The announcement of Baaghi 4 has sent ripples through Bollywood’s action genre, promising another chapter of Tiger Shroff’s gravity-defying stunts and slick combat. But long before Baaghi carved its niche, Hindi cinema was already brewing explosive franchises that blended raw power with storytelling panache. These series didn’t just entertain—they defined eras, influenced trends, and set benchmarks for scale and style. Here are seven essential action franchises every cinephile should revisit before Baaghi 4 hits screens.
Dhoom Series (2004-2013) Yash Raj Films’ Dhoom trilogy reimagined action for urban India. It wasn’t about muscle alone; it was about swagger, speed, and sophistication. John Abraham’s brooding biker in Dhoom, Hrithik Roshan’s charismatic thief in Dhoom 2, and Aamir Khan’s quirky antagonist in Dhoom 3 turned villains into icons. The franchise’s pulsating music, glamorous locales, and high-tech heists made it a cultural reset. It proved action could be sleek, global, and unapologetically cool.
Singham Series (2011-2018) Rohit Shetty’s Singham, led by Ajay Devgn, brought back the desi cop with a conscience—and a punch that could shake buildings. Rooted in Indian ethos, it celebrated righteous anger and larger-than-life heroism. The franchise expanded with Singham Returns and Simmba, creating a cop universe (Sooryavanshi followed) where dialoguebaazi and gravity-defying action coexisted. It tapped into mass appeal with its blend of drama, comedy, and thunderous showdowns.
Don Series (2006-2011) Farhan Akhtar’s Don reboot, starring Shah Rukh Khan, offered a slick, modern take on the 1978 classic. With international espionage, twisty narratives, and SRK’s chilling charm, it merged brains with brawn. Don 2 elevated the stakes with Berlin heists and sharper thrills. The franchise’s techno-savvy approach and stylistic noir visuals made it a benchmark for contemporary action thrillers.
Race Series (2008-2018) Race and Race 2 were masterclasses in betrayal, speed, and suspense. Directed by Abbas-Mustan, these films packed triple crosses, deadly car chases, and glamorous treachery. Saif Ali Khan’s cunning protagonist and Anil Kapoor’s comic relief added layers to the adrenaline. The franchise’s twist-heavy plots and lavish set pieces made it a guilty pleasure for action-mystery lovers.
Golmaal Series (2006-2017) While primarily a comedy, Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal series integrated action seamlessly—from car flips to chaotic brawls. Its physical humor and ensemble cast (Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi) showcased how action could drive laughter without losing edge. The franchise’s success proved that Indian audiences craved hybrid genres long before Baaghi’s martial arts flair.
Agent Vinod (2012) & War (2019) Though not a multi-film series yet, Sriram Raghavan’s Agent Vinod (starring Saif Ali Khan) and Siddharth Anand’s War (Hrithik Roshan vs. Tiger Shroff) represent espionage action at its finest. Agent Vinod’s gritty realism and War’s globetrotting spectacle highlight the genre’s evolution—from raw spy thrillers to stylish duels.
Baaghi Series (2016-2020) Of course, the precursor to Baaghi 4 deserves mention. The first film introduced Tiger Shroff’s martial arts prowess; Baaghi 2 amplified scale with military themes, and Baaghi 3 went international with cross-border chaos. It cemented Shroff as Bollywood’s new action star, blending ancient kalaripayattu with modern VFX.
These franchises didn’t just rely on stunts—they wove action into narratives about justice, revenge, and redemption. As Baaghi 4 prepares to push boundaries, it stands on the shoulders of these giants. Whether it’s the swagger of Don, the mass appeal of Singham, or the style of Dhoom, each series offers a masterclass in how Bollywood punches above its weight.
