Character Artists Who Stole The Spotlight In 2024

The lead actors in a movie often take the center stage; however, it’s the supporting cast who leave an indelible mark with their excellent performance, proving to us that no role is too tiny when it is performed brilliantly. Although these actors may not have a long screen presence, they ensure that their roles remain unforgettable with their stellar performance.

As the curtain closes on 2024, its time brings the spotlight on this talented bunch of actors who breathed life into the films they acted in. From Jaideep Ahlawat in Maharaj to Sajin Gopu in Aavesham and more, let’s take a look at some of the best supporting actors in Indian films in 2024:

Best Character Artists

1. Jaideep Ahlawat – Maharaj (Hindi)

Jaideep Ahlawat is a dark horse, and he keeps proving that with each role he does. He’s undoubtedly one of India’s finest character actors and deserves praise for his gripping performance in the Hindi period drama Maharaj. Ahlawat plays a morally corrupted religious leader, JJ, who sexually exploits young women in the name of ‘Charan seva,’ meaning to impress God through him. The actor steals the thunder with his sharp gaze and the intensity required for this role. Don’t miss out on the film on Netflix.

OTT – Netflix

2. Sajin Gopu – Aavesham (Malayalam)

One of the best performances by character artists in 2024 has to go to Sajin Gopu for his powerhouse performance in Aavesham. He, as Ambaan, a henchman to a local gangster, Ranga, brings a spark on the screen. His character’s funny and vulnerable side made him an instant fan favourite, receiving accolades across the nation. Even though Sajin played a rowdy in Aavesham, his impressive dramatic range in portraying pain, guilt, and loyalty reminds us of the importance of the supporting cast to a film. The movie is available on Prime Video and Hotstar.

OTT – Sony LIV

3. Fahadh Faasil – Pushpa 2: The Rule (Telugu)

Known for his subtle and restrained acting skills, Malayalam star Fahadh Faasil in 2024 proved that he is beyond what the audience thinks of him. He brought his A-game to Pushpa 2: The Rule, where he played a cunning, menacing police officer, Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat. He masterfully plays a rival to Allu Arjun’s character in Pushpa 2, delivering a nuanced performance. Undoubtedly, Fahadh is in the list of India’s best performances by character artists in 2024. The movie is running at the theaters.

OTT – Netflix

4. Varalaxmi Sarathkumar – Hanu-Man (Telugu)

Another South Indian character artist who shined in 2024 is Varalaxmi Sarathkumar. She played Anjamma, elder sister to the main lead Teja Sajja, in the Telugu sci-fi movie Hanu-Man. She, as a vulnerable and protective sister, was beautifully done by Sarathkumar‘s impressive acting. The movie can be streamed on Jio Cinema and Zee5.

OTT – Disney+ Hotstar

5. Subodh Bhave – Paani (Marathi)

Subodh Bhave delivers a moving performance in the Marathi movie Paani, a poignant movie about water scarcity in Marathwada. He plays elder brother to main lead Adinath Kothare, who works in an NGO and supports his brother while he fights the crisis in the region. Bhave’s role brings a warmth and sincerity to the screen, placing himself in the list of top supporting roles of 2024 in Indian cinema. The film can be watched on Prime Video.

OTT – Sony LIV

6. Jyotika – Srikanth (Hindi)

Srikanth is a story about a visually impaired boy, Srikanth Bolla, from rural India who became an industrialist and founder of Bollant Industries. Jyotika played a teacher to Srikanth (Rajkummar Rao) in this inspiring movie, delivering a stellar performance. Her impactful performance as an encouraging and supportive teacher added emotional depth and authenticity to her role. Her commanding screen presence is definitely a memorable character role in Bollywood in 2024. Srikanth can be streamed on Netflix.

OTT – Netflix