2018: The Year of Breakthrough
The year 2018 marked a turning point in Vicky Kaushal’s career, catapulting him into the limelight and establishing him as a leading actor in Bollywood. His breakthrough came with two significant films:
Love per Square Foot (2018)
Vicky Kaushal’s first foray into mainstream Bollywood came with the romantic comedy Love per Square Foot, directed by Anand Tiwari. Playing the role of a software engineer seeking affordable housing, Kaushal charmed audiences with his boyish charm and relatable portrayal. The film, though not a commercial blockbuster, gained critical acclaim and further solidified Kaushal’s position in the industry.
Raazi (2018)
Vicky Kaushal’s true breakthrough arrived with Meghna Gulzar’s directorial venture, Raazi, a spy thriller based on Harinder Sikka’s novel Calling Sehmat. Playing the role of Iqbal Sethi, a Pakistani army officer, Kaushal delivered a restrained and nuanced performance that garnered widespread appreciation. His chemistry with Alia Bhatt, who played the lead role, was lauded by critics and audiences alike. Raazi emerged as a commercial success and firmly established Kaushal as a leading actor.
2019: A Year of Continued Success
Riding the wave of success from 2018, Vicky Kaushal continued to deliver impactful performances in 2019, further cementing his status as a rising star.
Sanju (2019)
In Rajkumar Hirani’s biopic Sanju, based on the life of Sanjay Dutt, Vicky Kaushal played the role of Kamlesh, Sanjay Dutt’s close friend and confidant. His portrayal of the character’s loyalty, humor, and emotional connection to Sanjay Dutt was widely praised. The film emerged as a commercial juggernaut, and Kaushal’s performance was one of the highlights.
Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019)
Vicky Kaushal’s most commercially successful film to date, Uri: The Surgical Strike, showcased his ability to carry a film on his shoulders. Playing the role of Indian Army officer Vihan Singh Shergill, Kaushal delivered a powerful and patriotic performance that resonated with audiences across India. The film became the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2019 and established Kaushal as a bankable actor.
2020: Further Consolidation
In 2020, Vicky Kaushal continued to deliver critically acclaimed performances, further solidifying his position as one of the most versatile actors in Bollywood.
Bhoot Part One: The Haunted Ship (2020)
Vicky Kaushal’s foray into the horror genre came with Bhoot Part One: The Haunted Ship, directed by Karan Johar. Playing the role of a seafarer haunted by a ghost, Kaushal delivered a performance that was both intense and emotionally charged. The film, though not a commercial success, received mixed reviews, with Kaushal’s performance being one of the highlights.
Mardaani 2 (2020)
Vicky Kaushal once again collaborated with Rani Mukerji in Mardaani 2, a sequel to the 2014 crime thriller Mardaani. Playing the role of a young and ambitious filmmaker, Kaushal delivered a performance that was both charming and manipulative. The film received mixed reviews, but Kaushal’s performance was praised for its nuance and complexity.
Throughout his career, Vicky Kaushal has demonstrated a remarkable ability to choose diverse roles and deliver performances that are both captivating and critically acclaimed. His breakthrough and success in the years 2018-2020 have established him as a leading actor in Bollywood, and his journey continues to inspire aspiring actors and filmmakers alike.
