As Singham Again gears up for release, with a star-studded lineup of actors portraying larger-than-life police officers like Bajirao Singham, Lady Singham, and Simmba, it’s hard not to notice how exaggerated these roles are. While these characters provide high-voltage entertainment, they are far from the grounded reality of everyday police officers.
On the other hand, Hindi cinema has also given us some unforgettable police characters that felt authentic. These characters didn’t have superhuman powers but still made a powerful impact with their dedication and human emotions. Let’s take a look at some of the most realistic portrayals of policemen on screen.
1. Manoj Bajpayee as Inspector Samar Pratap Singh in Shool
Manoj Bajpayee’s portrayal of Inspector Samar Pratap Singh in Shool is one of the finest representations of a policeman juggling personal life and professional challenges. Unlike most film cops, Samar Pratap Singh leads a simple, ordinary life. He’s a husband who goes shopping for vegetables with his wife, but when it comes to his duty, he doesn’t shy away from standing up against corrupt politicians like Bachchu Yadav, played by Sayaji Shinde.
This realistic portrayal of an honest officer trying to balance his responsibilities makes Samar a character that audiences can relate to. His monologue in the assembly where he confronts Bachchu Yadav is gripping and memorable. This character felt like someone who could easily be part of your daily life.
2. Om Puri as Inspector Anant Velankar in Ardh Satya
Om Puri’s performance in Ardh Satya is often considered a benchmark for realistic portrayals of policemen in Indian cinema. As Inspector Anant Velankar, Om Puri brought to life the internal conflict of a police officer torn between his duties and the prevalent corruption within the force. The film, directed by Govind Nihalani, takes a deep dive into how an honest man gets disillusioned by the corruption surrounding him.
With actors like Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, and Amrish Puri, the film created a deeply immersive world. Om Puri’s Anant was vulnerable and human, unlike the over-the-top supercops we see today. His struggles were relatable to anyone who has ever been part of a flawed system.
3. Ajay Devgan as SP Amit Kumar in Gangajal
Ajay Devgan’s portrayal of SP Amit Kumar in Gangajal is another example of a character rooted in realism. Unlike his larger-than-life role in Singham, Devgan’s role in Gangajal is that of a grounded police officer trying to clean up the crime-infested city of Tezpur. The movie is a gritty take on the challenges faced by police officers who want to serve justice but are trapped by corrupt officials and a flawed system.
Prakash Jha’s direction added depth to this character, making Amit Kumar feel like someone we could know in real life. His struggle to maintain his integrity in a world full of corruption resonates deeply with the audience.
4. Arshad Warsi as SSP Ajay Kumar in Sehar
Arshad Warsi’s role as SSP Ajay Kumar in Sehar often flies under the radar but is one of his best performances. Playing a police officer who uses technology to fight crime in Lucknow, Warsi’s character is based on real-life events, specifically the encounter of gangster Shriprakash Shukla.
Warsi’s understated performance gave a realistic feel to the character, showing us a police officer who is intelligent, determined, and human. The film, though not a blockbuster, was critically acclaimed, and Warsi’s role was lauded for its authenticity.
5. Aamir Khan as ACP Ajay Singh Rathore in Sarfarosh
Aamir Khan’s role as ACP Ajay Singh Rathore in Sarfarosh is still fondly remembered by fans of Hindi cinema. The movie, which recently celebrated 25 years, portrayed Aamir as a dedicated officer working to end cross-border terrorism.
What made Aamir’s role stand out was its blend of professionalism and vulnerability. His losses fuel his dedication to his duty, but they also reveal his human side. Sarfarosh remains one of the finest police dramas, with Aamir Khan delivering one of the best performances of his career.
While these five characters are some of the most grounded portrayals of police officers in Hindi cinema, many others deserve mention. Nana Patekar’s roles in Ab Tak Chhappan and Shagird, Gajraj Rao’s portrayal in Talwar, and Aamir Khan’s return to the role of a police officer in Talaash are also worth noting.
Hindi cinema continues to experiment with how it portrays police officers on screen. While larger-than-life roles entertain us, these realistic characters remind us of the challenges and dilemmas faced by real-life officers.
