Capturing the good, the bad, and the ugly of Indian society through his morally grey characters, Manoj Bajpayee is quite a chameleon of an actor. If you wish to watch the best of his movies and TV shows, we’ve got you covered with an ultimate ranking of his finest works and a handy guide to stream them.

Where to stream Manoj Bajpayee’s filmography?

Many of Manoj Bajpayee’s OTT work can be streamed on Prime Video, Netflix and ZEE5. These include the Prime original The Family Man and Netflix releases like Killer Soup and Ray. Interestingly, his 2023 legal drama Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai was originally a ZEE5 release but it garnered so much popularity that the movie also had a brief run at the cinemas. Most of his other theatrical releases can be streamed on these platforms along with Shermaroo, Eros NOW, Hotstar etc.

Manoj Bajpayee’s Career at a Glance

After debuting as a dacoit in Shekhar Kapur’s biographical drama Bandit Queen, Manoj Bajpayee began establishing his niche in character roles. After a string of small parts, he truly shone in the limelight for playing the dreamy-eyed Mumbai gangster Bhiku Maatre in Ram Gopal Varma’s cult crime drama Satya. Playing the titular protagonist’s partner in crime, Bajpayee’s National Award-winning portrayal humanised gangsters in Bollywood, adding a touch of emotionality behind their ruthless, blood-soaked life.

A good deal of Bajpayee’s best roles include more crime and thriller genre favourites like Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur and Varma’s psychological mystery Kaun. At the same time, Bajpayee can evoke sympathy with underdog heroes and morally righteous lawmen. Some classic examples include Shool in which he plays a duty-bound cop waging his personal crusade against corruption in the system, Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai in which he portrayed a lawyer defending a girl sexually assaulted by a godman, and Special 26 that found him playing a committed tax official who is duped by a gang of scamsters.

Apart from his mainstream appearances, Bajpayee has also been a film festival darling with many of his gut-wrenching performances finding acclaim in international film festivals. Gangs of Wasseypur’s praiseworthy debut at Cannes aside, Bajpayee’s other globally recognised credits include the social drama Aligarh in which he played a homosexual literature professor whose life turns upside down after his sexuality is forcibly revealed to the public. A bold and challenging role performed with sincerity and subtlety, Aligarh touched upon the conservative attitudes around sexual identities that still persist in the country. Other festival favourites include Joram, a human drama exploring the challenges of a father to take care of his daughter in the face of urban development and poverty, and Gali Guleiyan, a psychological drama starring Bajpayee as a voyeuristic shopkeeper who spies on strangers in Old Delhi.

Movies aside, Bajpayee’s career received a major boost on OTT platforms ever since he starred in the action-drama The Family Man that followed his double life as an undercover anti-terrorist agent and the breadwinner of his ordinary family.

Why is Gangs of Wasseypur Part 1 Manoj Bajpayee’s Best Movie?

While Manoj Bajpayee has excelled in some memorable supporting roles, a performance synonymous with his very name is that of the foul-mouthed rural gangster Sardar Khan in the first chapter of Anurag Kashyap’s crime epic Gangs of Wasseypur. The crime drama, influenced by the coal-smuggling gangs of the titular region, ambitiously succeeds in world-building and offers some hilariously amusing characters.

Bajpayee’s antiheroic lead delivers some iconic dialogues that are now immortalised in retrospective viewings, memes, merchandise and more. Capturing the character’s unlikeable emotions like debauchery and bloodlust was a task that only the twisted dramatic prowess of Bajpayee could achieve.

Actor, writer, director, producer, singer-songwriter Farhan Akhtar is a man of many talents, serving as modern Bollywood’s Renaissance man since the 2000s. If you are a fan of the Bhaag Milkha Bhaag star and wish to have a deeper look into his filmography, we’ve got you covered with a list of the best Farhan Akhtar movies and a handy guide on where to stream them.

Where can you watch Farhan Akhtar’s filmography?

Most of Farhan Akhtar’s popular theatrical releases as actor, director, and producer can be streamed on leading streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video. Some of his recent work constitute OTT originals such as Prime Video’s boxing drama Toofan and the Netflix teen comedy The Archies.

Farhan Akhtar, the director

It was unsurprising that Farhan Akhtar found his calling in Bollywood considering his parents are veteran lyricist-screenwriter Javed Akhtar and timeless thespian Shabana Azmi. Talent runs in the genes as Aktar’s sister is also Zoya Akhtar, the auteur behind modern cult favourites like the film industry satire Luck By Chance and the road trip drama Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (both of which starred her brother in the lead).

But even before he became known for his poetic dialogue delivery and husky voice, Akhtar made his name behind the camera as director. It’s his mind (and money) that birthed trendsetting Bollywood gems like the coming-of-age celebration Dil Chahta Hai,  the coming-of-age story/military epic Lakshya, and the Shah Rukh Khan-fronted reboots on Amitabh Bachchan’s crime thriller Don.

Along with producer Ritesh Sidhwani, Akhtar is also the head honcho of Excel Entertainment, the studio behind many a Farhan and Zoya Akhtar movie along with many other ventures (some like the Kannada-language KGF franchise and the popular Prime Video crime series Mirzapur).

Farhan Akhtar, the actor

As a director, Farhan Akhtar stayed within the ambit of mainstream Hindi cinema but still tried his best to add a slightly unconventional kick to his narratives, often experimenting with established genres in a more heartfelt and relatable manner. The same can be said for acting pursuits. 

Making his debut with the musical drama Rock On, Akhtar oversaw the genesis of a timeless soundtrack album which courtesy of music trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, seamlessly amalgamated Western rock soundscapes with his father Javed Akhtar’s youth-friendly, emotion-filled Urdu/Hindi lyricism. Along with co-stars like Arjun Rampal, Akhtar played a part of the fictional band Magik as Rock On chronicled the rock troupe’s rise, downfall, and redemption.

The movie also allowed Akhtar to boast his raw, energetic vocal energy. Not only did he sing popular hits from the movie like Socha Hai and Sinbad The Sailor but he went on to helm memorable tracks for many of his future projects. Cases in point include Senorita (ZNMD), Atrangi Yaari (Wazir), and the title track in Dil Dhadakne Do.

As an actor, Akhtar continued taking on experimental and challenging roles such as the Olympian athlete Milkha Singh in the sports biopic Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, a meek-mannered loner with split-personality disorder in Karthik Calling Karthik, and an ambitious Bollywood outsider trying to make it big in the industry in his sophomore acting credit Luck By Chance.

Why is Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Farhan Akhtar’s best movie?

Directed by his sister Zoya with Farhan himself contributing to the dialogues, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is a decade-defining Bollywood road movie. Equally humorous and tearjerking, the comedy-drama charts a cross-country bachelor’s trip in Europe with three lifelong friends exploring their attitudes to love and life. Subverting familiar genre tropes with situational drama and goofily entertaining chemistry between the three leads (Farhan Akhtar, Hrithik Roshan, and Abhay Deol each offering career-best performances), ZNMD is a coming-of-age story for a new generation of Indians who grew up in the cusp of late 2000s and early 2010s.

At a time when Bollywood was obsessed with conventional looks and Greek god-like physiques for their heroes, Nawazudding Siddiqui stood out as a character actor breaking out in the mainstream. Siddiqui’s heavily diverse career on film and streaming series is documented in this essential watchlist of his best works along with a handy guide to stream them all.

Big Movies, Small Roles: Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Origins

Starting out as a chemist in Gujarat, a young Siddiqui made the move to Delhi for more artistic prospects. After a stint in theatre, he finally made it to Delhi’s prestigious and extremely competitive National School of Drama. But after graduating from NSD, Siddiqui struggled with brief blink-and-miss appearances.

So, if you watch Aamir Khan’s acclaimed cop thriller Sarfarosh, you can find him as a cowardly suspect or you can find him playing a pickpocketer in the medical comedy Munnabhai MBBS. Siddiqui had to wait for a few more years till he would get his big breakthrough.

Faizal, Gaitonde and Psycho Raman: Breakout with Anurag Kashyap Collaborations

The director Anurag Kashyap helmed some watershed moments in Siddiqui’s career starting with his terrorism-focused neo-noir Black Friday in which he played a gangster’s secretary. But despite Black Friday’s immense acclaim, Siddiqui got his big break ever since he played the charismatic, smart-mouthed gangster Faizal in Kashyap’s acclaimed two-part crime epic Gangs of Wasseypur.

Showcasing his abilities to play morally grey miscreants on screen, Siddiqui took on more villainous lead characters with Kashyap’s psychological thriller Raman Raghav 2.0 (screened at Cannes and global markets as Psycho Raman) and the first-ever Netflix original series Sacred Games (directed by Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane). While Siddiqui played the titular psychotic serial killer in the former, the latter found him playing ruthless Mumbai gangster Ganesh Gaitonde, a staple in modern Indian pop culture.

Continuing Dominance with Supporting Roles

Occasionally, Siddiqui has excelled as a lead actor as is evident from the aforementioned Sacred Games. Even after the Netflix show’s success, he held his own playing the titular Pakistani author and activist in Manto, and a morally-broken policeman in the whodunit Raat Akeli Hai.

At the same time, some of Siddiqui's finest performances are his supporting roles. A prominent example is his earnest portrayal of the overly friendly Pakistani journalist Chand Nawab in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, a drama in which his performance arguably overshadowed even that of leading man Salman Khan. One can watch Siddiqui’s other prominent supporting performances in thrillers like Kahaani, Talaash, and Monsoon Shootout.

Why is Sacred Games Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s best work?

Gangs of Wasseypur Part 2 can be crowned as Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s best movie for it simultaneously showcases his emotional range and comic timing. But his arc of a gangster on the rise is explored with even more impact in Sacred Games. With two seasons and even an International Emmy nomination for Siddiqui, this timeless Netflix classic that charts the rags-to-riches story of gangster Ganesh Gaitonde in the backdrop of a national terror conspiracy.

Siddiqui is synonymous with Gaitonde now as he effortlessly captured the character’s grueling journey with deadpan humour and a straight-faced ruthlessness. Apart from his lead performance, Sacred Games also stands out with committed acts by co-stars like Saif Ali Khan and Pankaj Tripathi along with a poignant screenplay that delves into religious heresy and communal tensions of the country.

Where can you stream Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s filmography?

A lot of Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s recent works are exclusive releases on OTT platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and ZEE5. Most of his other theatrical releases are available on the same platforms along with Jio Cinema, Eros Now and more.

From starting out as a casting director to taking on socially relevant projects as a lead actress herself, Bhumi Pednekar has carved her niche in contemporary Bollywood in just over a decade. With her latest Netflix venture Bhakshak continuing her politically conscious acting decisions, here’s a list of Pednekar’s best movies along with a guide on where to stream them.

