There was a time when Hindi cinema was known for its iconic villains—Gabbar Singh, Shakaal, and Mogambo. These characters became legendary not because of intense fight scenes, but because of their strong presence and unforgettable punchlines. They didn’t need to beat the hero physically—just their words and screen presence were enough.
But times have changed. Bollywood has evolved, and so have its villains. Today’s bad guys don’t need a scary look or loud voices. Instead, they are smart, calm, and dangerous in a more subtle way. One actor who is proving this with his acting skills is R Madhavan. He’s set to play a powerful villain in the upcoming film Kesari: Chapter 2.
Madhavan Joins Akshay Kumar in Kesari: Chapter 2
Directed by Karan S Tyagi, Kesari: Chapter 2 is a courtroom drama that revisits the tragic events surrounding the Jallianwala Bagh massacre—one of the darkest days in India’s history. The movie stars Akshay Kumar as C Sankaran Nair, a courageous lawyer who stood up against the British Empire. The story is based on the book The Case That Shook The Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat.
But what really adds spice to the story is the villain, played by R Madhavan, who takes on the role of Neville McKinley—a powerful man representing the British side. The clash between Akshay Kumar’s idealistic lawyer and Madhavan’s ruthless character makes this film a must-watch.
A New Kind of Villain
R Madhavan is showing us a new kind of villain—one who is not loud or over-the-top but chilling in his calmness. In a recent interview at the trailer launch, Madhavan said, “I felt that this was a story that needed to be told. I don’t think about whether it’s a positive or negative role. I want to play a role so well that people hate me.” That’s exactly what makes him such a strong antagonist—he disappears into the character so well that you truly believe in his role.
From Romantic Hero to Dark Roles
Madhavan’s journey into playing dark roles started a long time ago. One of his earliest negative characters was in the Tamil film Aayutha Ezhuthu, which was later remade in Hindi as Yuva (with Abhishek Bachchan in his role). But it was Vikram Vedha that truly made audiences take notice of his transformation. While he wasn’t the villain in that movie, the gray shades in his character were unforgettable.
Shaitaan – A Game Changer
One of Madhavan’s most talked-about negative roles is in the film Shaitaan, where he played the lead role opposite Ajay Devgn. Without giving away spoilers, let’s just say his performance left everyone shocked. He managed to scare, impress, and amaze the audience—all at the same time. If you haven’t seen Shaitaan yet, it’s a great example of how good Madhavan is at playing dark roles.
More Villainy Ahead
Madhavan’s recent role in the Netflix film Test also shows his flair for intense, layered characters. And with Kesari: Chapter 2 coming up, fans can expect another powerful performance. The film is produced by Dharma Productions, Leo Media Collective, and Cape of Good Films—a solid lineup that promises high-quality cinema.
Conclusion: Bollywood’s New Khalnayak
Bollywood has found its new Khalnayak (villain) in R Madhavan. He doesn’t need a big build or a dramatic voice. His expressions, dialogue delivery, and calm intensity are enough to make him terrifying. As audiences, we are loving to hate him—and that’s the mark of a great villain.
So, if you’re looking for a movie that combines history, drama, and a villain you won’t forget, keep an eye out for Kesari: Chapter 2. Madhavan is here to redefine what it means to be a villain in Bollywood.
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