The new vanguard of Indian cinema—10 people to look out for

The world of cinema is constantly evolving, with fresh talent joining forces to captivate audiences and push boundaries in storytelling. From versatile actors like Avinash Tiwary to the action-packed performances of Lakshya Lalwani, a rising star in the genre, the industry is brimming with dynamic personalities. Abhishek Banerjee, known for his talent as an actor and casting director, continues to shine with his memorable performances and work behind the scenes. Tovino Thomas, a celebrated actor from the Malayalam film industry, is making waves with his captivating portrayals of complex characters. On the creative front, Sudip Sharma's gripping screenwriting is redefining the crime thriller genre, while Tanya Maniktala's ability to transition between dramatic, comedic, and action-packed roles showcases her impressive versatility. Other talents like Pratibha Ranta, Asees Kaur, Shuchi Talati, and Bonita Rajpurohit are reshaping narratives through their impactful performances and unique voices, making them undeniable forces in the future of Indian cinema. As these rising stars continue to make their mark, they are undoubtedly names to watch in the years to come.

Avinash Tiwary    

Avinash Tiwary is a versatile actor whose ability to seamlessly slip into a wide range of characters sets him apart in the world of cinema. Whether it’s for an intense romantic drama, Laila Majnu, a supernatural mystery flick, Bulbbul, or an emotionally moving The Mehta Boys. Tiwari’s performances are marked by a rare authenticity and depth. No matter how challenging the role, he consistently brings a unique blend of vulnerability and strength, making his characters feel real and relatable. His remarkable ability to navigate complex emotions and deliver performances that resonate with audiences makes him one of the most exciting and adaptable talents in cinema.

Lakshya Lalwani

Lakshya Lalwani made an impactful debut in Kill. His performance established him as a promising actor for the action genre. His seamless transition into intense, high-stakes roles highlighted his ability to handle physicality and emotional depth, making him stand out in a space often dominated by seasoned performers. His remarkable screen presence and natural flair for action sequences proved that he is not just a promising newcomer, but an actor who truly belongs. With his next project with Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions alongside Ananya Panday, he’s sure to continue impressing and carving a niche for himself in the industry.

Abhishek Banerjee 

Abhishek Banerjee is a multifaceted talent in the Indian entertainment industry, excelling not only as an actor but also as a casting director. Known for his versatility, Banerjee seamlessly navigates both intense and comedic roles, making him one of the most dynamic actors in contemporary cinema. He rose to prominence with his standout performances in the Maddock Supernatural Universe, featuring in films like Stree, Bhediya, and Stree 2, where his unique blend of humour and depth made him a fan favourite. His portrayal of the antagonist Hathoda Tyagi in Paatal Lok showcased his ability to dive into dark, intense roles with equal conviction.

Apart from his acting career, Banerjee is also a promising casting director, running Casting Bay with his friend Anmol Ahuja. The duo has cast actors in numerous advertisements, films, and web series, establishing themselves as key players in the casting world. With his range as an actor and his keen eye for talent, Abhishek Banerjee is undoubtedly a name to watch in 2025, as he continues to shape both the performances and the talent pool of Indian cinema.

Tovino Thomas

Tovino Thomas is a celebrated actor in the Malayalam film industry, known for his ability to effortlessly tackle diverse roles. From intense, dramatic performances to lighthearted, comedic characters, Thomas has proven time and again that he is a versatile actor who can handle any genre with ease. His roles in films like Mayanadhi, Lucifer, and Kala have earned him critical acclaim. Whether playing a troubled artist, a complex hero or a charismatic antagonist, Thomas brings authenticity and intensity to every role he takes on. As he continues to expand his repertoire, Tovino Thomas is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.

Sudip Sharma 

Sudip Sharma is one of India's leading contemporary screenwriters and showrunners, renowned for his ability to craft compelling storylines across a variety of genres. His work spans from gritty crime dramas to thought-provoking thrillers and engaging mysteries. As the creator, writer, and executive producer of Paatal Lok, he revolutionised the crime drama genre, earning widespread acclaim for its gritty storytelling and complex characters. Similarly, he co-created and served as the showrunner for Kohrra, a Netflix murder mystery series, which further solidified his reputation as a master of suspense and intrigue.