Where to watch Bhumi Pednekar’s filmography?

You can watch most of Bhumi Pednekar’s movies on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Eros NOW, ZEE5 and more. Some of her works are also Netflix originals such as Lust Stories and Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitaare.

Bhumi Pednekar’s Career at a Glance

Born to a Marathi-Haryanvi family, Bhumi Pednekar grew up to have a knack for acting right when her family took a student loan to get her admitted to Subhash Ghai’s Whistling Woods institute at the age of 15. However, teenage-era Pednekar was soon expelled from the school due to low attendance.

But this didn’t foil Pendekar’s future chances at the industry as she soon took an assistant casting director position at Yash Raj Films, securing her future. After years of casting, Pednekar herself made her acting debut with a Yash Raj production Dum Laga Ke Haisha. Paired alongside Ayushman Khurrana, the romantic comedy-drama found her playing an overweight woman who must deal with the body-shaming attitude of her newlywed husband.

The role earned her rave reviews, a Filmfare win for Best Debut, and a career of playing many more strong-willed women from Indian small-towns. Some prominent cases include the Netflix feminist drama Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitaare and Saand Ki Aankh. The former featured Pednekar as an erotic hotline operator who aspires to achieve bigger dreams while the latter found her playing the late sharpshooter Chandra Tomar who made headlines by taking up the sport in her 60s. 

While her projects rarely ever venture into arthouse territory, she often chooses mainstream projects with an underlying social message or more well-defined female leads. So, while Thank You For Coming took upon the issue of sexual desire from a woman’s struggle for the perfect orgasm, Bhakshak reimagined a particularly haunting case of child sexual abuse in 2018 with Pednekar playing a local journalist who broke the story.

Her equally acclaimed performance in Zoya Akhtar’s segment of the Netflix anthology Lust Stories explored social class differences from the point of view of a domestic worker who gets sexually entangled with her employer. Then there’s Badhai Do in which she played a lesbian struggling to come out to her family as they force her into a heteronormative marriage, and Shubh Mangal Savdhaan  that reunited her with Ayushman Khurrana who played a man with erectile dysfunction.

Following her Filmfare Best Debut win, Pednekar also picked up two trophies for Best Actress (Critics) category with her work in Saand Ki Aankh and Badhai Do.

Why is Bhakhsak Bhumi Pednekar’s best movie to watch?

It’s very rare for Bhumi Pednekar to deliver an unsatisfying watch but Bhakshak is nothing like what she has done before. A gut-wrenching story set in the heart of Uttar Pradesh, the social drama explores the inner workings of a shelter home that covers up some heinous crimes against underage girls. With Pednekar’s earnest portrayal as the journalist Vaishali Singh, Bhakshak empathically dramatises a real-life incident with enough boldness and minimal preachiness. The end-result is an endearing drama that deserves to be watched by everyone in the country as a wake-up call on the persisting injustice.

There’s very rarely a film in Mammootty’s much-storied screen career that doesn’t hit the right notes. Watching all of the Malayalam acting maestro’s movies can be a Herculean task but we’ve got you covered with a definitive watchlist of his best works along with a handy guide to stream them.

Before you embark on a Mammootty binge (prepare yourself for some tears and thrills), have a look how a law student became an extra and later one of the greatest Indian actors of all time.

Early Beginnings

Mammootty’s screen career spans over four decades, during which he has portrayed a diverse array of characters, ranging from intense dramatic roles to lighthearted comedies. While he was pursuing law in college, Mammootty made his screen debut as an extra in the 1971 film Anubhavangal Paalichakal and later gained widespread recognition with his breakthrough performance in Sphodanam (1975). However, it was his role as a police officer in the 1980 film Athirathram that catapulted him to stardom.

Continuing Dominance In The 1980s and 1990s

If you watch Mammootty’s cult classics from the 1980s and 1990s, he priorotised emotional prowess over flashy heroics as is evident in films like the period epic Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989), the prison-centric romance Mathilukal (1990), and the social drama Vidheyan (1993). His ability to effortlessly inhabit complex characters earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards, including three National Film Awards for Best Actor.

Mammootty’s Commitment To Socially Relevant Cinema

In the 2000s, Mammootty continued to showcase his versatility by taking on a diverse range of roles. From portraying historical figures like the British-fighting ruler Pazhassi Raja in Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (2009) to portraying a single father taking care of a child with cerebral palsy in Peranbu (2018), he demonstrated his willingness to push boundaries and explore unconventional characters.

His recent effort Kaathal - The Core similarly earned him rave reviews for his touching portrayal as a middle-aged gay man coming out to his wife. At a time when mainstream heroes are afraid of making any bold statements so outrightly, Mammootty has constantly upheld his morals to take on challenging roles with a positive social message.

Be it the psychological thriller Rorschach or the situational comedy of errors Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam (in which he had a double role), you can still watch a much older Mammooty (now in his 70s) still deliver a chameleon-like transformative charisma in every role. Age is just a number for this man.

Mammootty The Producer

Mammootty’s contributions to Indian cinema extend beyond acting. In 1991, he founded his production company, Playhouse Motion Pictures, to support independent and experimental films. Through his production house, he has produced several acclaimed films, including Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (2009) and Kadal Kadannu Oru Maathukutty (2013).

Why is Thaniyavartanam Mammootty’s best movie?

It’s hard to crown one Mammootty movie as his absolute best but the 1987 Malayalam drama Thaniyavartanam continues to age well with every passing decade. Featuring Mammoottty as a progressive school teacher, the Malayalam classic explores relevant themes like religious orthodoxy and superstitions in the rural hinterland of Kerala, the dwindling influence of upper-caste Nair families, and social attitudes towards people with mental illnesses. With a powerhouse performance by Mammootty and screenwriter A. K. Lohithadas razorsharp observations on society, Thaniyavartanam can be watched as an all-time Mammootty favourite.

Where can you watch Mammootty’s filmography?

Many of Mammootty’s recent movies from the late 2010s and early 2020s can be streamed on Netflix or Prime Video. If you wish to watch his older works, then Eros Now, Jio Cinema, and ZEE5 can come to your rescue.

One of the highest-paid Indian superstars, multiple National Award winner, and a titan in contemporary Tamil cinema, Dhanush amasses a gargantuan fandom in the country. If you too count yourself as a Dhanush fan, then we have got the ultimate ranking for you along with a handy guide to stream them all. 

But first, read ahead if you wish to glance at his career before you start to watch his best movies. 

2000s to 2010s: Rise to Tamil Stardom 

You can watch Dhanush’s screen debut in the 2002 release Thulluvadho Ilamai, a coming-of-age drama directed by his father Kasthuri Raja. This lauded performance was followed by other iconic roles like a man seeking revenge for his stolen bike in the action drama Thulluvadho Ilamai, a lovesick middle-class youngster in the rom-com Yaaradi Nee Mohini, and his National Award-winning turn as a rooster fight organiser in the drama Aadukalam. Both the first and last movies mentioned were directed by Tamil auteur Vetrimaran, a crucial collaborator for several iconic projects in Dhanush’s career. 

Post-2010s Dhanush: The Star Becomes More Mature

From the mid 2010s onwards, Dhanush began to display a more nuanced range in his roles and began picking up movies that were not just massy entertainers but also carried some socio-economic merit. While he continued starring in romances, crime thrillers and comedies like the acclaimed Maara series, Dhanush’s transition to more serious roles is evident in films like his later Vetrimaran collaborations: the period crime noir Vada Chennai (which still awaits a sequel) and the anti-caste action drama Asuran (that earned Dhanush another National Award for Best Actor). The 2010s also marked his directorial debut with the slice-of-life romance Power Pandi.

The ‘Why This Kolaveri Di’ Effect

Apart from his acting, Dhanush is also known all over the country (and arguably even the world) for his absurdly hilarious musical debut “Why This Kolaveri Di”. A humorous heartbreak ballad recorded for his movie 3 (which was directed by then-wife Aishwarya Rajinikanth), the accompanying video for the song became an massive viral hit in 2012 and emerged as the first Indian video to cross 100 million views on YouTube. With its nonsensical lyrics and Anirudh Ravichander’s peppy production, the Dhanush song continues to dominate Indian pop culture.

Dhanush’s Bollywood Projects

Dhanush made his Hindi-language debut as an obsessive one-sided lover in the tragic romance Ranjhanaa. Dhanush’s other Hindi movies include Shamitabh, a comedy-drama that found him playing a mute actor paired alongside Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, along with the romantic comedy Atrangi Re that reunited him with Ranjhanaa director Anand L Rai.

Dhanush Goes To Hollywood

If not Indian films, you can also watch Dhanush showcase his versatility in two Hollywood movies. First up is his delightful fantasy comedy The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir that found him sharing space with talented performers like Oscar nominee Barkhad Abidi and The Boys star Erin Moriarty. Then, on a bigger scale, Dhanush joined as a morally righteous mercenary in the ambitious Netflix action thriller The Gray Man which starred Hollywood heavyweights Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans.

Why Is Karnan Dhanush’s best movie?

Addressing notions of casteism and self-sovereignity, Karnan is a hard-hitting drama that channels the best out of Dhanush. You can watch the actor channel a youthful optimism and then balance it out with some gut-wrenching melancholia. If that’s not enough, Mari Selvaraj’s deft direction also turns Karnan into an effective action drama as the titular protagonist leads his oppressed community to war against their upper-caste oppressors.

Where can you stream Dhanush’s filmography? 

You can watch most of Dhanush’s newer projects on Netflix and Prime Video while the others are available on Sun NXT, Lionsgate Play, Aha, Eros Now, and more.

Vijay Sethupathi, an acting powerhouse in Tamil Cinema, has left an indelible mark on the industry through his unparalleled versatility and captivating performances. Here’s a definitive ranking of the multi-lingual actor’s best movies (and occasional TV appearances) along with a guide on streaming them.

From Accounting to Acting

Sethupathi's journey into acting was unconventional, transitioning from a background in accounting to pursue his passion for storytelling on the silver screen. His debut with an uncredited blink-and-miss role in the 2006 film M. Kumaran Son Of Mahalakshmi marked the beginning of a career that would redefine Indian cinema.

Renowned for his seamless portrayal of diverse characters including ruthless villains, heartwarming heroes and morally grey side characters, Sethupathi's repertoire spans across genres, from intense dramas to light hearted comedies. His ability to inhabit complex roles has earned him acclaim from both audiences and critics alike.

Vijay Sethupathi Delivers Pizza

The year 2012 proved pivotal for Sethupathi with the release of Pizza, a horror thriller that propelled him into the limelight. His portrayal of an aspiring filmmaker entangled in supernatural occurrences garnered widespread praise, establishing him as a formidable talent.

