15 Best Standout performances on OTT in 2025: From Sanya Malhotra in Mrs to Babil Khan in Logout and Abhishek Banerjee in Stolen

15 Best Standout performances on OTT in 2025: From Sanya Malhotra’s simple yet powerful portrayal of a housewife in Mrs. to Roshan Matthew’s layered role in Kankhajura, check out impressive roles..

Best Standout performances on OTT in 2025: Sanya Malhotra to Babil Khan and Abhishek Banerjee

The year 2025 has offered fans many iconic performances that remain etched in our memories. With the advent of OTT platforms and the binge-watching craze, the consumption of content has changed for us. This year we witnessed not a few but many impressive performances that stood out with their perfect transition into the roles. One of the traits of a fine actor is the ability to take risks and effortlessly fit into diverse roles. From Sanya Malhotra’s simple yet powerful portrayal of a housewife in Mrs. to Roshan Matthew’s layered role in Kankhajura, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best standout performances on OTT in 2025 that cast an indelible mark on the viewers.

A look back at the top standout performances on OTT in 2025

Sanya Malhotra - Mrs.

If we talk about the standout performances of this year, it is nearly impossible to miss out on Sanya Malhotra’s Mrs. Aarti Kadav’s family drama film features Sanya Malhotra in the titular role. She plays Richa, a trained dancer who gets married to a doctor. Despite her efforts to impress her ‘new in-laws,’ Richa finds her identity fading out with piercing taunts from her husband and father-in-law. The character is simple yet so powerful that it remains with you even after the credits roll out. Sanya Malhotra’s performance reflects on the emotional vulnerability and the extraordinary strength in a woman when she decides to stand up for her dignity. In the last scene, Richa throws the sink’s dirty water on her husband; that marks the end of her patience in both her marriage and thankless service. Mrs not only garnered love from critics and fans but also reflects on the patriarchy and systematic corruption that is now being unraveled in such cinematic masterpieces.

Also Read: Top 10 standout performances in Indian movies 2025: From Rashmika Mandanna, Basil Joseph to Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa

Abhishek Bachchan - Kaalidhar Laapata

Abhishek Bachchan has proved his mettle in the OTT space, as he delivered a fine performance in Madhumita’s drama film Kaalidhar Laapata that manages to touch your heart. Abhishek Bachchan plays the titular role of a man suffering from memory loss. His life takes an unexpected spin when his family abandons him and he encounters an orphan boy and forms an unlikely friendship and bond. When you watch his performance, it is easy to get lost in the character because it is Abhishek’s magnetic charm that brings a rural character to life.

Babil Khan - Logout

Babil Khan surprised fans with another intriguing performance after his stint in Qala and The Railway Men. In 2025, Babil came with a cyber or tech thriller, where he transitioned into the role to bring its emotional vulnerability. Logout, as the name highlights, centers around social media and portrays its dark and complex side. He played a man juggling between his online personality and real life. The growing tension and the silent pauses with a compelling use of his body language make his character remarkable. Late actor Irrfan Khan would have been so proud to witness his son’s cinematic flair and talent.

Abhishek Banerjee - Stolen

Known for his versatility, Abhishek Banerjee has added another feather to his cap with this intense role of an elder brother, who, along with his younger brother, embarks on a challenging road trip to survive. Be it the character’s vulnerability, emotional turmoil, or the growing tension, Abhishek Banerjee seeps inside the skin of the character. With a shabby appearance and a harrowing look, Abhishek Banerjee as Gautam Bansal is not easy to forget.

Ayesha Raza - Aap Jaisa Koi

A character turns memorable with its actor. No matter if the screen time is less, a good performance always manages to steal the spotlight. In Netflix’s Aap Jaisa Koi, R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh deliver an unlikely love story. Ayesha Raza’s supporting character comes with a standout verdict because it grabs your attention with a relatable housewife character. Ayesha plays the role of a middle-aged wife, who is often degraded and humiliated by her husband. Despite being independent, Kusum suffocates in her marriage as she loses her identity only to find herself back with another man, who is the opposite of her chauvinistic partner. Be it the layered maturity or the resilience, Kusum Tripathi’s character is guided perfectly by Ayesha Raza.

