proud by marking his Hollywood debut with Marvel filmmakers Russo Brothers and earning good acclaim from co-stars, Chris Evans and Ryan Gosling.
The film revolves around the CIA’s top asset, whose identity is unknown and how he uncovers and triggers a global hunt by assassins set loose by his ex-colleague. The movie may have not been able to impress the audience but the critics have even applauded Dhanush’s acting in the Gray Man.
Television actor Gaurav Khanna has been declared the winner of Bigg Boss 19, bringing the curtain down on a season packed with drama, intense face-offs and emotional moments. He secured the top spot after a closely fought finale, with Farhana Bhatt finishing as the first runner-up.
Gaurav Khanna’s steady game pays off
Premiering on August 24 with 18 contestants, the season showcased shifting alliances, sharp strategies and memorable confrontations. Despite being seen as quiet in the early weeks, Gaurav Khanna gradually emerged as one of the strongest voices inside the house. His composed demeanour and calculated task performance helped him build momentum through the competition.
Farhana Bhatt ends as runner-up
Farhana Bhatt, known for her dynamic presence and determination throughout the season, finished second. Although she narrowly missed the title, her journey remained one of the standout tracks of the show.
Finale eliminations
The grand finale began with multiple eliminations — Amaal Mallik was the first finalist to bow out, followed by Tanya Mittal, and then Pranit More, leaving Gaurav and Farhana as the top two contenders. Gaurav ultimately lifted the trophy and took home a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh.
With the conclusion of Bigg Boss 19, the show wraps another season marked by strategy, rivalry and heartfelt moments that kept viewers engaged from start to finish.
Ranveer Singh returns with a ferocious performance in Dhurandhar, supported by Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and a gripping espionage storyline set against real historical events.
Ranveer Singh makes a striking return to the big screen with Dhurandhar, delivering a fierce, layered performance in Aditya Dhar’s ambitious spy thriller. Blending historical terror incidents with a fictional revenge saga, the film explores India’s covert response to cross-border terrorism through the secret project ‘Dhurandhar’.
A brutal world built around revenge and espionage
Set around the IC-814 Kandahar hijack and the 2001 Parliament attack, Dhurandhar opens with Ajay Sanyal, an Intelligence Bureau officer played by R Madhavan, who strongly opposes releasing captured terrorists. Despite his resistance, bureaucracy prevails, setting the stage for the covert mission he later leads.
The project introduces its central weapon — Humza Ali Mazari, later revealed to be Jaskirat Singh Rangil — portrayed by Ranveer Singh with ferocity and emotional depth. Dropped straight into Karachi’s dangerous Lyari district, Humza navigates a nexus of gangs, politicians, and the ISI, with the narrative also touching upon tensions between local Pakistanis and Baloch communities.
Performances that elevate the film
Akshaye Khanna nearly steals the spotlight as a feared Lyari gangster inspired by Rehman ‘Dakait’ Baloch. Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal of SP Chaudhry Aslam brings an intimidating presence, while Arjun Rampal’s Major Iqbal leaves a lingering impact despite limited screen time.
Sara Arjun plays Yalina with conviction, and the film also features an unrecognisable Gaurav Gera in a surprise appearance.
Music, violence, and a split narrative
Shashwat Sachdev’s background score stands out, weaving classic Pakistani melodies with Indian retro hits to complement the film’s shifting tones. Viewers should be prepared for intense brutality, graphic torture scenes, and sudden shifts in narrative style — especially in a second half that feels markedly different from the first.
The episodic structure, archival footage, and mix of real and fictional characters add layers, though some may find the format distracting.
Ending that sets up part two
While the film does not end on a dramatic cliffhanger, its teaser for the second part — scheduled for March 19, 2026 — ensures audiences will return to witness the conclusion of Humza’s journey.
Farhan Akhtar’s latest release 120 Bahadur hit theatres on November 21 but registered a dull opening on its first day, earning Rs 2.35 crore. In comparison, De De Pyaar De 2, which is now in its second week, continues to show stronger hold at the box office.
Slow start for 120 Bahadur on day one
The action-drama opened to modest numbers on Friday, collecting Rs2.35 crore on its first day. Despite pre-release buzz around Farhan Akhtar’s performance, the film has begun its run on the lower side.
De De Pyaar De 2 maintains its advantage
Meanwhile, De De Pyaar De 2 continues its steady run. On its eighth day, the film maintained an edge over 120 Bahadur in overall earnings, according to media. The strong hold of the Ajay Devgn-led sequel appears to have impacted the new release’s opening day business.
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