Sethupathi's ascent continued with acclaimed performances in films like Soodhu Kavvum, Pannaiyarum Padminiyum, and Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom, showcasing his versatility and acting prowess.

A New Chapter with Vikram Vedha

However, it was his role in the 2016 neo-noir Vikram Vedha opposite R. Madhavan that solidified Sethupathi's legacy. His portrayal of a menacing gangster showcased his ability to command the screen with charisma and depth.

Vikram Vedha’s acclaim would soon be followed by moving performances in the romantic drama 96 and the anthology Super Deluxe. The former found him playing a man who unexpectedly reunites with an old flame in the course of a night while the latter featured him as a transgender parent having a turbulent relationship with her ten-year-old son.

Vijay Sethupathi in Bollywood

Beyond Tamil cinema, Sethupathi has made notable contributions to Telugu and Malayalam cinema, expanding his reach and leaving a lasting impact wherever he goes. Since 2023, he also began working in Hindi cinema with his Bollywood journey beginning with the Prime Video heist thriller Farzi (his second OTT series outing after the Netflix Tamil anthology Navarasa).

Sharing screen space with Shahid Kapoor as an artistically gifted conman, Sethupathi effortlessly sank his teeth in the role of a vigilant anti-corruption officer. His Hindi movie performances include a delightful turn as the villainous arms dealer Kali in Shah Rukh Khan’s action blockbuster Jawan and a subtle yet powerful turn as a broken man grieving in the 1980s alongside Katrina Kaif in the Hitchcockian thriller Merry Christmas.

Why is Super Deluxe Vijay Sethupathi’s best movie?

While Vijay Sethupathi has left a long line of career-best roles, his portrayal of the transgender woman Shilpa marked a defining chapter in the Tamil actor’s career. The anthology movie also benefits greatly from the rest of its ensemble with powerful performances from Fahadh Faasil, Ramya Krishnan, Samantha, and of course, the child acting talent Ashwanth Ashokkumar who plays Sethupathi’s on-screen son.

While addressing everyday realities of transphobia, Shilpa’s arc in Super Deluxe also has its fair share of optimism, thanks to the tumultuous but ultimately tearjerking parent-child bond between Sethupathi and his younger co-star. No wonder that Super Deluxe is considered as one of the best Tamil movies in contemporary times.

Where can you stream Vijay Sethupathi’s filmography?

Netflix and Prime Video have an abundance of Vijay Sethupathi’s most popular credits while others can be found on SUN NXT, Zee5, and Hotstar. 

 

Starting out in a Marathi classic’s Bollywood remake and now collaborating with Telugu star Junior NTR for his upcoming action drama Devara, Jahnvi Kapoor has been finding her space as a mainstream Hindi actress. Here’s a list of all her movies so far, ranked according to their watchability and mentioned along with the streaming services where they are available.

What was Jahnvi Kapoor’s debut movie?

With producer Boney Kapoor as her father and late actress Sridevi as mother, Janhvi Kapoor predictably joined the trade of her parents. While subjected to criticism of being a “nepo baby”, Kapoor has time and again explicitly talked about the privileges that she has had as an actress but how she wishes to give her best to the opportunity that she has been gifted with.

Her commitment to standing out in contemporary Bollywood was evident from her promising screen debut in Dhadak. A remake of the Marathi social drama/romance Sairat (which you can watch on ZEE5), Dhadak cannot match the legacy of its predecessor but it still deserves praise for navigating a particularly tragic love story evoked with ample empathy by Kapoor and her co-star Ishaan Khatter.

Jahnvi Kapoor and South Indian remakes

Dhadak is the first but not the last remake in Kapoor’s career as she went on to dabble in many other remakes from other non-Hindi film industries. Most of these included female-led dramas that allowed Kapoor to step out of mainstream conventions and showcase further intensity. You can watch the best of her acting in the dark comedy of errors Good Luck Jerry (a remake of Nelson’s Tamil-language crime caper Kolamaavu) and the survival thriller Mili (a Mathukutty Xavier-directed remake of his own Malayalam thriller Helen).

Mili, in particular, drew her acclaim even if it failed at the box office. For her performance as a restaurant worker trapped in a storage freezer, Kapoor garnered a Filmfare nomination for Best Actress. 

A Brief Tryst with Horror

Despite contrary belief, Kapoor hasn’t always acted in dramas and romances. While a recent venture like the critically-panned rom-com Bawaal makes for an absurd watch, her experiments with horror are slightly more interesting. A shadow of Mili can be felt in her sophomore feature Ghost Stories. A Netflix anthology film helmed by some of the best modern Bollywood directors, Kapoor featured in Zoya Akhtar’s opening chapter that followed her escaping the clutches of what seems like a haunted house. 

Kapoor later joined Dinesh Vijan’s Horror Comedy Universe playing the titular antiheroine in Roohi. A sequel to Raj and DK’s horror comedy Stree, Roohi featured her as a supernaturally possessed bride. Sharing screen space with character actors like hero Rajkumar Rao and his goofy sidekick Varun Sharma diversified her acting resumé.

Why is Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl Janhvi Kapoor’s best movie?

A biographical account of the titular fighter pilot, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl addressed the trials and tribulations of women flying officers in the Indian Air Force. While the Netflix release has its fair share of melodramatic emotionality, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl hits the right notes thanks to Saxena’s committed performance as an inspirational underdog. Complementing her Filmfare-nominated leading turn is the very talented Pankaj Tripathi who plays her on-screen father.

Where can you stream Jahnvi Kapoor’s filmography?

While Gunjan Saxena and Ghost Stories are distributed as Netflix originals, her other films like Roohi and Mili can also be streamed in the same OTT platform. ZEE5 and Prime Video can be other places to watch the rest of her filmography. 

From playing a fresh-faced school student in Student of the Year to showing his dramatic chops as a real-life war veteran in Shershaah, Sidharth Malhotra has come a long way as a Bollywood lead. Here’s a list ranking Malhotra’s best movies along with a handy guide to stream them. 

How Sidharth Malhotra went from assistant director to hero

Despite his humble beginnings from Delhi, Malhotra sought to helm an acting career in Mumbai. A long line of auditions ultimately gave way to an opportunity to assist director Karan Johar in his heartwarming 2010 hit My Name Is Khan. Two years later, Malhotra was ready to make his acting debut as one of the leads in Johar’s romantic comedy Student of the Year. 

Also debuting in this movie were Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan with the three actors forming a dramatic love triangle. Despite some popular songs and a tinge of Johar’s escapist humour, Student of the Year didn’t rely on a strong narrative. But it’s the young trio’s collective charisma that made the movie stand out at the time. 

An ever-reliable rom-com hero

While Student of the Year made him a household name, Malhotra sought to explore more grounded and believable notions of the rom-com genre. So, the flashiness of Karan Johar’s larger-than-life sets eventually gave way to Hasee Toh Phasee, an introspective spin on meet-cute love stories with notable leading turns by Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra.

His subsequent rom-coms couldn’t reach the standard of Hasee Toh Phasee but they continued to show his unconventionally brooding charm. Instead of indulging in any overwhelmingly passionate antics, Malhotra’s romantic heroes are more subtle in their courtships. Some good romances to watch in this case include the time-traveling drama Baar Baar Dekho and the spy comedy A Gentleman. 

Ek Villain, Shershaah and more: More serious territory 

Not the one to contort his face with any cartoonish silliness, Malhotra’s personality was tailor made for serious roles. This side of his acting was evident in Ek Villain, a tragic romance inspired by the violent Korean thriller I Saw The Devil. Malhotra plays a morally grey ruffian who has a change of heart when he crosses paths with Shraddha Kapoor’s heroine. But when his love life is affected by a merciless villain, Malhotra’s character goes through a dark and violent revenge saga. 

An even more nuanced and career-defining performance was that of Indian Army braveheart Vikram Batra in the war biopic Shershaah. Sharing a wholesome romance with co-star-turned-wife Kiara Advani, Malhotra captured the softer side of a wartorn soldier like Batra and then went on to capture the pain of the battleground in the movie’s latter half. With the movie itself picking up the Filmfare for Best Movie, Malhotra also garnered a Best Actor nomination. 

Why is Kapoor & Sons Sidharth Malhotra’s best movie?

While Shershaah is definitely a career best as a solo project, Kapoor & Sons is arguably Malhotra’s best movie overall. Shakun Batra’s tearjerker of a human drama captures the everyday trials and tribulations of a dysfunctional family with Malhotra and Pakistani actor Fawad Khan playing brothers with opposite personalities. As they explore their own passions in life, they must also deal with the breaking marriage of their aging parents (played with exceptional dramatic timing by Rajat Kapoor and Ratna Pathak Shah). A goosebump-inducing third act makes Kapoor & Sons an unforgettable watch, a truly mature drama that graces mainstream Bollywood once in a blue moon. 

Where to stream Sidharth Malhotra’s filmography?

Shershaah is a Prime Video original while Mission Majnu is a Netflix release. Most of his other theatrical credits have also found a home in these two OTT platforms along with Voot and Eros Now. 

 

Kriti Sanon is one of Bollywood’s rising stars who dabbles in unabashedly mainstream projects but also gets to prove her dramatic talents in acclaimed performances like Bareilly Ki Barfi and Mimi. If you were wondering where to stream some of Kriti Sanon’s finest movies, we’ve got you covered with a definitive watchlist. 

Despite a commercially tumultuous 2023 with the failure of her Ramayan adaptation Adipurush, the Filmfare-winning actress has still retained her popularity and will be seen next alongside Shahid Kapoor in the robot rom-com Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya.

This is also an interesting year as she completes a decade in Bollywood since her lead actress debut in 2014’s Heropanti. Here’s a closer look at her career so far.

Beginnings in Telugu and Hindi Movies

Growing up in New Delhi in the 1990s, Sanon made her cinematic debut in 2014 with the critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful Telugu action thriller 1: Nenokkadine, opposite Mahesh Babu. Her Bollywood breakthrough came the same year with Sabbir Khan's Heropanti, where she starred opposite Tiger Shroff. The film not only garnered commercial success but also earned Sanon critical acclaim for her performance as Dimpy, a spirited young woman caught in a web of family conflicts and romance.

Post-Heropanti Success

Following the success of Heropanti, Sanon continued to showcase her acting prowess in diverse roles. In 2015, she starred in Rohit Shetty's action-comedy Dilwale, sharing screen space with industry stalwarts such as Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Varun Dhawan. Despite mixed reviews, the film performed well at the box office, further solidifying Kriti's position in Bollywood.

