2025 has been a year of compelling performances in Bollywood, both on the big screen and on OTT platforms. Several actors have delivered standout portrayals that have resonated with audiences and critics alike. Here's a look at some of the most talked-about performances of the year so far:

Aamir Khan in 'Sitaare Zameen Par'

Aamir Khan made a comeback with "Sitaare Zameen Par", a sports comedy-drama directed by R.S. Prasanna. The film is a spiritual successor to Khan's own 2007 film, "Taare Zameen Par". In this movie, Khan plays a basketball coach who guides a team of differently-abled individuals. "Sitaare Zameen Par" has been praised for its heartwarming storytelling and sensitive approach to its themes. Critics have noted Khan's ability to blend humor with heart, delivering a gentle and soul-stirring performance. Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV gave the film 3.5 stars out of 5 and said that "Aamir Khan effortlessly slips into the character of a temperamental man who is often mocked for his short stature". Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express also gave it 3.5 stars out of 5 and said that "This film wouldn't have worked as well as it does if Aamir hadn't been fully committed to putting himself out there as a hero-who-is-a-jerk". The film has been a box office success, grossing ₹149.89 crore in 18 days and becoming Khan's fifth-highest-grossing film. As of July 6, 2025, the movie grossed ₹231.50 crore at the box office, including ₹53.75 crore from overseas collections.

Sanya Malhotra in 'Mrs.'

Sanya Malhotra has received widespread acclaim for her performance in "Mrs.", a remake of the Malayalam film "The Great Indian Kitchen". Directed by Arati Kadav, the film explores the challenges faced by a newly-wed woman navigating regressive patriarchal traditions. Malhotra portrays Richa, a talented dancer whose aspirations are stifled after marriage. Critics have lauded Malhotra's nuanced portrayal of a woman grappling with despair and seeking to reclaim her identity. Her performance has been described as intimate and piercing, highlighting her resilience. "Mrs." premiered on ZEE5 on February 7, 2025, and has garnered positive reviews. Sanya Malhotra also won the Best Actress award for her performance in the film at the 2024 New York Indian Film Festival.

Rahul Bhatt in 'Black Warrant'

Rahul Bhatt stars in the Netflix series "Black Warrant," a thriller set in Delhi's Tihar Jail. Bhatt plays DSP Rajesh Tomar, a complex and morally ambiguous jail official. His performance has been praised for balancing the restraint of a government official with the lawlessness of a goon. Bhatt's intense screen presence and dedication to layered characters make his performance a must-watch. "Black Warrant" explores the brutal realities of prison life and the challenges faced by those working within the system.

These performances, along with others such as Adarsh Gourav in "Superboys of Malegaon" and Mia Maelzer in "Stolen", highlight the depth of talent in Bollywood and the industry's ability to tell compelling human stories. As the year progresses, it will be interesting to see which other actors and performances make a mark on the cinematic landscape.