Vicky Kaushal’s evolution from the broken Deepak (Masaan) to the charismatic Sam Manekshaw (Sam Bahadur)

Vicky Kaushal is an actor who has become synonymous with versatility. For someone who entered the scene with an achingly beautiful movie like Masaan, he was soon juggling between genres and trying to strike a balance between commercial and art house. For a quintessential Punjabi munda, he chose and delivered characters that not many could imagine him in. He could be Sanju’s Kamli, Sardar Udham, or even Govinda from Govinda Naam Mera, and all of it effortlessly. 

Our man now turns Sam Manekshaw for his biopic Sam Bahadur under Meghna Gulzar’s direction. A legendary figure who our country respects and adores. Vicky Kaushal left everyone spellbound with the trailer and everybody was waiting for the movie to release. Today marks the release of Sam Bahadur. While the reception to the film is mixed, one thing that everyone can agree to is that Vicky Kaushal is phenomenal in the film. 

So today, as the actor has delivered yet another memorable performance in his career, let’s track his evolution from the naive boy from Banaras to the Field Marshal who made the world bow down to him. 

Also Read: Sam Bahadur review - Salute to Vicky Kaushal but Meghna Gulzar makes us run through the index of this biopic

Deepak From Masaan (2015)

Director: Neeraj Ghywaan 

Vicky Kaushal will age and give us many more brilliant performances but Deepak will always be special. The pain that he brought to screen, the confusion and the directionless life that he portrayed were way beyond the capabilities of an actor who was just making his debut. But Vicky was born with the craft and he polished it over the years. Deepak made his place in hearts and we have treasured him ever since. 

Available On: Netflix

Watch Gadar 2 on OTTplay by subscribing to the Jhakaas pack which provides access to 16 OTTs at just Rs 199/month.

Vicky Sandhu From Manmarziyaan (2018)

Director: Anurag Kashyap 

Vicky played a rogue young man in love with a fiercely strong-headed woman. Both are on fire with no extinguisher in sight; the world is up in flames and the heat changes something in them. Anurag Kashyap’s beautiful attempt at a love story results in a movie that gives us Vicky Sandhu, a DJ who’s careless but still loves Rumi madly. There are so many layers to Sandhu and when he breaks down, Vicky Kaushal’s talent is on display. 

Available On: Prime Video (on rent) & Eros Now

Iqbal Syed From Raazi (2018)

Director: Meghna Gulzar 

Uniting for the first time with his Sam Bahadur director, Vicky Kaushal changed the way the Pakistani defence forces have been portrayed so far. Iqbal was a human who lived and was protecting the other side of the border. There was no evil in him, but he was still torn between duty and love. His chemistry with Alia Bhatt was magical and he won hearts even with a very brief role. 

Available On: Amazon Prime Video

Udham Singh From Sardar Udham (2021)

Director: Shoojit Sircar 

Vicky Kaushal can mould himself into any character and Sardar Udham was the prime example before Sam Bahadur. A historic figure who lived a life that is so interesting and moving is a near-impossible task to portray him on screen. Kaushal took this risk and it paid off well. 

Available On: Amazon Prime Video

Vihan Shergill From URI: The Surgical Strikes (2019)

Director: Aditya Dhar 

URI was the movie where Vicky Kaushal broke out as a commercial star and a bankable hero. Playing an army officer yet again, he had the task of playing the part as authentically as possible. There was no room for mistakes and he made sure he delivered a performance that would be appreciated for a long time.

Available On: Zee5

Also Read: Sam Bahadur 2023 - Release date, trailer, plot, cast, budget, OTT platform and more