Mimi, Panipat and more: Defined Characters and Performances

In 2017, Sanon demonstrated her versatility by portraying Bitti Mishra, a free-spirited small-town girl in Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari's Bareilly Ki Barfi. Her nuanced portrayal earned her widespread acclaim and a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. The film was both a critical and commercial success, cementing Kriti's reputation as a talented performer capable of carrying a film on her shoulders.

Sanon continued to experiment with her roles, starring in diverse genres ranging from romantic comedies to period dramas. In 2019, she portrayed Parvatibai, the wife of Maratha warrior Sadashivrao Bhau, in Ashutosh Gowariker's historical drama Panipat. Despite facing stiff competition at the box office, Sanon's performance received praise for its emotional depth and authenticity.

Mimi was another career highlight in this case with Sanon receiving the National Award and Filmfare for Best Actress. The Netflix comedy found her playing a stage dancer who becomes a surrogate for an American couple and decides to still carry the child even when she gets abandoned by all. The movie reunited her with Luka Chhupi director Laxman Utekar and Bareilly Ki Barfi co-star Pankaj Tripathi.

Mimi’s success proved that Sanon can hold her own ground as the standalone protagonist, without any conventional Bollywood hero. This marked a major shift from her more conventional and hyper-masculine Bollywood debut Heropanti.

In the following year, Sanon also got attached to Dinesh Vijan’s Horror Comedy Universe playing a scientist and werewolf in the 2022 supernatural comedy Bhediya.

Why is Bareilly Ki Barfi Kriti Sanon’s best movie?

Anchored by a talented ensemble of character actors like Rajkumar Rao and Seema Pawha, Bareilly Ki Barfi endures as a delightful small-town romantic comedy. Kriti Sanon plays a free-spirited woman caught in a convoluted (but thankfully not toxic) love triangle. The movie has ample space to not just explore her romantic life but also a heartwarming father-daughter bond brought to life by her and Pankaj Tripathi.

Where can you stream Kriti Sanon’s filmography?

Netflix, Prime Video, ZEE5 and Jio Cinema.

Eight-time Filmfare Award winner and one of mainstream Bollywood’s most versatile faces, Vidya Balan has carved a niche for herself in a wide range of roles. If you wish to have a closer look at her career, we’ve got you covered with a guide on the best Vidya Balan movies and where to watch them.

Where can you stream Vidya Balan’s filmography?

If you wish to watch Vidya Balan’s earlier screen credits, Hotstar, Netflix and Prime Video can come to the rescue. Much of her later OTT releases are Prime Video originals such as Sherni, Jalsa, and Neeyat. Occasionally, her other recent works can be found in more niche platforms. For instance, one can stream Balan’s acclaimed short film Natkhat on Voot.

Once you’ve got your Vidya Balan watchlist sorted, have a look at how much the Bollywood actress has evolved.

Early struggles and Parineeta breakout

Success didn’t come easy to Vidya Balan who after a brief role in the ‘90s sitcom Hum Paanch could feature prominently only in music videos of independent acts like the rock-pop group Euphoria and neoclassical artiste Shubha Mudgal. Through her involvement in these videos, she crossed paths with director Pradeep Sarkar who would later cast her as the protagonist in her breakout hit Parineeta. A period romantic drama that earned 13 Filmfare nominations at its time, Parineeta found a much-younger Balan holding her own even in the midst of seasoned actors like Sanjay Dutt and Saif Ali Khan.

Leading lady status and further critical acclaim

Parineeta gave way to many more versatile projects with Balan scoring prominent roles in five movies in 2007 alone. So, while she played a conventional romantic interest in the comedies Heyy Baby and Lage Raho Munna Bhai, she also played a terrifying dissociative identity disorder patient in the horror-comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Character parts in projects like Mani Ratnam’s capitalist drama Guru and the Amitabh Bachchan-led tearjerker Paa bore further testimony to her versatility.

From Ishqiya to Kahaani: Redefining Bollywood Heroines

It was towards the late 2000s when Balan firmly cemented her status as not just a leading lady but the top billing star in many women-led projects, ushering in a new wave for female characters in Bollywood. Cases in point include a gut-wrenching portrayal as a revenge-seeking pregnant woman in the neo-noir Kahaani and a delightfully terrific turn as a morally gray femme fatale in Ishqiya.

Despite her career reaching a slight lull in the mid-2010s, she sprung back to acclaim in the following decade with roles in OTT releases like a morally righteous forest officer in the thriller Sherni and the eponymous mathematician in the biopic Shakuntala Devi. Not afraid of addressing social taboos, Balan also attached herself to well-intentioned projects like Begum Jaan, a period drama focusing on the everyday struggles of sex workers, and Natkhat, a short film addressing domestic violence and sexual abuse from the perspective of a kindergartener.

Why is The Dirty Picture Vidya Balan’s best movie?

Partly inspired by the life of late South Indian erotic actress Silk Smitha, The Dirty Picture subverted the sexualisation of actresses in this revelatory satire set in the sleazy world of ‘80s softcore films. The narrative does bite more than it can chew at times but with a powerhouse lead performance by Vidya Balan as an underdog-turned-starlet, The Dirty Picture’s flaws seem forgivable. Tracing the various ups and downs of an artist puppeteered by a misogynistic industry, Balan captures the nuances of an ill-fated protagonist with equal amounts of sassy raunchiness and an underlying emotionality.

Reality TV star-turned-Bollywood leading man Ayushmann Khurrana has taken on various kinds of roles in some of modern Indian cinema’s most daring and unconventional projects. If you wish to have a look at Khurrana’s diverse film career, we’ve got you covered with a list of his best movies along with a streaming guide on where to watch them.

Where to stream Ayushmann Khurrana’s best movies?

Most of Ayushmann Khurrana’s movies are available on all leading Indian and international streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Hotstar, Jio Cinema, and ZEE 5.

Once you’ve got your Ayushman Khurrana watchlist sorted out, have a glimpse at his career so far.

A Startling Debut with Vicky Donor

Hailing from Chandigarh in Punjab, Khurrana made his foray into acting after a successful stint in television and hosting. The winner of the inaugural season of the adventure reality series Roadies and a constant host of India’s Got Talent, Khurrana made his acting debut in Vicky Donor (2012), where he portrayed the role of a sperm donor, instantly set him apart as a daring actor unafraid to challenge societal taboos and norms.

Apart from showcasing his comic timing and dramatic prowess, the movie also allowed him to put his singing abilities on display. His song “Paani Da Rang” continues to be popular to this day with Khurrana performing it live in many concerts. He went on to nurture a musical career alongside his acting with singles like “Mitti Di Khushboo” and “Saadi Galli Aaja”.

Unconventional Romances

The early years of Khurrana's career saw him exploring a wide array of roles, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend humor with poignant storytelling. Films like Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015), where he played a small-town husband struggling with marital issues, and Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017), where he portrayed a naive small-town boy caught in a love triangle, established him as a versatile actor capable of breathing life into diverse characters.

Socially Relevant Roles

Khurrana's penchant for choosing scripts with socially relevant themes became evident with films like Article 15 (2019), where he essayed the role of a principled police officer fighting against caste discrimination, and Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (2020), a groundbreaking portrayal of a man dealing with erectile dysfunction. Even when he acts in satires like An Action Hero (2023), he ends up satirising the country’s film industry and media from a socio-political standpoint.

Continued Success With Andhadhun

The actor's ability to seamlessly blend genres and narratives reached new heights with films like Andhadhun (2018), a dark comedy-thriller where he portrayed a visually impaired pianist entangled in a web of deceit and intrigue, earning him widespread acclaim and accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Actor.

Why is Andhadhun Ayushman Khurrana’s best movie?

The Hitchcockian neo-noir Andhahdun brought out career-defining performances from Ayushman Khurrana and his equally talented co-stars Tabu and Radhika Apte, dealing with a pianist embroiled in a criminal conspiracy, Sriram Raghavan’s fast-paced thriller strengthened the experimental potential of mainstream Bollywood and allowed Khurrana to break the typecast of the usually lovable and morally righteous heroes that he was so used to playing before.

Further, Amit Trivedi’s keys-driven score and soundtrack offer some of contemporary Bollywood’s most swoon worthy musical numbers including “Laila Laila” and “Naina Da Kya Kasoor”. Apart from a National Award for his performance as the brooding antihero, Khurrana also secured himself a Filmfare for Best Actor (Critics’ Choice) and paved the way to take on more morally grey characters in future releases like An Action Hero.

Once Bollywood’s go-to hero, Anil Kapoor redefined himself from the 2000s onwards to effortlessly make the shift to supporting roles as well. This versatility with age is evident in some of the best Anil Kapoor movies which we have compiled in this comprehensive list summing up his career.

Where to stream Anil Kapoor’s filmography?

You can watch many of Anil Kapoor’s old and new movies on several OTT platforms like Amazon Prime Video, ZEE5 and Jio Cinema. AK vs AK and Thar were released as Netflix originals while his thriller TV series The Night Manager can be streamed on Hotstar.

Once you’ve sorted out your Anil Kapoor watchlist, have a look at his career from an Indian superhero classic like Mr. India to Danny Boyle’s Oscar-winner Slumdog Millionaire.

Beginnings in 1980s and enduring stardom

Kapoor embarked on his acting odyssey in the late 1970s. Despite lacking any familial connections to the film industry, he possessed an innate flair for performance. Kapoor's debut in Hamare Tumhare (1979) marked the commencement of a career that would redefine Indian cinema.

Throughout the 1980s, Kapoor emerged as a promising talent, renowned for his boyish charm and captivating presence. Films like Woh Saat Din (1983) and Mashaal (1984) showcased his versatility, while Shekhar Kapur’s evergreen sci-fi classic Mr India (1987) immortalized him as the endearing the titular invisibility-powered superhero who faces off against Amrish Puri’s quintessential villain Mogambo.

The 1990s saw Kapoor's ascent to superstardom, with a series of iconic performances that solidified his status as one of Bollywood's leading actors. His portrayal of the ambitious Munna in Parinda (1989) garnered critical acclaim, while Beta (1992) and Tezaab (1988) highlighted his impeccable comedic timing, action star persona, and dancing prowess.

Increased diversity in the 2000s and 2010s

As Kapoor transitioned into the new millennium, he continued to evolve, embracing diverse roles that showcased his acting prowess. From casanova gangster-cum-amateur painter Majnu Bhai in the screwball comedy Welcome to the gritty journalist-turned-chief minister in Nayak: The Real Hero, Kapoor effortlessly traversed through various genres, leaving an enduring impact with each portrayal.

Apart from his involvement in mainstream hits like Race 3 and Animal, Kapoor also tries his hand at experimental efforts like the meta-satire AK vs AK in which he played a fictionalised version of himself fighting a fictionalised version of director Anurag Kashyap. The cop thriller Thar similarly found him playing a more seasoned and realistic policeman as compared to the authority roles he took on earlier.

