Critics and fans agree that Vijay is a "truer villain" compared to his previous characters. Where Rahul Mehra in Darr was a pitiful, obsessed lover with a shred of vulnerability, Vijay is an unapologetic, remorseless sociopath. He is a rich brat who believes his wealth gives him the right to own a woman. When she says "no," he does not pine; he destroys.

Taking this role was a massive gamble. Established stars of the era routinely rejected negative roles to protect their heroic images. Khan’s willingness to look ugly, pathetic, and truly evil on screen cemented his reputation as a fearless actor. Madhuri Dixit: The Emotional Anchor and Fierce Avenger

The story starts like a classic Hindi romance. is a beautiful and principled air hostess living with her married sister and a greedy, gambling-addicted brother-in-law. Vijay Agnihotri (Shah Rukh Khan) is a filthy-rich, spoiled heir who has always gotten everything he has ever wanted. Their worlds collide at a nightclub, where Vijay becomes instantly infatuated with Shivani.

The Dark Brilliance of Shah Rukh Khan’s Anjaam : A Masterclass in Psychological Terror