27 Years, 34 Films, 2 Superhits: Actor Goes Viral After Years of Silence

The Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna-starrer Chhaava is garnering widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics. This highly anticipated period drama has made a massive impact at the box office, quickly becoming the biggest Hindi opener of 2025, raking in nearly Rs 50 crore by Sunday alone.

While Vicky Kaushal’s performance is being hailed as one of his finest, there's another actor in the film who is also earning rave reviews for his work. Akshaye Khanna's portrayal of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb has been described as chillingly effective. His intense presence and expressive eyes have stood out, earning him particular praise for bringing depth to such a complex character. Critics have been quick to highlight his performance as a major highlight of the film.

Despite being part of a celebrated film family as the son of legendary actor Vinod Khanna, Akshaye’s career had a bumpy ride, especially in the early years. His Bollywood debut came with Himalay Putra (1997), which failed to make an impact at the box office. However, his career took a turn with his roles in the massive hits Border and Dil Chahta Hai, where his performances were widely appreciated. Yet, he faced several setbacks in the following years with films like Mohabbat, Doli Saja Ke Rakhna, Aa Ab Laut Chalen, and Laawaris, all of which did not perform well commercially.

Despite the ups and downs, Akshaye continued to work and deliver notable performances. His standout role in the 2022 crime thriller Drishyam 2, which became the highest-grossing film of the year, marked a significant comeback for him. In Chhaava, Akshaye’s portrayal of Aurangzeb has again earned him critical praise, adding another feather to his cap.

Chhaava, a historical drama based on the life of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, also stars Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Diana Penty, Ashutosh Rana, and Vineet Kumar Singh in key roles. The film is quickly becoming one of 2025’s most talked-about releases.