Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth: Actors who played both hero and villain in the same film

The art of cinema demands versatility, but few challenges are as compelling as playing both the hero and the villain in the same movie. This intense double act requires an actor to convince the audience that they are battling their own dark reflection. Whether through lookalikes, twins, or scientific creations gone rogue, these performances stand as true benchmarks of versatility in Indian cinema.

Amitabh Bachchan made history with his dual portrayal of the menacing underworld boss Don and his lookalike, the street-smart Vijay. The plot follows the police as they recruit the affable Vijay to impersonate the notorious Don and infiltrate his gang in search of a crucial diary. Bachchan effortlessly transitioned between Don’s cold, commanding presence and Vijay’s endearing, good-hearted charm. This iconic double performance cemented the film’s blockbuster status and inspired multiple remakes, proving the enduring appeal of the anti-hero.

'Baazigar' shattered the traditional Bollywood hero mould by casting Shah Rukh Khan as Ajay Sharma, a protagonist driven by an unforgiving quest for revenge. Though not a literal villain, his anti-hero ruthlessly murders to reclaim his family’s honour, blurring the line between good and evil. This dark, complex portrayal was a career-defining gamble for Khan, establishing him as an actor unafraid of exploring truly negative shades.

Paresh Rawal’s brilliance shines in this cult comedy through his double role as the kind-hearted, wealthy Ram Gopal Bajaj and his wicked twin, Teja. Ram is the victim, while Teja is the villain relentlessly plotting against him. Rawal constantly plays off himself as Amar and Prem get entangled in the chaos. His impeccable comic timing makes both the good and evil lookalikes equally hilarious, keeping the film a beloved classic for generations.

Shah Rukh Khan once again embraced the hero-versus-villain duality in Duplicate, playing the innocent chef Bablu Chaudhry and the dangerous gangster Manu Dada. The film unfolds as a screwball comedy built on mistaken identities. As Manu, Khan delivers cold menace, sharply contrasting Bablu’s wide-eyed innocence. His charismatic performance captures the tension and humour of a timid hero facing his ruthless doppelgänger.

In one of his most challenging performances, Kamal Haasan played Major Vijay Kumar and his psychopathic twin brother, Nandu, in Abhay (the Hindi version of Aalavandhan). Vijay is the disciplined military officer, while Nandu is the terrifying antagonist targeting his brother’s fiancée. Haasan’s commitment to the role—including shaving his head for Nandu’s unsettling look—created a chilling contrast that turned the film into a dark psychological thriller centred on an intense brother-versus-brother conflict.

Rajinikanth delivered one of Indian cinema’s most technologically ambitious double roles as Dr. Vaseegaran and his creation, the android Chitti. He begins as the heroic scientist and later as the helpful robot, but the narrative takes a dramatic turn when Chitti develops emotions and goes rogue. The robot transforms into a super-powered antagonist who even builds an army of his own duplicates. Rajinikanth’s shift from genial scientist to flamboyant villain redefined the scale and possibilities of Indian sci-fi storytelling.