As Kapoor began aging and witnessing his own children like Sonam Kapoor and Harshavardhan Kapoor take on lead roles, Kapoor also grew content with expressing different shades of fatherhood through his performances. These range from the selfless father of a lesbian woman in Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga to a selfish businessman father in Dil Dhadakne Do to the authoritarian patriarch in the hyper-violent action thriller Animal.

Stepping into Hollywood

Kapoor's venture into international cinema further underscored his global appeal, with standout performances in films like Slumdog Millionaire (2008) and the television series 24 (2010). Apart from playing a charismatic gameshow host in the former and the president of a fictional nation in the latter, Kapoor also had a brief role as an eccentric millionaire in the Tom Cruise-starrer Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.

Why is Mr. India Anil Kapoor’s best movie?

Capturing the best of Anil Kapoor’s youthful energy in the ‘80s, his natural chemistry with the late Sridevi, and a fresh Indianised take on the sci-fi and fantasy genre, Mr. India remains a timeless cult favourite to watch to this day. While Kapoor offered way more serious performances in later years, it’s Mr India that he seemed to have the most fun with.

The results for the 69th Filmfare Awards have been finally announced, honouring the best of 2023’s Bollywood movies. With hits like Rocky Aur Ranii Ki Prem Kahaani, Animal, and 12th Fail sweeping the awards, we have curated a guide at streaming all the Filmfare winners of this year. Despite most of the winners being theatrical releases, OTT platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Hotstar have picked up a vast majority of them for your viewing pleasure. 

Although there’s still time for the Filmfares to be broadcast on Indian television, you can already binge on the best of recent Bollywood, from blood-soaked revenge dramas to inspirational underdog tales to evergreen romantic comedies. 

Where can I watch the Filmfare Awards?

Unlike Hollywood awards like the Oscars and the Golden Globes, the Filmfare Awards are often broadcast a week or two after the actual ceremony. It’s for this reason that even though we have the results, the actual ceremony will be broadcast later on Zee TV on February 18 at 9 pm. Viewers will be able to watch the awards unfurl in the Gujarat capital Gandhinagar this time with actor-singer Ayushman Khurrana, director Karan Johar, and TV personality Manish Paul hosting the night. 

Filmfare Awards 2024: A complete list of winners

• Best Film - 12th Fail
• Best Director - Vidhu Vinod Chopra (12th Fail)
• Best Actor - Ranbir Kapoor (Animal)
• Best Actress -  Alia Bhatt (Rocky Aur Ranii Ki Prem Kahaani)
• Best Actress - Critics - Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee Vs. Norway) and Shefali Shah (Three Of Us)
• Best Actor In A Supporting Role (Male) - Vicky Kaushal (Dunki)
• Best Actor In A Supporting Role (Female) - Shabana Azmi (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani)
• Best Lyrics - Amitabh Bhattacharya (Tere Vaaste - Zara Hatke Zara Bachke)
• Best Music Album - Animal (Pritam, Vishal Mishra, Manan Bhardwaj, Shreyas Puranik, Jaani, Bhupinder Babbal, Ashim Kemson, Harshwardhan Rameshwar, Gurinder Seagal)
• Best Playback Singer (Male) - Bhupinder Babbal (Arjan Vailly - Animal)
• Best Playback Singer (Female) - Shilpa Rao (Besharam Rang - Pathaan)
• Best Story - Amit Rai (Omg 2) and Devashish Makhija (Joram)
• Best Screenplay - Vidhu Vinod Chopra (12th Fail)
• Best Dialogue - Ishita Moitra (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani)
• Best Background Score - Harshavardhan Rameshwar (Animal) 
• Best Cinematography - Avinash Arun Dhaware (Three Of Us)
• Best Production Design - Subrata Chakraborty, Amit Ray (Sam Bahadur)
• Best Costume Design - Sachin Lovelekar, Divvya Gambhir, Nidhhi Gambhir (Sam Bahadur)
• Best Sound Design - Kunal Sharma (Sam Bahadur) and Sync Cinema (Animal)
• Best Editing - Jaskunwar Singh Kohli - Vidhu Vinod Chopra (12th Fail)
• Best Action - Spiro Razatos, Anl Arasu, Craig Macrae, Yannick Ben, Kecha Khamphakdee, Sunil Rodrigues (Jawan)
• Best VFX - Red Chillies Vfx (Jawan)
• Best Choreographer - Ganesh Acharya (What Jhumka?- Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani ) 
• Best Debut Director - Tarun Dudeja (Dhak Dhak)
• Best Debut (Male) - Aditya Rawal (Faraaz)
• Best Debut (Female) - Alizeh Agnihotri (Farrey)

How can I watch the Filmfare winning movies of 2024?

Most of the Filmfare winners of this year are already available to stream or rent barring perhaps Shah Rukh Khan’s Dunki that can still be watched in some cinemas at the moment. Most of the other movies can be watched on Netflix, Prime Video, ZEE5, Hotstar and other platforms. Some winners like Three Of Us were already released directly on Netflix instead of going down the theatrical route. Others like Animal and 12th Fail dropped on streaming just a few days before the results.

When it comes to the most talented heroes of contemporary Bollywood, Rajkumar Rao’s name is bound to pop up in the conversation. From socio-political dramas like Newton and Aligarh to rib-tickling comedies like Stree and Bareilly Ki Barfi, we have compiled the definitive list of Rajkumar Rao’s best movies along with a handy guide on streaming them all.

Where to stream Rajkumar Rao’s filmography?

Prime Video, ZEE5, Jio Cinema, Eros Now and many more offer Rajkumar Rao’s best movies to watch. Netflix, in particular, has many original titles starring him with titles like The White Tiger, Monica O My Darling, and the TV series Guns & Gulaabs. As for Rao’s OTT series debut Bose: Dead/Alive, you can stream it on Alt Balaji.

If you wish to watch Rajkumar Rao’s best works in chronological order of his career, here’s a concise look at his humble origins and meteoric rise.

Low-budget cult hits and memorable supporting roles

Initially entering the industry as Rajkumar Yadav, the actor made his presence felt with small but memorable parts in acclaimed dramas like Anurag Kashyap’s crime epic Gangs of Wasseypur Part 2. On the side, he bagged lead roles in low-budget found-footage thrillers like the erotic horror Ragini MMS and the anthology drama Love Sex Aur Dhokha. Both movies turned out to be sleeper hits, bringing Rao some attention.

The actor followed up his act with supporting appearances in acclaimed dramas like the psychological neo-noirs Shaitan and Talaash (playing a policeman in both), and Queen in which he played the condescending boyfriend to Kangana Ranaut’s protagonist.

But while all these roles got him work, it was his heartwarming turn as a maths tuition teacher in the slice-of-life drama Kai Po Che. Sharing impeccable chemistry with the late Sushant Singh Rajput and Amit Sadh, Rao and his co-stars played a trio of friends whose lives are changed forever in the face of growing pains and communal tensions. Rao bagged a Supporting Actor nomination at Filmfare Awards, one of many to come.

Breakout with Hansal Mehta movies

One director that has been crucial to Rao’s rise to fame is definitely Hansal Mehta who first cast him to play assassinated lawyer and human rights activist Shahid Azmi in the hard-hitting biopic Shahid. The film immediately established Rao as a go-to-lead for mature, emotionally conflicting dramas.

Mehta and Rao’s partnership led to other successes like the universally acclaimed gay rights drama Aligarh that starred Manoj Bajpayee as a professor fired for his sexual identity and Rao playing the journalist who helps him get justice. Other quintessential Rao-Mehta collaborations include the terrorism thriller Omerta and the human drama CityLights.

A comedic and romantic revelation

Once Rao had established himself as a dramatic lead, he also found time to display his awkward sense of humour. With an unpredictable comic timing, deadpan dialogue delivery, and an overall sense of naivety, Rao played lovable and gullible characters in Bareilly Ki Barfi, Fanney Khan, Stree, and many other comedies. Conversely, he could have a devious side in the genre too as is evident from his morally ambiguous underdog characters in the Netflix originals Monica O My Darling and Guns & Gulaabs.

Why is Newton Rajkumar Rao’s best movie?

Newton is an eye-opening satire on Indian democracy, observed from the perspective of the titular election official. Offering career-defining performances by Rao as the idealistic Newton and Pankaj Tripathi as a cynical paramilitary officer, the comedy finds the duo clashing with their ideas as they seek to conduct elections in a politically turbulent region of the country. The end result is a partly-hilarious, party-frightening look into the current state of Indian bureaucracy that only ages better with time. Rao has never seemed this earnest and genuine in a performance before even if his entire career boasts of earnest and genuine performances.

Vicky Kaushal is one of Bollywood’s rising stars, having emerged as a household name since the mid-2010s. If you wish to watch Kaushal’s versatile filmography, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive watchlist of his movies so far. But before we get into the nitty gritty of the Masaan and Sanju actor’s film graph, let’s have a look at the streaming options. 

Where to stream Vicky Kaushal’s filmography?

Most of Vicky Kaushal’s theatrical releases found their way onto Indian streaming platforms like ZEE5, Jio Cinema, and Eros Now. Additionally, he has also acted in the Netflix original movies Love Per Square Foot and Lust Stories. His period biopic Sardar Udham was meant for a theatrical release but owing to the pandemic, the movie was directly made available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

Once you’ve got your Vicky Kaushal binge sorted out, here’s a glimpse at his career so far.

From Humble Beginnings to Cannes Breakout

While his father Sham Kaushal worked as an action director in Bollywood, Kaushal wasn’t exactly a nepo-kid in the industry. After years of odd jobs with theatre groups and acting auditions, Kaushal’s luck started turning in his favour when he got a chance to assist Anurag Kashyap on his two-part gangster epic Gangs of Wasseypur.

The assistant director stint helped in establishing a crucial bond with Kashyap who later cast him in small roles in his comedy production Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana and his own gangster drama Bombay Velvet. However, it was in 2015’s Masaan that Kaushal got his first lead role. Starring alongside talented character actors like Richa Chaddha, Shweta Tripathi, and Pankaj Tripathi, Kaushal shone in the movie as a mild-mannered corpse cremator.

Launching the career of both Kaushal and his director Neeraj Ghawyan, the movie was lauded internationally, winning two awards at the 2015 edition of Cannes.

Balancing Commercial Hero Status and Supporting Roles

Since Masaan, Kaushal has gone on to hone his craft in both commercial and relatively niche projects. So, while he collaborated with Kashyap again to play a cocaine-sniffing corrupt cop in the neo-noir Raman Raghav 2.0, he also played a lovable IT engineer in the Netflix rom-com Love Per Square Foot.

