Top performances of 2025 so far – Firstpost

We’re only halfway through 2025, and already, the screen has been graced by performances that don’t just entertain—they resonate. These aren’t just roles, they’re reflections of humanity, captured with depth, nuance, and unforgettable presence. From powerful comebacks to quietly revolutionary portrayals, these actors have set the tone for a year where storytelling is defined by soul over spectacle.

Aamir Khan in Sitaare Zameen Par

Marking his much-anticipated return to the big screen, Aamir Khan gives a performance that is both tender and thought-provoking. In Sitaare Zameen Par, he steps into emotionally rich territory, portraying themes of empathy, identity, and second chances with his trademark sensitivity. It’s not just a comeback—it’s a reaffirmation of his unmatched ability to connect with audiences on a deeply human level.

Adarsh Gourav in Superboys of Malegaon

Adarsh Gourav continues to cement his place as one of India’s most versatile young actors. In Superboys of Malegaon, he disappears into the skin of a small-town filmmaker, capturing both the absurdities and the aspirations of everyday life. His performance balances humor, vulnerability, and understated grit, breathing life into a character that could have easily become a caricature in lesser hands.

Rahul Bhat in Black Warrant

Festival favourite Rahul Bhat takes on the role of DSP Rajesh Tomar, a senior jailer at Tihar Jail, in a performance that is both commanding and deeply internal. Known for his selective approach to roles, Bhat’s choices are rarely about volume—they’re about depth. And in Black Warrant, he delivers yet another masterclass. With quiet authority and layered intensity, he anchors the drama, reminding us why a Rahul Bhat project is always worth the watch.

Abhishek Banerjee in Stolen

With Stolen, Abhishek Banerjee continues his streak of genre-defying performances. His role in the film is subdued yet emotionally arresting—a man caught between trauma and survival. Banerjee brings a rawness to the screen that’s impossible to ignore.

Sanya Malhotra in Mrs

Sanya Malhotra delivers a career-defining performance in Mrs, a film that hinges entirely on her quiet magnetism. As a woman grappling with societal roles and inner turmoil, she embodies resilience with haunting grace. There’s no loud defiance here—just a subtle, simmering strength that unfolds scene by scene, making this one of the most powerful portrayals of womanhood in recent memory.