How Akshay Kumar Redefined Action: The 9 Blockbusters You Need to See
Khiladi (1992): Akshay Kumar's debut film, where he played a street-smart thief who falls in love with a policewoman. He set the tone for his action-hero image with this film.
Singh Is Kinng (2008): Kumar played a simpleton who becomes a gangster to avenge his father's death. The film was a huge commercial success and established Kumar as a bonafide action star.
Rowdy Rathore (2012): A remake of the Telugu film Vikramarkudu, this film saw Kumar play a cop who goes undercover as a rowdy to stop a gang of criminals. The film was a blockbuster and made Kumar one of the most popular action stars in India.
Special 26 (2013): Kumar played a police officer who leads a team of undercover agents to nab a gang of counterfeiters. The film was a critical and commercial success and won Kumar a National Film Award for Best Actor.
Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty (2014): Kumar played a soldier who goes on a solo mission to stop a terrorist attack. The film was a hit and received praise for its action sequences.
Naam Shabana (2017): Kumar played a RAW agent who trains a young woman to become an assassin. The film was a female-led action film and was praised for its performances and action sequences.
Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017): Kumar played a man who fights for the right of his wife to have a toilet in their home. The film was a social drama with action elements and was a critical and commercial success.
Mission Mangal (2019): Kumar played a scientist who leads a team of women to launch a mission to Mars. The film was a science fiction film with action elements and was a critical and commercial success.
Prithviraj (2022): Kumar played the legendary Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan in this historical action film. The film was a critical and commercial failure.