But even while getting top billing in blockbusters like the military actioner Uri: The Surgical Strike and the biopic Sardar Udham (in which he played the anti-imperialist freedom fighter Udham Singh), Kaushal took on supporting parts with equal fervour. In fact, some of his best performances have come out of side roles.

Prominent examples include Sanju in which he played a controversial actor’s best friend, and Raazi that found him playing a Pakistani military official alongside Alia Bhatt’s Indian secret agent heroine. Sanju marked his first Filmfare win for Best Supporting Actor.

His friendships with Bollywood’s leading directors are evident in recurring collaborations. Apart from appearing in four Anurag Kashyap movies, he reunited with Sanju director Rajkumar Hirani for the immigrant comedy Dunki while also playing the titular military general in Raazi director Meghna Gulzar’s biographical drama Sam Bahadur.

Why is Masaan Vicky Kaushal’s best movie?

Ever since it premiered at Cannes, Masaan made it clear that it would go down as a cult classic for contemporary Bollywood audiences. But if you watch it over and over, it’s easy to see that Vicky Kaushal’s gut-wrenching performance is one of the reasons for its legacy. The film features a much-younger Kaushal giving his all as he plays a dreamy-eyed boy who wishes to free himself from the shackles of casteism that his family faces. A wholesome romance accompanied by a heartbreaking twist brings out such raw outbursts from Kaushal that it’s hard to not reach for the tissues when he sobs.

After brief parts in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi films, Radhika Apte broke out as a prominent face in Bollywood and Hindi TV with hits like Sacred Games and Andhadhun to her name. Her multi-genre filmography across cinema and the OTT space is lined out in this definitive list of the best Radhika Apte movies and shows.

Where to watch Radhika Apte’s filmography?

Ever since Netflix India started rolling out originals with Sacred Games, Radhika Apte has had influential roles in many of the streaming service’s productions. Apart from her involvement in Netflix originals, most of her other theatrical releases can now be streamed on Amazon Prime Video, ZEE5 and others. Occasionally, her involvement in shows can also extend to Prime and Hotstar originals.

Once you’ve got your Radhika Apte watchlist ready to stream, also have a look at her stellar rise from a background actor to a top billing star.

Early credits with minor roles

Despite a background in performing arts like theatre and dance, Radhika Apte did struggle for years before making it big in Bollywood and Indian arthouse cinema. Apte’s film debut was a blink-and-miss appearance in the Shahid Kapoor-led fantasy comedy Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi. A few more minor roles later, her theatrical energy caught actor Rohit Bose’s attention who helped in casting her in the Bangla drama Antaheen.

But despite Antaheen’s critical acclaim, Apte’s struggles weren’t over yet.

Slow rise with supporting roles

While Apte didn’t make a household name after her Bengali debut, Antaheen was followed by better supporting roles in projects like Ram Gopal Varma’s multi-lingual crime drama Rakht Charitra in which she played the gangster protagonist’s romantic interest. Despite her role being crucial to the movie, Apte still felt exploited considering she wasn’t paid much while shooting in Tamil and Telugu (as she told Grazia magazine in 2021).

Future character roles in ensemble dramas like Shor In The City and I Am were notable credentials in her career but again, Apte couldn’t carve a niche in the industry yet.

OTT domination and memorable lead roles

2015 was when Apte’s luck began to go in her favour, thanks to her limited but notable appearances in critically lauded movies like the revenge drama Badlapur, the sex comedy Hunterrr, and the biopic Manjhi: The Mountain Man. In the very next year, Apte held her own getting top billing in the gender drama Parched and the psychological horror Phobia.

While these projects began establishing Apte’s supremacy among niche circles, her ever-growing involvement with OTT platforms established her as a mainstream star in her own right. It all started with Netflix’s first Indian original Sacred Games in which she played a cop tailing a criminal nexus.

She followed this act with more OTT releases like the horror miniseries Ghoul, the sci-fi comedy OK Computer , and the neo-noir Monica O My Darling. All of the aforementioned titles found her excelling as authority figures like policewomen, military operatives, and private investigators. No longer was Apte forced to stick to one-dimensional female roles.

Occasionally, she even ventures overseas with international projects like A Call To Spy and The Wedding Guest.

Why is Parched Radhika Apte’s best movie?

While Radhika Apte’s career has mostly been full of highs, Parched marked a new chapter in her diverse career. Sharing heartwarming chemistry with co-stars like Tannishtha Chatterjee and Suvreen Chawla, Apte brought life to an otherwise harrowing reality. The gritty human drama dealt with the lives of four rural women repressed into a conservative life until they decide to reclaim their freedom and rediscover their sexuality. Unabashedly bold and still socially relevant, Parched is an often overlooked but excellent display of Apte’s dramatic prowess.

Kareena Kapoor has made her mark in Bollywood as a go-to romantic heroine with occasional forays in more serious dramas. If you wish to get acquainted with Kapoor’s stellar filmography, we’ve got you covered with a list that captures her many shades of stardom along with a convenient guide to know where to stream her best movies.

Where to watch Kareena Kapoor’s filmography?

Prime Video and Netflix house most of Kareena Kapoor’s movies while some more niche picks can be found on YUPP TV, Hotstar, Jio Cinema, Hotstar, Voot, Eros Now and more.

If you wish to delve deeper into Kapoor’s cinematic journey so far, here’s a look at her multi-decade career.

From Refugee to K3G: The 2000s

Born into the illustrious Kapoor family (including acting legends like Raj Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor), she made her acting debut in 2000 with the cross-border drama Refugee and quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

Kareena's journey in Bollywood has been marked by versatility and a penchant for taking on diverse roles. She effortlessly transitioned from playing the girl-next-door in films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (shortened to K3G) to portraying complex roles like an optimistic sex-worker in Chameli and a mob enforcer’s envy-inducing wife in the Othello adaptation Omkara, showcasing her acting prowess in more niche movies.

The early 2000s witnessed Kareena Kapoor Khan's rise to stardom, and she became a leading actress in the Hindi film industry. Her pairing with popular actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Hrithik Roshan in successful films contributed significantly to her commercial success. The iconic character of Pooja aka Poo in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham not only became a cultural phenomenon but also established her as a style icon. The character’s sassy dialogues are synonymous with her star persona to this day.

At the turn of the decade, Kapoor displayed her interest in trying out different genres. So, while 2009 witnessed her starring as Aamir Khan’s love interest in the cult comedy 3 Idiots, she also starred in Kurbaan alongside her now-husband Saif Ali Khan. Set in the backdrop of global terrorism, Kapoor played a psychology professor who unknowingly falls in love with a radical fundamentalist. The two would reunite in Agent Vinod, an over-the-top spy thriller that doubled as a decent effort in the Indian espionage subgenre.

More Experimentation and Commercial Success: The 2010s

Kapoor’s projects in the 2010s reflect a more serious evolution in her career as an actress starting with Heroine and Talaash. The former found her playing the titular filmstar who undergoes an existential crisis with her meteoric rise in fame while the latter was a neo-noir horror featuring her in a career-defining performance as an ominous escort embroiled in a crime conspiracy.

More projects like Veere Di Wedding and Udta Punjab showed how apart from commercial validation, Kapoor was also bold enough to take on controversy-sparking, mature narratives. The bridal comedy Veere Di Wedding challenges gender norms while Udta Punjab is a commentary on drug addiction with Kapoor delivering an understated performance as an empathetic doctor.

Why is Jab We Met Kareena Kapoor’s best movie?

Despite her gritty roles winning her critical acclaim, it is Imtiaz Ali’s breakout romantic comedy Jab We Met that is a constant fan-favourite for Kapoor’s admirers. The slice-of-life road trip movie found her playing the perpetually chirpy Geet, a woman who falls for the more sheepish businessman Aditya (played with equal hilarity by Shahid Kapoor). Jab We Met solidified her status as a leading lady and while Kapoor has gone on to play bolder characters in future films, Jab We Met brought the best out of her smiling personality.

Starting out in the 2000s and still reigning supreme with hype-worthy projects like the fantasy actioner Kanguva. Suriya has been a prominent figure in the Tamil film industry. If you wish to have a look at the Tamil superstar’s greatest hits, here’s the ultimate watchlist of the best Suriya movies.

Where to watch Suriya’s best movies?

Prime Video offers some of Suriya’s best movies in recent times, like Jai Bhim and Soorarai Pottru. Other titles are available on Voot, ZEE5, Netflix, and Sun NXT.

What sets Suriya apart in the Tamil industry?

Born as Saravanan Sivakumar in Chennai, India, Suriya made his acting debut in 1997 with the romantic action thriller Nerukku Ner (which notably featured fellow Tamil star Thalapathy Vijay). However, it was his breakthrough role as a misunderstood social misfit in the 2001 action drama Nandha that marked the beginning of his rise to stardom.

Known for his intense emotional prowess and ability to portray a wide range of characters (often twice in the same movie), Suriya has become a beloved figure among Tamil cinema audiences. His dedication to his craft is evident in his diverse filmography, which spans across genres such as action, drama, romance, and science fiction.

How to watch Suriya’s movies by genre?

Notable films like the cop drama Kaakha Kaakha, the sci-fi martial arts flick 7Aum Arivu (with Suriya in a double role as legendary martial artist Boddhidharma and his future descendant) and the military-focused father-son drama Vaaranam Aayiram showcased his dramatic capabilities and garnered critical acclaim.

Suriya's success is not limited to regional cinema; he has also made a mark in the national film circuits. His role as a mustachioed, tough-as-nails police officer in the 2010 film Singam and its sequels established him as an action star and earned him a pan-Indian fan base. Singam inspired a Bollywood franchise of the same name with Ajay Devgn filling in for Suriya. Interestingly, the Hindi actor also acted in Suriya's role as a student leader in Yuva, a Hindi remake of the acclaimed Tamil political drama Ayitha Ezhuthu.

Another pan-Indian cult classic to stream is the neo-noir Ghajini that starred Suriya as a good-natured businessman who suffers from short-term memory loss and sets out on a blood path of vengeance after his ladylove is brutally murdered. Inspired by elements from Christopher Nolan’s Memento, Ghajini turned Suriya into an action star but with a sense of introspective maturity. Ghajini’s commercial success inspired an equally well-received Bollywood movie of the same name with Aamir Khan in the lead.

With the turn of the decade, the actor's forayed into experimental and socially relevant films. The 2016 sci-fi drama 24 continued Suriya’s tendency to play multiple characters, this time playing a trio of identical faces. Revolving around a time-traveling watch and its catastrophic consequences, the movie was a game changer for sci-fi in Tamil films.

