Beyond the tapori: Anil Kapoor's new life as Bollywood's hero in uniform
Anil Kapoor moved away from his vintage tapori and romantic star days long ago. But he seems to be reinventing himself lately as a new-age hero in uniform, with projects such as 24, Subedaar, War 2 and Fighter.
From the dusty lanes of 1980s Bombay to the high-tech bunkers of a 2026 counter-terrorism unit, Anil Kapoor has worn the Indian uniform not just as a costume, but as a second skin. Lately, the trait seems to have transcended mere casting – it has become a full-blown cinematic fetish.
With a streak of roles in 24, Subedaar, War 2, and Fighter, it is clear where his latest focus as an actor lies. At 69, Kapoor has reached an age where playing the street-smart tapori must feel like a distant memory, and having largely exhausted the 'family man' and 'romantic lead' tropes, the uniform would seem like a viable way out. It is a strategic evolution. These roles are a badge that offer him a gravitas that romance no longer can, proving that while he may be too old for the streets, he is fighting fit for the nation.
Rugged, new-age man in uniform
In his most recent outings, Kapoor has transitioned to the "steadfast veteran." Take Subedaar (released March 5, 2026), for instance. He portrays Arjun Maurya, a man whose life is defined by the strict discipline of the Army. But the real battle begins post-retirement. As he navigates the murky waters of civilian corruption to protect his daughter and honour, he must fall back on his military astuteness of yore. He isn't just dismantling a criminal syndicate; he is restoring the dignity of a common man, who the world tried to push aside.
It is here that he delivers the soul-stirring line:
"Desh ki raksha sirf sarhad par nahi hoti, har us gali mein hoti hai jahaan mardangi ka matlab gunda-gardi ban jaye (The country is not protected only at the borders; it is also protected in every street where hooliganism is taken to be the sign of masculinity.)"
This same steely resolve anchors him as Jai Singh Rathore in the 2026 digital revival of 24. In 24 the TV show, we've seen him in action as the Anti-Terrorist Unit (ATU) chief Rathore, leading missions that range from protecting the Prime Minister of the country to thwarting terror attacks. In the OTT show, each season is a 24-hour race against the clock where he must sniff out traitors within his own team while protecting young political leaders from grave danger.
In Subedaar, Anil Kapoor becomes the voice of the ordinary man fighting everyday battles. As Rathore, he transforms into a fierce protector of the nation, showcasing his proven effortless command over drama and high-stakes action.
He's played a cop in the past, too
Kapoor’s journey with the khaki started with the flamboyant energy of the 80s. Think back to 1988's Kasam, where he played Inspector Krishna, an undercover officer sent to a village to infiltrate a drug ring. The character was fuelled by a deep sense of justice and empathy, representing the classic "son’s promise" archetype common in 80s cinema.
In Ram Lakhan (1989), his Inspector Lakhan was the definition of a "grey" character – initially corrupt and gradually finding his moral compass.
However, his modern obsession with the uniform has seen him trade the dance floor for the flight deck and the shadows of espionage. In Fighter (2024), as Group Captain Rakesh "Rocky" Jai Singh, Kapoor brought a stern, disciplined weight to the Air Force. As a commanding officer burdened by past tragedies, his performance reminded us that the uniform isn't just about combat; it’s about the crushing responsibility of leadership.
By the time he joined the YRF Spy Universe as Colonel Vikrant Kaul in War 2 (2025), the "Jhakaas" energy had evolved into the calculated gaze of a RAW mastermind. He has moved from the man on the ground to the man pulling the strings, showing that the uniform is the only "costume" that keeps pace with his evolving legacy.
Excels in all shades of law keeping
If there is one thread that connects the dots from his earlier hits to his modern performances, it is his steady focus on the underdog – a theme that arguably peaked with his performance as Inspector Affaq Bhagra in Shootout at Wadala (2013). Portraying a character based on the real-life encounter specialist Isaque Bagwan, Kapoor delivered a masterclass in stoic bravery. It was in this gritty landscape of 1970s Bombay that he delivered the profound line:
"Police ki goli mein utna hi sach hota hai, jitna uske iraade mein (There is as much truth in a policeman’s bullet as there is in his intent)"
This dialogue became a defining mantra for Kapoor's cop roles, bridging the gap between mere authority and moral justice. He carried this weight of intent into the dark, fractured psyche of Anjaney Agashe, a rugged, drug-addicted Inspector in Malang (2020). Kapoor portrayed a man unhinged by the tragic loss of his family, essentially becoming a vigilante in a uniform who bypasses the systemic rot by taking the law into his own hands. He systematically gets rid of known criminals by killing them and staging their deaths as encounter killings.
In this role, Kapoor realises that the law is often too slow for the grieving and the needy, pushing Agashe to take matters into his own hands and deliver justice in his own way.
Even when he plays the funny, bumbling Inspector Arjun Singh in No Problem (2010) or the clever, fruit-munching Robert D’Costa in the Race franchise, Anil Kapoor never loses that famous "Jhakaas" energy. Whether he is stopping a massive robbery or saving just one innocent person, he makes sure his character is about more than just the police uniform. For him, wearing the uniform means doing whatever it takes to make sure justice is served.
Ultimately, this newfound fetish for the uniform is Anil Kapoor’s most calculated career move yet. He has recognised the natural expiration date of the tapori and the diminishing returns of an ageing romantic hero.
By leaning into the badge, he has found a way to channelise his intensity and understated screen presence into the variety of uniformed prototypes he has been portraying lately.
A man in a well-fitted uniform – be it in Fighter, Subedaar, or War 2 – is an image that never goes out of style. ANil Kapoor is currently securing his legacy one salute at a time.