Debutants of 2025 Ranked From Most DISAPPOINTING to BEST

Ibrahim Ali Khan – Nadaaniyan & Sarzameen

Bringing up the rear is Ibrahim Ali Khan, whose debut year turned into a cautionary tale. Despite immense hype and star lineage, both Nadaaniyan and Sarzameen failed to resonate with audiences. Streaming directly on OTT platforms, the films became targets of online trolling, with Ibrahim’s performances receiving heavy criticism. Viewers found his acting unconvincing, and neither project helped establish him as a serious performer. With his big-screen debut still pending, Ibrahim now faces the challenge of rebuilding perception through stronger choices and visible improvement.

Harnaaz Sandhu – Baaghi 4

Harnaaz Sandhu made her Hindi film debut with Baaghi 4, but the experience proved disappointing. The film itself received heavy criticism, and her performance failed to leave a mark.

Critics pointed out the lack of emotional depth and natural flow in her acting. While pageantry and screen presence don’t always translate into acting skills, Harnaaz will need to make more thoughtful choices if she wishes to grow in Hindi cinema.

Veer Pahariya – Sky Force

Veer Pahariya’s debut in Sky Force opposite Akshay Kumar came as a surprise to many. While the film did well commercially, Veer’s performance drew mixed reactions.

More than his acting, it was his viral dance step in the song Rang that grabbed attention. His portrayal of T. Krishna Vijaya lacked depth, and critics felt the performance needed more polish. With no upcoming projects announced, it remains to be seen whether Veer continues his acting journey or treats this as a one-off experiment.

Shanaya Kapoor – Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan

After years of anticipation, Shanaya Kapoor finally made her debut with Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan. The film struggled at the box office and received lukewarm reviews, but Shanaya herself managed to stay relatively untouched by the harshest criticism.

Playing a character preparing to portray a blind girl in a play, Shanaya showed flashes of charm and sincerity. She wasn’t extraordinary, nor did she surprise audiences, but she wasn’t entirely disappointing either. For a first outing under heavy scrutiny, her performance suggested that with better scripts and direction, she could grow.

Shubhangi Dutt- Tanvi The Great

Shubhangi Dutt took on a challenging role for her first film, portraying Tanvi Raina, a young woman on the autism spectrum. Sharing screen space with veterans like Anupam Kher, she attempted a difficult character that required sensitivity and restraint.

While her performance had flaws and moments that missed the mark, the intent was sincere. For a first-time actor choosing such a demanding role, her effort deserves acknowledgement. The performance was fair, though there’s significant room for refinement in future projects.

Rasha Thadani & Aaman Devgan- Azaad

Raveena Tandon’s daughter, Rasha Thadani, made her theatrical debut this year and instantly gained attention, especially for the viral dance number, Uyi Amma. While her acting received mixed responses, her screen presence and confidence were evident. The song gave her immense visibility, particularly on social media, where audiences praised her energy and expressions.

Alongside her, Aaman Devgan, Ajay Devgn's nephew, also made his debut. He chose a less-glossy entry point, training extensively for his role, including working closely with a horse on many scenes. While reviews were mixed, many appreciated his effort and willingness to commit to a physically demanding role. Both actors showed raw potential, even if their performances weren’t fully polished yet.

Vartika Singh – Haq

Vartika Singh made a quiet yet impactful debut as Saira Jahan in Haq, starring Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam. While much of the conversation around the film focused on Yami’s powerful performance, Vartika carved out her own space with a tender, emotionally layered performance.

Playing Emraan Hashmi’s second wife, she brought vulnerability, strength, and realism to the role. Her performance felt human and relatable, especially in emotionally charged moments. While there’s still scope for growth, her debut showed sensitivity and promise. It was a measured performance, but one that left a lasting impression.

Sara Arjun – Dhurandhar

Sara Arjun’s transition from a successful child artist to a leading co-star was one of the more closely watched debuts of the year. Appearing opposite Ranveer Singh in Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar, she faced immense scrutiny from the moment she was announced.

Playing Yalina, Sara held her ground in a high-octane spy thriller filled with testosterone-heavy action and star power. Despite the pressure, she maintained a strong screen presence and justified her role within the story. Her chemistry with Ranveer Singh felt convincing, and she managed to silence many early doubts through performance alone. For a debut in such a big film, Sara showed maturity and control, marking a solid new beginning for her adult acting career.

Aaishvary Thackeray & Monika Panwar – Nishaanchi

Nishaanchi may not have been a massive box office success, but it introduced two performers who stood out for their commitment to their roles.

Aaishvary Thackeray took on the challenging task of playing dual roles as Babloo Nishaanchi and Dabloo Wafadaar Singh. He handled the contrast well, giving both characters distinct energies and emotional textures. His comfort with the camera and ability to switch between personalities showed promise, especially for a debutant.

Monika Panwar, though familiar to OTT audiences, made her feature film lead debut with this film. As Manjari, the mother of Babloo and Dabloo, she delivered one of the film’s strongest performances. Her dialogue delivery, emotional honesty, and grounded portrayal added depth to the narrative. Both actors gained critical appreciation, proving that even smaller films can introduce strong talent when performances are sincere.

Zahan Kapoor – Black Warrant

Zahan Kapoor’s debut came quietly but powerfully through Netflix’s Black Warrant. The grandson of the late Shashi Kapoor stepped into the OTT space without leaning heavily on nostalgia, instead choosing subtlety as his biggest strength.

Playing rookie jailer Sunil Kumar Gupta, Zahan impressed with his controlled performance. He didn’t rely on dramatic outbursts or flashy moments. Instead, he used stillness, body language, and sharp observation to build his character.

Critics and audiences alike noticed his natural ease in front of the camera, often drawing comparisons to his legendary grandfather, though Zahan managed to create his own identity. His performance earned awards and widespread praise, firmly establishing him as an actor to watch in the OTT space and beyond.

Ahaan Panday & Aneet Padda – Saiyaara

Topping the list comfortably are Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, whose debut in Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara turned into one of the year’s biggest talking points. The musical romantic drama didn’t just perform exceptionally well at the box office; it also introduced two actors who felt fully ready for the big screen.

Ahaan Panday arrived with confidence, screen presence, and a rugged charm that worked beautifully for the emotional intensity of the film. He looked assured, held his own in dramatic scenes, and showed restraint when needed. Rather than overplaying moments, he allowed emotions to simmer, which made his performance feel grounded and believable.

Aneet Padda matched him beat for beat. While she had prior experience in web shows and Salaam Venky, Saiyaara marked her first major outing as a female lead in a theatrical release. She brought vulnerability, warmth, and emotional depth to her character, giving the film its heart. Her expressions carried weight, and her chemistry with Ahaan felt organic rather than manufactured.

Together, they delivered performances that balanced star appeal with sincerity, making Saiyaara both a commercial and creative win. As debutants, they set the bar high.