Mumbai: As Hindi cinema welcomes a new generation of actors who bring fresh energy and unique personas to the screen, one genre remains ripe for exploration — the thriller. While many of these rising stars have charmed audiences through romance, drama, and action, we can’t help but imagine how powerfully they would elevate a high-stakes, edge-of-the-seat thriller. Here’s our curated list of six actors we believe are destined to shine in the thriller space:
1. Veer Pahariya
With his impactful debut in Sky Force, Veer Pahariya showcased a raw intensity and screen presence that demands attention. His calm yet commanding energy makes him a perfect candidate for a dark, fast-paced thriller that relies on layered emotions and internal conflict.
2. Agastya Nanda
Seen as the affable Archie in The Archies, Agastya’s innocence masks an untapped potential. There’s a quiet intensity beneath the surface — a perfect match for a psychological thriller or noir-style narrative. Watching him portray a morally grey or complex character could be a real treat.
3. Ishaan Khatter
From Dhadak to A Suitable Boy, Ishaan has proven his mettle across genres. With his expressive depth and physical agility, he could bring both emotional nuance and pulse-pounding tension to a gripping thriller — be it as a wronged man on a mission, or a morally torn anti-hero.
4. Lakshya
Fresh off his action-packed debut in Kill, Lakshya clearly has the intensity and physicality suited for thrillers. Now is the time to see him in a cerebral or suspense-driven plot — perhaps a high-octane chase, a revenge saga, or an undercover cop drama with a twist.
5. Abhay Verma
After charming audiences with his role in Munjya, Abhay Verma is ready for a sharp turn. Imagine him trading his soft-boy persona for something darker — a manipulative genius, a secretive mastermind, or a man on the run. A role that plays with mind games and suspense would suit him perfectly.
6. Adarsh Gourav
With critically acclaimed performances in The White Tiger and beyond, Adarsh Gourav is the chameleon of his generation. A thriller would allow him to unleash a more unpredictable, layered version of himself. His attention to character detail and emotional depth make him a director’s dream for twist-heavy narratives.
The Verdict
These actors are brimming with potential — and the thriller genre offers the perfect space for them to break new ground. Whether it’s slow-burn suspense, high-voltage action, or psychological mind-benders, we’re ready for this new wave of performers to lead stories that keep us guessing till the final frame.