2021 is about to end and we enjoyed a decent number of movies and shows this year. What grabbed our attention was exceptional performances. We saw some entirely new kinds of films with some thought-provoking scenes.
Normally, loud performances are easier to notice. Screams, anger and despair are uncomplicated and it immediately grasps our attention. But, we as normal humans try to hide those emotions. So for a more realistic approach, minimalistic performance is all we need. But quite obviously, those intricate forehead wrinkles, eye movements, neck and overall voice control is not easy. It is not only difficult for actors to perform but for the audience to notice as well.
Regardless, here are our top 5 male performances from 2021.
5. Arya (Sarpatta Parambarai)- Prime Video
Arya is an extremely talented actor. He is known for his method acting approach and nailing his character. As a boxer in this film, he proved those praises on a whole next level. His scenes in the boxing ring were a result of the intense mental transformation that he went through. It was clearly visible in his posture, attentive expressions and the way he moved his hands. We can’t just give all the credits to the cinematographer as it could be captured because Arya actually performed so well.
Not only in terms of the boxing ring but the overall emotional side of him was played brilliantly. A scene where he cries with his mother becomes too poking for the audience.
4. Manoj Bajpayee (The Family Man Season 2)- Prime Video
Manoj Bajpayee is a highly accomplished actor. Although Samantha Akkineni stole the show by her exceptionally realistic yet minimalistic performance. But Manoj Bajpai had a huge experience over her and he performed his character with extreme finesse.
The way he leaned, handled the duality between his IT job and ATS and overall realism in his portrayal was praiseworthy.
3. Pavan Malhotra (Tabbar)- SonyLIV
Pavan Malhotra belongs to a theatre background. One thing that they for sure learn in theatres is brilliant acting.
He played a retired cop who gets into trouble due to a crime committed by his elder son. The story of the film was written in a way that was highly inspired by the Shakespearean way of suffering.
There are multiple layers in his character. And he plays all of them in such a manner that it becomes difficult to judge whether he is acting or a camera is recording an actual person.
2. Suriya (Jai Bhim)- Prime Video
This film gained huge attention due to its story and controversy as well. But one thing that was unanimously celebrated was Suriya’s performance.
He maintained the intensity of his character right from the beginning to the end. The way he looked at someone was enough to prove his authority as a principled lawyer and human.
1.Vicky Kaushal (Sardar Udham Singh)– Prime Video
This was entirely a new kind of film, something Bollywood has never ever seen. Vicky Kaushal portrayed the character of Sardar Udham Singh. He was so perfect in this that we couldn’t even imagine someone else in that role.
The film talked about the fine line between terrorism and revolution. It proved why Indian freedom fighters were revolutionaries and not terrorists as propagated by the British government. The Oscars rejected this film by saying that this puts Britishers in a bad picture.
Well, that was just one more example of their colonial mindset. The character portrayal was beyond perfection and it will be remembered for decades to come.
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