From Manoj Bajpayee to Riteish Deshmukh: 5 times Bollywood actors played intricate roles in eye-opening series

In recent years, as OTT platforms have surged, numerous Bollywood celebrities have made their mark in the digital realm. Beyond the glitz of traditional cinema, some stars have immersed themselves in roles that explore the realms of whistleblowers and undercover agents. These characters not only test their acting prowess but also unravel intricate narratives of justice, secrecy, and societal truths. Here, we highlight five instances where Bollywood icons have embraced these challenging roles, delivering performances that captivate and enlighten audiences.

1. Saif Ali Khan in Sacred Games

‘Sacred Games’, based on Vikram Sampath’s novel of the same name, is a groundbreaking series that weaves a complex narrative of crime, politics, and spirituality in Mumbai. Saif Ali Khan plays Sartaj Singh, a troubled Mumbai police officer who stumbles upon a conspiracy involving an impending terror attack. As he delves deeper, Sartaj must navigate the murky underworld and corrupt power structures. Saif Ali Khan delivers a nuanced performance that captures his character's vulnerability and determination, making the series a landmark in Indian OTT content.

Where to watch: Netflix

2. Riteish Deshmukh in Pill

Riteish Deshmukh is set to make his debut on OTT with the upcoming medical drama 'Pill' on JioCinema. Known for his charismatic roles in Bollywood comedies and dramas, Riteish portrays Prakash Chauhan, an employee of CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization), who delves into the deep-seated corruption within the Indian pharmaceutical industry. The series explores the intricate journey of how a pill makes its way to consumers, amidst a web of powerful pharma industrialists, corrupt doctors, medical representatives, compromised drug regulators, politicians, journalists, and whistleblowers. The recently released trailer highlights the intense stakes as Prakash confronts the manipulative CEO of a pharmaceutical company.

Where to watch: Releasing on JioCinema on 12th July

3. Manoj Bajpayee in The Family Man and The Family Man 2

‘The Family Man’ unfolds as a captivating espionage thriller, seamlessly blending action and drama. At its core is Srikant Tiwari, a middle-class man skillfully navigating dual identities: a senior analyst in a fictional intelligence agency and a middle-class family man. Manoj Bajpayee as Srikant grapples with the intricate balance between his domestic responsibilities and perilous covert missions. His performance not only delves into the character's everyday challenges but also captures the relentless pressure of thwarting terrorism, earning accolades for its depth and realism.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

4. Arshad Warsi in Asur and Asur 2

Asur is a psychological thriller that blends crime and ancient Indian mythology. Set in Varanasi, the story revolves around a serial killer's cat-and-mouse game with forensic experts. Arshad Warsi plays Dhananjay Rajpoot, a former CBI officer who goes undercover to catch the elusive killer. Arshad Warsi's performance captures the intellectual and emotional depth of his character, making the series an engaging and suspenseful watch. His portrayal brings a perfect balance of intensity and vulnerability, adding depth to the dark narrative.

Where to watch: JioCinema

5. Radhika Apte in Ghoul

Set in a dystopian future where dissent is brutally suppressed, ‘Ghoul’ is a chilling horror series that explores themes of fear and power. Radhika Apte stars as Nida Rahim, a military officer sent to a covert detention center. Her role as an undercover interrogator unravels into a terrifying ordeal as she confronts a supernatural entity, challenging her beliefs and loyalty. Apte's performance is both intense and thought-provoking, elevating the show's eerie atmosphere and its commentary on societal issues.

Where to watch: Netflix