Published By: Sayan Paul

Birthday Special: Ajay Devgn's Overlooked Films That Deserve a Second Chance - From 'Raincoat' to 'Halla Bol'

Several of Devgn's films didn't receive the love they deserved at the time of their release. How about giving them a second chance now? 

Ajay Devgn has two sides as an actor. One is where he plays a character like Bajirao Singham, full of power and intensity, dominating the screen with his larger-than-life presence. The other is where he restrains himself and keeps it all minimalist, focusing on the little nuances and complexities of human life. Either way, he makes a lasting impact on minds, showing not only his versatility but also his love for different kinds of cinema. And what sets him apart from many of his peers is that he doesn’t always run after box office numbers or worry about his brand image. Sometimes, he picks a film just because he believes in its story, even if he knows it might not be a big hit. He is an artist before a star, and as they say, an artist "never likes to play it safe".

Several films in Devgn's career didn’t get the limelight they deserved at the time of their release. On his 56th birthday, let’s take a look at some of those gems that are worth a second chance.

Raincoat (2004) 

Rituparno Ghosh’s 'Raincoat' is the kind of film that stays with you long after it ends. Based on O. Henry’s 'The Gift of the Magi', it tells the story of two ex-lovers who meet again, hiding their struggles behind polite smiles. Devgn plays Mannu, a simple man battling silent heartbreak, using just his eyes and pauses to convey unexpressed emotions. His restrained performance is a far cry from his action-hero image, proving his incredible depth as an actor. But 'Raincoat' was never meant for the masses—it's slow, poetic, and melancholic. At a time when Bollywood was leaning towards larger-than-life entertainers, this quiet gem got lost.

(Credit: Cinemania)

Thakshak (1999) 

Directed by Govind Nihalani, 'Thakshak' is an intense crime drama about a man caught between loyalty and conscience. Devgn plays Ishaan, a privileged yet conflicted gangster trying to break free from his violent world. Unlike traditional action-packed gangster films, 'Thakshak' focuses on inner turmoil rather than bullets and brawls. Devgn’s performance is measured, slowly unraveling the character's internal battle. However, the film’s deliberate pace and lack of typical commercial elements kept audiences away. With a stellar A.R. Rahman soundtrack and thought-provoking themes, it surely deserves a fresh viewing.

(Credit: CinemaRare)

As critic and author Anupama Chopra wrote about the film, "... 'Thakshak' is an experiment in popular format. It doesn't work fully, but patient viewers can expect to be amply rewarded."

Tango Charlie (2005) 

Unlike most Bollywood war films that thrive on chest-thumping nationalism, 'Tango Charlie' offers a deeply human take on a soldier’s life. Devgn plays Havaldar Mohammad Ali, a seasoned soldier mentoring a young recruit (Bobby Deol) as they go through brutal conflicts across India. His performance is understated yet powerful, showing the exhaustion and moral dilemmas of a man who has seen too much bloodshed. The film didn’t get its due because it lacked what people expected - high-octane action sequences and patriotic dialogues. But in today’s era, when audiences have evolved, 'Tango Charlie' is worth revisiting.

(Credit: BOLLYWOOD MEMORIES)

In his review of 'Tango Charlie', Ziya Us Salam called the film "a visual treat with a daring theme", adding it "dares to enter where the Indian media shies away".

Sunday (2008) 

Rohit Shetty’s 'Sunday' is a rare Bollywood film that blends comedy, mystery, and action. Ayesha Takia plays a woman who loses memory of an entire Sunday, and Devgn (ACP Rajveer Randhava) steps in as a cop trying to piece together the missing day. Unlike his usual serious roles, Devgn brings humor, charm, and effortless comic timing, proving he can do lighthearted roles just as well. However, 'Sunday' confused audiences—it wasn’t a full-fledged comedy like 'Golmaal', nor was it a gripping thriller. Caught between genres, it didn’t get the appreciation it deserved. But today, with audiences more open to genre-blending films, this one is a fun watch.

(Credit: Eros Now Music)

Taran Adarsh gave the film 3.5 out of 5, writing, "On the whole, 'SUNDAY' is a well-made entertainer that has the potential to click with moviegoers."

Aakrosh (2010) 

'Aakrosh', directed by Priyadarshan, is a gripping thriller based on real-life incidents. Devgn plays a tough CBI officer investigating a case that exposes caste violence, police corruption, and deep-rooted injustice. His performance is fierce yet restrained, perfectly balancing anger with quiet determination. Despite its powerful theme and gripping narrative, 'Aakrosh' struggled at the box office. Perhaps the dark subject matter turned audiences away, or maybe it lacked the usual Bollywood formula of romance and song sequences. But today, 'Aakrosh' deserves another chance, especially from the people who watch different kinds of content. 

(Credit: Bollywood Hungama)

Halla Bol (2008) 

Rajkumar Santoshi’s 'Halla Bol' is a fearless commentary on corruption, hypocrisy, and the power of an individual’s voice. Devgn plays Ashfaque/Sameer, a popular actor who undergoes a moral awakening and takes a stand against injustice. His transition from a self-absorbed star to a man fighting for what’s right is one of his most powerful performances. But 'Halla Bol' didn’t work commercially—it was too serious, too real, and too uncomfortable for a time that thrived on escapism. However, it's now more relevant than ever.

(Credit: SukhwinderSinghOfficial)

Happy Birthday, Mr. Devgn.