A passionate advocate of social causes like public literacy for the underprivileged, Suriya’s commitment to impactful storytelling could further be witnessed in social dramas like the anti-caste-legal thriller Jai Bhim that featured him as Advocate Chandru, a real-life lawyer and activist who fought for lower castes in Tamil Nadu.

Why is Soorarai Pottru Suriya’s best movies?

The National Award-winning underdog tale Soorarai Pottru offered a memorable performance by Suriya as a villager who dreams of starting his own affordable low-cost airline, a Herculean task he archives after a string of personal and bureaucratic challenges. An inspiring performance inspired by the real-life story of aviation industry pioneer G Gopinath, Suriya evoked a nuanced sentimentality from his viewers. The pandemic might have prevented Soorarai Pottru from getting a widespread theatrical release but its release on Prime Video was enough to draw raves from critics and audiences alike.

One of the greatest Tamil artistes of all time, Kamal Haasan is a true luminary in Indian cinema, boasting a career that spans over six decades. If you wish to catch up with Haasan’s ever-diverse filmography, look no further as we’ve got you covered with his best movies and a guide on where to stream them.

Where to watch Kamal Haasan’s filmography?

Prime Video offers most of Kamal Haasan’s critically acclaimed and commercially successful movies while the others can be found on a wide variety of Indian and international OTT platforms like Hotstar, Netflix, Jio Cinema, Eros Now and more.

Want to dig deeper? Have a look at his illustrious career to know more about the multi-talented actor, director and writer.

The Universal Hero

Commencing his acting journey at a mere four years old in the Tamil film Kalathur Kannamma (1959), Kamal Haasan swiftly evolved into a force to be reckoned with. His repertoire of roles spans a wide spectrum, from intense dramas to light-hearted comedies, earning him the title of “Ulaga Nayagan" (Universal Hero).

From Tamil to Hindi

Kamal Haasan's impact is not confined to regional cinema; he has made noteworthy strides in Bollywood and various other Indian film industries. His performances in Hindi films like Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981) and Sadma (1983) garnered acclaim, transcending linguistic boundaries.

Kamal Haasan, the Director

Beyond his acting prowess, Kamal Haasan has successfully ventured into the director's chair. His directorial debut, Chachi 420 (1997), a Hindi adaptation of the Robin William-starrer Mrs. Doubtfire, was well-received, showcasing his inclination for innovative storytelling.

Some of his best directorial efforts also effectively touch upon socio-political themes with morally grey protagonists. This is perhaps best exemplified with Hey Ram (2000) which reimagined the events that led to freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, and Virumandi (2004), a Rashomon-style crime drama that incorporates multiple narratives to tell the story of a falsely-accused inmate awaiting the death penalty. Both movies played around with chronology and offered no easy answers towards the end, showcasing Haasan’s affinity for cinematic experimentation.

Kamal Haasan, the Writer

The multifaceted talent of Kamal Haasan extends to his role as a prolific writer, contributing significantly to the screenplay and dialogues of his films. Noteworthy examples include his work on the 1986 Tamil film Sathi Leelavathi, where his narrative skills seamlessly intertwined with his compelling on-screen performance.

The slice-of-life tearjerker Anbe Sivam similarly found Haasan on double duty as screenwriter and lead actor, building up an emotional narrative of an unlikely friendship that develops between two men with opposite personalities who embark on a life-changing road journey.

Age is just a number

Old age is no factor to stop the now-69-year-old Haasan as he continues to mint box-office gold and earn critical acclaim. The 2010s found him even displaying his action star chops in his two-part espionage thriller Vishwaroopam that starred him as a globetrotting secret agent. Haasan followed up this act playing the titular black-ops operative in Vikram (2022), the second installment in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe.

But even when it comes to full-fledged drama, Haasan still has his writing and acting abilities to rely on. A case in point is Uttama Villain (2015), his heavily praised love letter to the art of acting itself, as he played a dying superstar who prepares for one final role.

Why is Nayakan Kamal Haasan’s best movie?

Nayakan was Tamil maestro Mani Ratnam’s take on The Godfather, with a career-defining performance by Kamal Haasan as an idealistic man who is prompted to become a crime lord after his father’s death and a run-in with corrupt authorities. Kamal Haasan has a legacy of iconic trailblazers in Tamil films but it doesn’t get any better than this.

Rajinikanth, or Super Star Rajini as he’s often venerated, is a cinematic legend whose fandom is unparalleled in any part of the world. If you too are a “Rajini fan”, have a look at the best movies of Rajinikanth with this comprehensive list celebrating the Tamil actor along with a handy guide to know where you can stream his multi-decade filmography.

Where can you stream Rajinikanth’s best movies?

Prime Video, Sun NXT, and Voot have an abundance of Rajinikanth’s finest works with Netflix, Eros NOW, ZEE5, and Jio Cinema offering a few more options.

Once you’re all set for a Rajinikanth movie binge, you can even have a quick glimpse at his monumental career.

From a Bus Conductor to a Superstar

Rajinikanth's film career has not only been about box office records but also about leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of his fans. The star is equalised to no less than a God among his staunchest fans, with hordes worshipping his posters with garland and milk as offerings every time a major Rajinikanth title hits the cinemas.

Before this gargantuan level of fame, Rajinikanth was just a bus conductor. His underdog story starts from 1950 when he was born in Bengaluru as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad. Starting his career in the 1970s as a bus conductor, Rajinikanth's journey to stardom is a tale of sheer determination and talent.

Changing with the Times

His cinematic debut in K. Balachander's Apoorva Raagangal (1975) marked the beginning of a prolific career. Rajinikanth's unique style, distinctive dialogue delivery, and charismatic on-screen presence quickly made him a favorite among audiences.

The 1980s saw the rise of Rajinikanth as the "Superstar" with a string of blockbuster films. His collaborations with director S. P. Muthuraman in movies like Muthu and Annamalai established him as the undisputed box office king. The iconic "Rajini style" became a cultural phenomenon, characterized by his trademark mannerisms like an eccentric approach to spinning and wearing his sunglasses and a much-mimicked gravity-defying ritual of flipping cigarettes.

Entering the 2000s, Rajinikanth's career witnessed a resurgence with the sci-fi film Endhiran (2010), directed by S. Shankar. The film, also released as "Robot” in Hindi, broke several box office records and showcased Rajinikanth's ability to embrace cutting-edge technology in cinema. His charismatic performance as both the scientist and the robot in the film was a major career highlight.

The 2010s marked a new phase in Rajinikanth's career with movies like Kabali (2016) and Kaala (2018). Directed by Pa. Ranjith, these films delved into socio-political themes, and Rajinikanth seamlessly adapted to the evolving tastes of the audience. His larger-than-life presence and magnetic screen persona continued to draw audiences to theaters, solidifying his legacy as an enduring superstar in Indian cinema.

Why is Thalapathi Rajinikanth’s best movie?

Rajikanth’s success in the 1990s was marked with commercial blockbusters like the gangster actioner Baasha. But this was also a decade for the superstar to showcase his more nuanced and emotional side, something that Tamil auteur Mani Ratnam seamlessly tapped into with the crime drama Thalapathi.

A contemporary take on the antiheroic warrior Karna from the Hindu mythological epic Mahabharat, Thalapathi featured Rajinikanth as a moralistic slum-dweller who is willing to go to any lengths to fight for his people. But his morals get questioned as he shakes hands with an influential gangster, played to perfection by Malayalam veteran Mammootty. Rajinikanth and Mammooty’s pairing was one for the ages and continues to remain relevant to this day, reminding cinephiles that Rajinikanth is much more than just eyebrow-raising theatrics and box office records.

John Abraham is one of Bollywood’s quintessential action stars but he’s also often overlooked as an actor with seriously dramatic capabilities. If you too wish to witness the best of both worlds in Abraham’s career, we have the ultimate watchlist for you along with all the information you need to stream his movies.

Where to watch John Abraham’s filmography?

Netflix, ZEE5, and Amazon Prime Video are abundant with John Abraham’s best movies. But in case you want to stream the ones missed out by these OTT services, you can try out Jio Cinema, Eros Now, and Hotstar.

A Glimpse at John Abraham, the Action Star

Starting out as a model and then transitioning into acting in the early 2000s, Abraham broke out with his villainous turn as a biker thief in Dhoom. The movie was an instant hit and spawned the Dhoom series that continues to hold sway on Indian pop culture with its high-octane bike chase sequences.

Abraham didn’t just showcase his acting talents in an antagonistic role but also his affinity for riding motorcycles and indulging in stuntwork. Two-wheelers and Abraham have had an interesting relationship in the years to come. Apart from noteworthy bike stunts in action flicks like Attack, an iconic scene in his career takes place in the opening minutes of Force when he lifts a 150 kg bike with nothing but his two chiselled and muscular arms.

While Abraham successfully transitioned into heroic roles in his post-Dhoom career, he occasionally gets back on the villain’s chair with positive results. A case in point is the Shah Rukh Khan-led blockbuster Pathaan, the fourth installment in the YRF Spy Universe. While Khan and Deepika Padukone played heroic undercover agents from India and Pakistan, Abraham played the rogue Indian military officer Jim.

Other essential John Abraham action flicks include a long list of remakes, the most prominent ones being Force (a cop drama remade from Suriya’s Tamil film Khakha Khakha), Rocky Handsome (inspired by the South Korean neo-noir The Man From Nowhere), and Taxi No. 9211 (remade from Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx’s thriller Collateral).

A Glimpse at John Abraham, the Serious Actor

John Abraham’s recurring involvement in mainstream action doesn’t imply that he can’t experiment occasionally. After all, he starred in one of Anurag Kashyap’s most divisive and surrealist movies. Based on a Stephen King short story, the Kafkaesque nightmare that is No Smoking featured Abraham as a chainsmoker who goes down a dark path of recovery as he gets involved with a cult-like collective to kick the habit.

The actor’s other typecast-breaking roles included an Indian journalist stranded in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan in the heartwarming satire Kabul Express and an Indian man struggling with his racial identity in post-9/11 America in Kabir Khan’s acclaimed thriller New York.

Apart from his love for all things action, Abraham is also an avid sports person with his love for football being evoked in Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal. The sports drama reunited him with his Kabul Express co-star Arshad Warsi as he played a club-level footballer from Southall, the Indian-dominated region of London.

Why is Madras Cafe John Abraham’s best movie?

While No Smoking can arguably be Abraham’s best movie, it can make for quite a puzzling watch for some viewers. Perhaps a more palatable movie that still showcases the best of Abraham’s dramatic side is Shoojit Sircar’s war thriller Madras Cafe. Set in the midst of regional terrorism in ‘80s-era Sri Lanka, Abraham plays an undercover agent from India’s spy wing RAW. However, instead of indulging in any heavy-duty theatrics this time, Abraham’s performance is nuanced and heartfelt as he plays a broken drifter who seeks inner peace in the face of turmoil.

