Newly written and fact-checked at this article’s original address. Promotional photographs and media are not reproduced.
Key facts
- Film: Agneepath (2012), remake of the 1990 film
- Release: 26 January 2012
- Director: Karan Malhotra (debut)
- Producer: Dharma Productions
- Hrithik's role: Vijay Deenanath Chauhan
- Music: Ajay–Atul
In early 2012, much of the interest in Hrithik Roshan centred on Agneepath, Karan Malhotra's remake of the 1990 Amitabh Bachchan film. Its release on 26 January 2012 set off a wave of posters, stills and photo shoots that fans shared as desktop wallpapers. The old CareerMasti page at this address was one of those wallpaper collections, and fan blogs linked to it from posts about Hrithik's Agneepath look.
The original images are not reproduced here, because promotional stills and magazine shoots belong to the studios and photographers who created them. Instead, this page explains the film and role that made those images so popular. For his full life and career, see our Hrithik Roshan biography.
Agneepath: the film
Agneepath was produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and directed by Karan Malhotra, in his feature debut. Hrithik played Vijay Deenanath Chauhan, a boy from the island village of Mandwa whose schoolteacher father is framed and killed by the drug lord Kancha Cheena. Vijay grows up in the Mumbai underworld with one aim: to take revenge and reclaim Mandwa.
Sanjay Dutt played Kancha, with a shaven head and a menacing calm. Rishi Kapoor, cast against type, played the trafficker Rauf Lala, and Priyanka Chopra played Kaali, Vijay's childhood friend. Katrina Kaif appeared in the item song "Chikni Chameli", which became one of the biggest songs of the year. Music was by Ajay–Atul.
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Hrithik Roshan | Vijay Deenanath Chauhan |
| Sanjay Dutt | Kancha Cheena |
| Rishi Kapoor | Rauf Lala |
| Priyanka Chopra | Kaali |
| Katrina Kaif | Item song "Chikni Chameli" |
Hrithik's Vijay
Rather than copy Amitabh Bachchan's famous performance, Hrithik played Vijay as intense and quiet, with a hardened build and a rough, unshaven look. That look dominated the film's promotional posters and photo shoots, and explains why "Agneepath wallpapers" were among the most searched Hrithik images of 2012. Critics praised the emotional weight of his performance, particularly in scenes with his mother and sister.
Box office
Agneepath had one of the biggest opening days for a Hindi film up to that time and went on to become one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of 2012. Its success was part of a record year in which several Hindi films crossed ₹100 crore in domestic earnings.
Hrithik's career around 2012
Agneepath came after Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) and Hrithik's 2011 television debut as a judge on the dance show Just Dance. The following year he returned as a superhero in Krrish 3 (2013). He has since starred in films including Bang Bang! (2014), Super 30 (2019), War (2019) and Fighter (2024).
Finding licensed images
If you are looking for Hrithik Roshan photographs to reuse, Wikimedia Commons hosts freely licensed photos taken at public events, with clear credit and licence information. Official stills from films such as Agneepath are copyrighted and normally require permission from the producer.
Full biographies
Frequently asked questions
When was Agneepath released?
On 26 January 2012, the Republic Day weekend.
Whom did Hrithik Roshan play in Agneepath?
Vijay Deenanath Chauhan, the role Amitabh Bachchan played in the 1990 original.
Who played the villain in the 2012 Agneepath?
Sanjay Dutt played Kancha Cheena, and Rishi Kapoor played Rauf Lala.
Who directed Agneepath (2012)?
Karan Malhotra directed it, and Dharma Productions produced it.
Who composed the music of Agneepath (2012)?
Ajay–Atul. "Chikni Chameli" later won Song of the Year at the ETC Bollywood Business Awards.
Who played Kaali in Agneepath?
Priyanka Chopra.
Is Agneepath (2012) a remake?
Yes. It remakes the 1990 film of the same name, in which Amitabh Bachchan played Vijay.