Archive · 24 Dec 2025
Top Performances and Films of 2025
In 2025, Deepa Gahlot picked the top 10 female performances in mainstream cinema.
Even though there weren't many great roles for women, the actresses who got good parts did their best.
Aneet Padda played a poet with Alzheimer's, Monika Panwar played a tough mother, and Triptii Dimri played a law student in love.
Yami Gautam Dhar fought for her rights in a divorce, Patralekhaa played a social reformer, and Janhvi Kapoor imitated male stars in a funny way.
Rakul Singh was spirited in a love story, Huma Qureshi played an independent woman, Fatima Sana Shaikh brought grace to a quiet romance, and Sonal Madhukumar showed a range of emotions as an Adivasi woman.
Additionally, young actors like Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Ahaan Pandey, and others lit up the screens with their impressive debuts and performances.
The year also saw massive box office successes like Dhurandhar, Kantara: Chapter 1, Chhaava, Saiyaara, and Coolie, each praised for their unique strengths and storytelling.
Deepa Gahlot selected the top 10 female performances in 2025 mainstream cinema, highlighting notable actresses like Aneet Padda, Monika Panwar, and Triptii Dimri.
Young actors like Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Ahaan Pandey, and Aneet Padda delivered impressive debut performances in 2025, earning widespread acclaim.
Major films like Dhurandhar, Kantara: Chapter 1, Chhaava, Saiyaara, and Coolie achieved significant box office success, each praised for their unique strengths and storytelling.
Dhurandhar earned Rs 925 crore worldwide, noted for its realistic storytelling and ensemble cast featuring Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, and others.
Saiyaara emerged as one of the biggest surprises, becoming the highest-grossing Indian romantic film of 2025 with Rs 570.33 crore worldwide, praised for its soulful music and impressive performances by Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda.
- Who
- Deepa Gahlot, Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Ahaan Pandey, Aneet Padda, Ananya Panday, Rukmini Vasanth, Zahan Kapoor, and various filmmakers and actors.
- What
- Top performances and films of 2025 in Bollywood and the Indian film industry.
- When
- 2025
- Where
- Mainstream cinema and theaters in India.
- Why
- To highlight the best performances by actresses and the success of major films in a year with diverse genres and significant box office numbers.
Critics
Audiences
Acting Range
Critics
Critics appreciated the depth and complexity of performances, particularly in roles that required emotional range and authenticity.
Audiences
Audiences loved the fresh and energetic performances, especially from young actors, finding them relatable and engaging.
- Lakshya
- Male lead in The Ba***ds of Bollywood, praised for balancing heart, humor, and action.
- Sahher Bambba
- Leading lady in The Ba***ds of Bollywood, noted for her emotional depth and dramatic range.
- Ahaan Pandey
- Debut in Saiyaara, received overnight fame for his romantic and emotional performance.
- Aneet Padda
- Debut in Saiyaara, praised for her screen presence and emotional depth.
- Ananya Panday
- Played Dilreet Gill in Kesari Chapter 2, showcased her intense acting range.
- Rukmini Vasanth
- Portrayed a negative role in Kantara: Chapter 1, won hearts for her transformation.
- Zahan Kapoor
- Debut in Black Warrant, praised for his performance as a rookie jailer.
- Dhurandhar
- Earned Rs 925 crore worldwide, praised for its realistic storytelling and ensemble cast.
- Kantara: Chapter 1
- Earned Rs 852 crore worldwide, noted for its grand scale and immersive storytelling.
- Chhaava
- Earned Rs 807.91 crore worldwide, praised for its historical significance and emotional resonance.
- Saiyaara
- Earned Rs 570.33 crore worldwide, praised for its soulful music and impressive performances.
- Coolie
- Earned Rs 518 crore worldwide, praised for Rajinikanth's screen presence and gritty storytelling.
