The year at the movies has been rather eventful. Between blockbusters and content-driven films, a diverse range of movies have been released in theatres. Amidst the many movie trends, it can safely be said that filmmakers really took to cameo and guest appearances. These appearances featured some of the most impactful performances of 2023. Cameos are a great way to add a surprise element or tease crossovers within cinematic universes. For starters, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan had cameos in each other’s films from the YRF Spy Universe. Deepika Padukone then grabbed headlines as she lit up the screen with her presence in Jawan and Bobby Deol stole the spotlight in Animal. And these are just a handful of the cameos seen in films this year. Here are some of the trending cameos that turned out to be major screen-stealers in movies this year:
Salman Khan in Pathaan
Spirits were already high when Pathaan, Shah Rukh Khan’s comeback movie after a four-year hiatus from the big screen, arrived in cinemas. Fans already knew that Salman Khan’s Tiger will share screen space with SRK’s Pathaan in the action film. But nobody was prepared for the sheer star power and the bromance their sequence would unleash. Tiger arrives to get Pathaan out of a bind in an exhilarating train action set piece. At the end of the fight, the two sit together with their wounds. In a fun meta scene, Pathan suggests that it might be time to retire after all these years. To this, Tiger says, “Bachchon pe yeh sab nahi chhod sakte.” If the whistler-worthy entry wasn’t enough, this moment towards the end of the film sure was a winner.
Deepika Padukone in Jawan
The addition of Deepika Padukone to any ensemble cast is a recipe for success. In Shah Rukh Khan’s second movie of the year, Jawan, the actress had an extended cameo. Director Atlee makes full use of SRK and Deepika’s chemistry by introducing her as a key character. Deepika plays Aishwarya, Azad’s mother. While her wrestling scene in the trailer raised anticipation for her appearance, her role was a lot more emotionally loaded. Aishwarya finds herself wrongfully convicted. In jail, she gives birth to her son. The song Araraari Raaro is one of the most poignant depictions of a mother’s love. At the press event after the film’s release, SRK joked that he and Atlee tricked her into doing a full-fledged role in the name of a cameo. That’s just how impactful it was.
Sanjay Dutt in Jawan
The star-studded cast of Jawan had yet another addition in the form of Sanjay Dutt’s cameo. The actor is absolutely delightful as Officer Madhavan Naik. He arrives on a scooter wearing a white mundu. Amidst the high-stakes action, he has a deadline to return home for Onam Sadhya with his family. It’s as charming as it gets. Dutt was so good in his exciting cameo that the makers added another scene featuring the actor in the extended cut of Jawan that was released on OTT. It revealed that he had a larger part to play in Azad’s plans.
Shefali Shah in Neeyat
Shefali Shah and Vidya Balan, two acting powerhouses, have appeared together in Jalsa. A year after the film was released, Shah made a cameo appearance in Balan’s Neeyat. The detective drama did not win praise from critics but its closing moments grabbed attention. In it, Shefali Shah shows up and she has a way of taking over scenes. The film seems to suggest a team-up between Vidya and Shefali and who wouldn’t want to see that?
Shah Rukh Khan in Tiger 3
After Salman Khan’s cameo in Pathaan, Shah Rukh Khan returned the favour with his scene-stealing presence in Tiger 3. His entry left fans ecstatic, further capitalising on SRK and Salman’s camaraderie on screen. The scene went viral in no time upon the film’s release. In fact, Emraan Hashmi who plays the antagonist in the film, admitted to watching the film for a second time in theatres just to witness the two stars on screen again. And the sentiment was echoed by the stars’ many fans.
Hrithik Roshan in Tiger 3
Bobby Deol in Animal
Bobby Deol played the violent and complex Abrar Haque in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal. The deaf and mute character goes up against Ranbir Kapoor’s character in the film in an explosive clash. Pictures of the two actors shirtless engaging in hand-to-hand combat went viral even before the film arrived in cinemas. While his portrayal of Abrar sparked criticism, Bobby delivered a passionate performance and easily stole the show with his brief cameo.
Vicky Kaushal in Dunki
Vicky Kaushal’s cameo in Dunki came as fresh proof that the actor can elevate any given frame in any given movie. In a film that is directed by Rajkumar Hirani and led by Shah Rukh Khan, the actor managed to be a major highlight. As Sukhee, he delivered a simple yet endearing performance. Kaushal brings his boy-next-door charm and sincerity to the character. His scenes won hearts as audiences called him one of the best aspects of the film.
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