Updated on: 11 September, 2024 06:35 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Abhishek Banerjee, the actor who starred in the record-breaking horror comedy Stree 2, has been garnering critical acclaim since the films release. Prior to this, the actor has delivered multiple supporting roles that made him a very memorable character. In films like Stree, Dream Girl, and Bhediya, Banerjee shines in roles that add humour and charm to the narrative. His quirky, supporting characters often become fan favourites due to their relatable and entertaining personalities. On the other hand, in Paatal Lok and Vedaa, Banerjee breaks from his comedic image, portraying a complex and chilling antagonist, showing his range, and earning critical praise. Abhishek Banerjees ability to seamlessly transition between light-hearted and dark roles has made him a standout in the Indian entertainment industry. Heres a look at some of his most popular supporting roles that left a mark on the audiences.
1. Stree (2018) and Stree 2 (2024)
In the Stree franchise, Banerjee plays the role of Jaana, a lovable and quirky friend in a group that includes Rajkummar Rao's character Vicky and Aparshakti Khurana's Bittu.Jaana provides much of the comic relief in the film with his natural, humorous timing. His character is naive, often getting caught in supernatural situations that lend themselves to comedic moments.
2. Bhediya (2022)
In Bhediya, a creature-comedy film, Abhishek Banerjee portrays JD, or Janardan, the protagonist Bhaskar's close friend. JD brings in plenty of comic relief to balance the horror and fantasy elements of the story.The film revolves around Bhaskar, played by Varun Dhawan, who transforms into a werewolf after being bitten by a mystical wolf in the forests of Arunachal Pradesh. JD is one of the characters who helps Bhaskar navigate this bizarre transformation while reacting to the unfolding supernatural events.
Banerjee's portrayal of JD again highlights his comedic timing, adding humour and lightheartedness to the film while being supportive of the lead characters.
3. Paatal Lok (2020)
Paatal Lok is a gritty, crime-thriller web series where Banerjee plays the role of Vishal "Hathoda" Tyagi, a cold and ruthless contract killer. His character is known for his violent tendencies and his weapon of choice, a hammer (hence the name "Hathoda").
This role was a departure from his earlier, more comedic performances, showcasing Banerjee's versatility. He portrayed Tyagi as a stoic, almost emotionless figure who exudes menace, making his performance one of the most chilling and memorable aspects of the series.
Banerjee's portrayal of Tyagi earned him critical acclaim for his ability to embody such a dark, intense character.
4. Dream Girl (2019)
In Dream Girl, Banerjee plays the character Smiley Dhillon, the close friend of the protagonist Karam, played by Ayushmann Khurrana. Karam takes on the job of impersonating a woman named Pooja at a call centre, and Smiley is aware of his friend’s secret.Smiley is the loyal sidekick who supports Karam through the hilarious situations he finds himself in, especially as Karam's female alter ego gains unexpected popularity, leading to numerous complications.