Jitendra Kumar - Bhagwat: Chapter One – Raakshas

Jitendra Kumar is often remembered for his roles in Panchayat and Kota Factory. This year, Jitendra Kumar surprised us with a chilling character in Bhagwat: Chapter One – Raakshas. Jitendra plays three different roles, each exploring his complexity and psyche. The movie features Arshad Warsi as a cop who investigates the cases of mysterious disappearances.

Kritika Kamra - The Great Shamsuddin Family

Kritika Kamra essays a Muslim woman, Bani Ahmed, in Netflix’s heartfelt family drama. What makes this one interesting is that it does not try to sell a materialistic tale but instead offers a relatable story about a Muslim joint family, which is packed with chaos and drama just like any other middle-class Indian household. Kritika leads the ensemble as an independent woman who juggles between her family, friends, former lover, and career. Farida Jalal, Kunal Kapoor, and others are part of the ensemble cast.

Raghav Juyal - Ba***ds of Bollywood

Aaryan Khan’s directorial debut series has delivered not only some edgy humour and action sequences but also a new ‘bestie’ with Raghav Juyal’s character. Netflix’s series features Kill star Lakshya in the lead as an aspiring actor, and Raghav plays his best friend. From his stunning energy as a cute fanboy, Parvaiz, to the perfect comedic timing and humour punches, Raghav Juyal is a complete package of entertainment in the series.

Tillotama Shome- Pataal Lok 2

Tillotama Shome joined the cast of Pataal Lok in the second season. While Jaideep Ahlawat continues to shine in the sequel with his layered character, viewers enjoyed Tillotama Shome’s presence in the series. Tillotama Shome is definitely one of those actors whose magnetic charm and acting craft add life and a spark to the character. Whether it is playing a vibrant maid in Sir or a corporate woman in Lust Stories, Tillotama Shome delivers each character with an intense performance.

Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub - Real Kashmir Football Club

Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub manages to win hearts with his inspiring role of a mentor in Sony LIV’s Real Kashmir Football Club. Based on a true story, the series centers around two underdogs who vow to form Kashmir’s first-ever football team. Mohd Zeeshan’s dialogue delivery and versatile roles add depth to his role as a devoted Kashmiri man who wishes for a change with sports ambitions and skills.

Monika Panwar - Khauf

Monika Panwar’s gripping series features her as a Gwalior woman who moves out to a Delhi hostel but finds herself in a dark trap as unsettling events cloud her life. It is a delight to see Monika’s talent unfold with the character in the series with each encounter in the hostel. Monika’s role of Madhu turned into her breakthrough performance as she smoothly essayed the character rooted in trauma and emotional scars that might haunt the person forever.

Roshan Matthew - Kankhajura

Roshan Matthew’s character is packed with layers as he plays a convicted prisoner who is released after 14 years in jail and tries to rebuild his life and relationships. The role of Ashu comes with a psyche of moral ambiguity and a dark demeanor, and Roshan Matthew did pure justice to the layered character with his intense looks and fragile bond between an ex-criminal and his brother as they struggle with trust and the former’s troubled past.

Zahan Kapoor - Black Warrant

Zahan Kapoor’s role as a Tihar jailer is based on a real person, and it adds a layer of depth to it as fans get immersed in his story. Black Warrant gained acclaim for its solid plotline and characters that give viewers a sneak peek into the life inside Delhi’s most feared prisons. From ruthless criminals to the dedicated jailers and officers, the series is a compelling watch, and Zahan Kapoor’s performance is the icing on the cake.

Pasupathy - Kuttram Purindhavan

Pasupathy grabs attention with his unsettling character in the crime thriller Kuttram Purindhavan. He plays the role of a neighbour whose helping act turns awry when fate brings a haunting twist that threatens to ruin his family life. Essaying the role of a former pharmacist named Bhaskar, Pasupathy delivers a powerful performance in this series, where heavy themes of guilt, moral ambiguity, and buried secrets form a central part in the narrative.

Aadi Pinisetty in Mayasabha

Aadi Pinisetty’s role captured the moral dilemmas of power and influence in the world of politics. He manages to hold the interest of viewers with his portrayal of a prominent political figure named Kakarla Krishnama Naidu "KKN" (the role is based on politician N. Chandrababu Naidu). The period drama centers around the ever-changing world of politics, where friendships and relationships succumb to power hunger.

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