In an industry obsessed with sculpted abs, chiselled jaws, and porcelain skin, a quiet revolution is unfolding. Today, some of Indian cinema’s biggest stars don’t fit the conventional definition of good looks. They are lean, balding, dusky, or “too normal-looking” — and yet, they’re headlining blockbusters, earning critical acclaim, and connecting with audiences in ways that glossy stars often don’t
Dhanush is winning hearts once again, this time with a powerful performance in Kuberaa, a gripping crime drama that marks his return to Telugu cinema after a two-year hiatus since Vaathi. Critics are calling it one of the finest performances of his career— and what’s telling is that his appeal lies not in classic movie-star good looks, but in raw, unfiltered talent.
This isn’t an isolated shift. Across both Bollywood and South Indian cinema, the rise of so-called “plain-looking” stars is rewriting the rules of celebrity.
The shift is unmistakable: raw talent is replacing reel glamour. And leading this movement are actors who, a decade ago, might have been dismissed as “not hero material.”
But change isn’t total. Advertising and luxury brands still often cling to airbrushed ideals. “There’s still a lag in how beauty is sold,” admits a senior brand manager. “But even there, we’re seeing a slow pivot to authenticity.”
As veteran actor Manoj Bajpayee puts it: “My mirror never lied. I knew I wasn’t conventionally good-looking. So I just focused on craft. Stardom came later.”
Ranveer Singh, now a superstar, has often said in his interviews that during his first audition, Aditya Chopra had told him bluntly “his face wont sell, he must outshine that with his acting talent.” Today he’s well groomed, looks good but above all is his brilliant talent.
That’s the final word: looks fade, trends shift — but talent always finds the spotlight.
Dhanush: Too good to ignore
Dhanush is the most visible face of this transformation. The Tamil actor, known for his wiry frame and unassuming looks, has never conformed to the movie star template. Yet, his career is a masterclass in powerful acting and audience connection.
In Kuberaa, his latest Telugu release, he plays a destitute man fighting systemic corruption. It’s a performance that critics are calling the best of his career. Without any crutches of glam, item numbers, or manufactured machismo, he delivers a deeply moving portrayal.
“This is a tailor-made role for Dhanush,” says a Chennai-based exhibitor. “He speaks for the common man. It’s not about looking heroic—it’s about feeling real.”
All of Dhanush’s films have made an impact, he’s a pan-India hero now who defines what brillinat acting is.
Vijay Sethupathi: Rough on looks, rich in talent
Another unlikely star is Vijay Sethupathi. Stocky, soft-spoken, and never the romantic lead in the traditional sense, Sethupathi has built a reputation for depth and unpredictability.
From Super Deluxe to Vikram and Jawan, his characters are layered and messy — just like real people. His unconventional looks have never held him back. If anything, they make his performances more believable.
Sai Pallavi: The ‘Plain Jane’ with star power
She has no interest in makeup, won’t wear wigs, and often dances barefoot. Sai Pallavi’s rise to stardom is perhaps the most radical in an industry where female actors are still expected to look flawless. Often dubbed the ‘plain Jane of cinema’, Pallavi exudes a natural charm that’s hard to fake. Her casting as Sita in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming Ramayana opposite Ranbir Kapoor only proves that relatability now trumps radiance.
Fahadh Faasil: Just fire
He’s is another name that proves talent is the only real ticket to longevity. Balding, with no trace of vanity, Faasil disappears into his roles with eerie intensity. Films like Joji, Kumbalangi Nights, and Pushpa have made him a critics’ favorite. His characters are often morally ambiguous, but his portrayals are always magnetic.
Rajkummar Rao: Craft over charisma
With a slight frame and boy-next-door face, Rajkumar Rao’s breakout didn’t depend on six-packs or big banners. It depended on his range. From Newton to Badhaai Do to the mega-hit Stree 2, he’s shown that subtlety is a strength. Audiences trust him to deliver, even when scripts falter.
Pankaj Tripathi: The soul of the story
Tripathi is the rare actor who commands the screen without raising his voice. His quiet intensity has made him the soul of many a story — from Mirzapur to Mimi and Kaagaz.
He’s not just relatable; he’s reassuring. The kind of actor who feels like someone you already know, someone who’s lived the life he’s portraying.
Vicky Kaushal: Makes a big impact
Though he skirts the line between conventionally handsome and average-looking, Vicky Kaushal doesn’t rely on his looks to carry a film. Whether it’s Masaan, Sardar Udham, or Chhaava, his performances are grounded, vulnerable, and stirring. He’s proof that emotional honesty can be as sexy as any six-pack.