Sharma’s remarkable versatility is also evident in his previous works, including the intense and hard-hitting Udta Punjab (2016), the thriller NH10 (2015), and the critically praised Sonchiriya (2019). His ability to weave together different genres, from crime dramas to horror and fantasy, showcases his talent for creating engaging, multi-layered narratives. As a creative force in both film and television, Sudip Sharma continues to be a name to watch, consistently delivering fresh, impactful stories that resonate with audiences across the globe.

Tanya Maniktala

Tanya Maniktala is a talented Indian actress known for her versatile roles across Hindi films and series, gaining widespread recognition for her leading role as Lata Mehra in A Suitable Boy (2020), a career-defining performance that garnered critical acclaim. Her portrayal of the complex, relatable character marked a major turning point in her career. Maniktala’s acting chops are further evident in her role in the hit series Flames (2018), where she effortlessly brought warmth and charm to her character.

Tanya's range continued to shine through with her appearances in Feels Like Ishq (2021), Chutzpah (2021), and How to Fall in Love (2021), where she displayed both comedic and dramatic versatility. In 2023, she ventured into action with Kill, showcasing her adaptability to different genres. 

Pratibha Ranta

Pratibha Ranta has showcased her versatility in both high-budget, glamorous productions and intimate, rural settings. She first captivated audiences with her role in Heeramandi, a grand historical drama by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Ranta then transitioned to a character with depth and authenticity with Laapataa Ladies, a project by Kiran Rao. With her ability to seamlessly adapt to diverse roles, Pratibha Ranta is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting talents in Indian cinema, promising to shine in both commercial and critically acclaimed projects.

Asees Kaur

Asees Kaur is an Indian playback singer whose soulful voice has made her a prominent name in Bollywood. Starting her musical journey at the age of five, singing Gurbani, Kaur rose to fame with her Bollywood debut, Dildara Reprise from Tamanchey. Despite facing early setbacks, including being rejected on Indian Idol season six, Kaur made a remarkable comeback, delivering hit songs like Bolna from Kapoor and Sons and Akh Lad Jaave. Her breakthrough moment came with the song Raatan Lambiyan from Shershaah (2021), which catapulted her to stardom.

Kaur has worked with various top music composers, adding her distinct touch to chart-topping tracks. Her ability to experiment with different vocal techniques and dedication makes her a dynamic force in the industry. With an ever-growing fanbase and an evolving musical style, Asees Kaur is undoubtedly a name to watch as she continues to make waves in the world of music.

Shuchi Talati 

Shuchi Talati is a filmmaker to watch, particularly for her bold exploration of themes like female sexuality, gender, and South Asian identity. With a strong foundation from the American Film Institute, she’s already making waves with her award-winning shorts. Her debut feature, Girls Will Be Girls, is a striking example of her ability to subvert dominant narratives and offer fresh perspectives on often-overlooked topics. Talati’s work is not only a reflection of her personal vision but also a challenge to the status quo in the industry, making her a standout talent in contemporary cinema. With her sharp storytelling and fearless approach to controversial subjects, she’s a filmmaker whose future projects are certainly worth keeping an eye on.

Bonita Rajpurohit 

Bonita Rajpurohit is a trailblazing writer, actor, and director who is reshaping the landscape of cinema with her bold, authentic storytelling. Known for making history as the first trans actor to play a lead role in a theatrical film, she has already left a significant mark on the industry. In 2024, she stepped behind the camera as a director for IYKYK, a film that explores the nuanced struggles of Kusum, a woman navigating a series of disappointing dates while facing the challenges of societal insensitivity to her gender identity. Bonita’s work is not only groundbreaking but also deeply personal, offering fresh perspectives on themes of identity, love, and acceptance. With her unique voice and passion for breaking barriers, Bonita Rajpurohit is undoubtedly a name to watch in the world of cinema.

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