u/leonnpayne

He has always been far more compelling when playing layered, morally complex characters his performances as darker, conflicted figures often feel sharper and more memorable than his romantic icon image. There’s a certain unpredictability and intensity he brings to those roles that really showcases his range as an actor.

There was a time when he took risks and explored such characters that stayed with the audience long after the film ended. Now, the choices feel more calculated—focused on maintaining stardom rather than pushing boundaries as a performer. It’s not that he’s lost his charm or ability, but the hunger that once defined his craft doesn’t feel as visible anymore.

He started beautifully in 2014, Shahid gave him solid recognition and proved his calibre. But then came the wave of small-town films, where characters often feel a bit overplayed, and he leaned into that space a little too comfortably.

Mujhe toh Bareilly Ki Barfi ke baad hi samajh aa gaya tha ki bhai safe zone mein settle ho gaya hai. His worst decision is to choose mainstream bollywood to do proper commercial role which he never made for that.