One of the most popular heroines in Telugu cinema, Tammanah Bhatia (or simply known as Tammanha) also occasionally acts in Hindi and Tamil movies. We’ve got you covered with a list of essential Tammanah films and a guide on streaming them all.

Where to stream Tamannah’s filmography?

Owing to her work in South Indian films, Tamannah’s best Telugu and Tamil works can be streamed on Sun NXT and Aha. Her Hindi works are mostly available on Prime Video and Netflix with movies like Plan A Plan B and Lust Stories 2 even being Netflix originals. Additionally, Tamannah has also acted in several web series such as 11th Hour (on Aha), Jee Karda (on Prime Video), Aakhri Sach and November Story (both on Hotstar).

Confused on where to start? Here’s a glimpse at her multilingual career to give you a better idea.

Early Beginnings and Happy Days breakthrough

Tamannaah's foray into the world of cinema began with the Bollywood film Chand Sa Roshan Chehra in 2005, where she played the female lead at the age of 15. However, it was in Telugu cinema that she found her initial success. Her breakthrough came with the film Happy Days (2007), directed by Sekhar Kammula. The Telugu musical coming-of-age drama resonated well with the audience, and Tamannaah's portrayal of Madhu, a college girl, earned her accolades for her natural acting and charm.

Following the success of Happy Days, Tamannaah became a familiar face in Telugu cinema. She delivered memorable performances in films like the rom-coms Konchem Ishtam Konchem Kashtam (2009), 100% Love (2011), and the action-drama Racha (2012). Her ability to balance commercial entertainers with roles that showcased her acting prowess earned her widespread appreciation.

Transition to Bollywood

Tamannaah's success in Telugu cinema caught the attention of Bollywood filmmakers. In 2012, she made her Bollywood debut with Himmatwala (a remake of the Hindi potboiler actioner of the same name), opposite Ajay Devgn. Though the film received mixed reviews, Tamannaah's presence was noticed, and she quickly became a face to watch out for in the Hindi film industry.

Tamannaah's career in Bollywood gained momentum with her roles in movies like the comedies Entertainment (2014) and Humshakals (2014). While these films may not have been critical successes again, her performances showcased her ability to handle diverse roles and genres.

Baahubali and Global Recognition

The turning point in Tamannaah's career came with the magnum opus Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and its sequel Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017), a two-part epic saga that dealt with political and military upheavals in the fictional kingdom of Mahishmati. The success of the Baahubali series not only earned Tamannaah critical acclaim but also opened doors for her in international cinema. She became a recognized face beyond Indian borders, with her work in the film being appreciated by audiences worldwide.

Post-Baahubali Success and Diversification

After the unprecedented success of Baahubali, Tamannaah continued to make her mark in both Telugu and Bollywood films. In Telugu cinema, she delivered hits like the marriage-themed comedy F2: Fun and Frustration (2019) and Oopiri (2016), the Telugu remake of the French comedy-drama The Intouchables (2021), showcasing her versatility in both commercial and content-driven films.

Why is Baahubali: The Beginning Tamannah’s best film?

Baahubali: The Beginning kicked off globally renowned director SS Rajamouli’s two-part epic fantasy saga and catapulted Tamannaah to new heights of fame. Her portrayal of Avantika, a fierce warrior princess, demonstrated her commitment to her craft and her ability to seamlessly blend into a character of epic proportions. Apart from garnering Indian awards and nominations, Tammanah even bagged a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Saturn Awards, the American award ceremony honouring the best in fantasy and sci-fi.

Ever since he raised eyebrows performing a 180-degree leg split on two bikes in Phool Aur Kaante, Ajay Devgn made his mark in Bollywood as a bankable action star and dramatic hero. From Singham to Drishyam, if you too are a fan of Ajay Devgn’s stellar filmography, we’ve got the definitive list of his best movies and a convenient guide with every streaming platform where you can watch them.

Where to stream Ajay Devgn’s filmography?

You can watch most of Ajay Devgn’s best movies on Prime Video although Netflix has a fairly impressive collection as well. Devgn’s abundance of movies over three decades also implies that many of his classic comedies, dramas, and action flicks are available to stream on more niche OTT platforms like ZEE5, Shemaroo, Lionsgate Play, Hotstar, etc.

If you wish to know more about Ajay Devgn’s career and filmography, here’s a more comprehensive look.

From Iconic Cops to Iconic Gangsters

Some of Devgn’s most popular hits find him playing either a morally righteous lawman or an antihero on the other side of the law. For instance, Singham found him playing the titular cop while Raid featured him as an honest revenue officer who conducts income tax raids against fraudsters. Gangaajal is another great cop drama in his résumé.

As for the morally grey characters, Devgn again has a long line of iconic roles. Omkara, Vishal Bhardwaj’s suburban take on Shakespeare’s Othello, finds him playing a criminal enforced for politicians, who eventually goes down a cycle of self-destruction as he grows increasingly possessive over his love interest.

Then there’s the cult crime drama Company in which he played a fictitious version of notorious Mumbai gangster Dawood Ibrahim. A few years later, he would portray another fictional version of a mobster in Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, sinking his teeth into Dawood Ibrahim’s mentor Haji Mastan this time.

The Common Man

Time and again, Ajay Devgn has showcased his dramatic intensity with everyday characters. These are common people from different walks of life, who end up becoming real-life heroes in the face of adversity. This holds true for the Drishyam films in which he plays a family man committed to protect his wife and children from an incriminating secret. The Legend of Bhagat Singh, a rousing biopic on the titular Indian freedom fighter, similarly recalls the revolutionary’s humble beginnings and his eventual transformation into the British colonialists’ worst nightmare.

Ajay Devgn’s Comedic Side

Despite his best efforts being mostly serious roles, Devgn also has a humorous side. This perhaps comes out best in his collaborations with Rohit Shetty who has directed him in several successful comedies like the Golmaal franchise, Bol Bacchan, Sunday and All The Best. He has also doubled his action hero persona with some slapstick comedy in Son of Sardaar and Action Jackson.

There’s definitely something funny about seeing the usually-brooding Devgn indulge in childish theatrics every once in a while. The man even ended up playing a satirical version of himself in India’s first live-action/animation hybrid film Toonpur Ka Superrhero.

Why is Drishyam Ajay Devgn’s Best Movie?

An understated performance in Rituparno Ghosh’s Raincoat and a National Award-winning turn in Mahesh Bhatts Zakhm might make for some of Ajay Devgn’s most critically acclaimed acting. But when it comes to an overall package, Drishyam still brings him out in full form. A direct remake of the Malayalam film of the same name, the mystery thriller is known for its unforgettable third act twist. Meanwhile, Devgn gives it all as a family patriarch who puts his life on the line to protect his family. His character Vijay Salgaonkar flirts with the law but is worth rooting for with Devgn’s iconic performance evoking fear, sympathy, and ultimately, awe.

Tiger Shroff represents a new age of Indian action heroes, with his sculpted physique and high-risk stunts (many of which he performs himself). Here’s a list of Shroff’s best action movies and a guide on where to stream them.

Considering that he started his career less than a decade ago, Shroff hasn’t appeared in many films per se. Many of his action flicks even get polarized reactions from critics but still manage to be box-office hits, thanks to the audiences that adore his stuntwork and unfiltered personality. The way he has reinvented action in Bollywood makes his films thrilling to watch, putting him on same levels as other stunt-obsessed actors in the industry like Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, and Vidyut Jamwal.

Where to stream Tiger Shroff’s filmography?

You can watch most of Tiger Shroff’s movies on Amazon Prime Video. As for the rest, ZEE5, Jio Cinema, Voot, and Hotstar will be your places to go. His 2023 sports actioner Ganapath is unfortunately not available to stream yet and the same goes for Baaghi 3.

Before watching Tiger Shroff’s adrenaline-fueled movies, you can have a look at his cinematic journey so far.

How Tiger Shroff explored multiple subgenres within Bollywood action

The son of former Bollywood leading man Jackie Shroff, Tiger Shroff marked his debut in the industry playing the protagonist in 2014’s Heropanti. The action romantic drama paired him alongside then-newcomer Kriti Sanon, both of whom played lovers embroiled in a lethally patriarchal landscape. The movie didn’t get the best of critical reactions but had enough theatrics to prove Tiger Shroff’s fighting and dancing skills. The strangely hilarious flute step from the Heropanti song “Whistle Baja” is still synonymous with Shroff’s fandom.

Heropanti received an unrelated spiritual sequel that amped up the action this time. But this wasn’t Shroff’s only franchise as he has also led the Rambo-inspired Baaghi trilogy with each of the films starring him as an armed mercenary. But beyond the usual militaristic and street-level action, Shroff has also explored other subgenres in his career so far.

For instance, A Flying Jatt found him playing a bumbling superhero who eventually goes head-to-head against a monster created out of pollution waste (played by Mad Max: Fury Road actor and arm-wrestler Nathan Jones). Then there’s Ganapath, a post-apocalyptic sports action film set in the year 2070 with Shroff playing a gritty street fighter. Then, his performance as a Mumbai street dancer in Munna Michael had the usual display of Shroff’s athletic action but primarily highlighted his equally athletic dance skills.

Why is War Tiger Shroff’s best movie?

War might borrow a page or two from existing spy franchises like James Bond and Mission: Impossible. But Tiger Shroff and Hrithik Roshan’s bromance elevates the movie from its derivative elements and offers a perfect blend of Bollywood masala and modern action. Shroff plays a secret agent who goes against his rogue mentor played by Roshan. Two of Bollywood’s biggest action stars spar against each other with fast-paced hand-to-hand combat, heavy-duty artillery, and in every setting possible (from a transport jet to the Arctic Circle).

Siddharth Anand’s movie marked a new chapter in the Yash Raj Cinematic Universe with Shroff not only shining with his ever-reliable stuntwork but also an emotional energy that he brings as Khalid Rahmani, a patriotic agent who tries his best to avenge his father who was falsely charged for treason. It’s just a shame that he might not return to the franchise with War 2. Even if he does hopefully make an appearance in the sequel, War remains his best work and most commercially successful movie at the time of writing.

Shahid Kapoor has displayed some amazing versatility as one of post-2000s Bollywood’s dynamic faces. If you are willing to go down the rabbit hole of Kapoor’s multi-genre movies, we have a definitive list for you on where you can find where to stream, buy or rent cult classics like Jab We Met, Udta Punjab, Haider and a lot more.

Where can you stream Shahid Kapoor’s filmography?

Netflix is the go-to place for most of Kapoor’s films, especially newer ones like Kabir Singh and Jersey. To watch his earlier projects, you can stream them on Prime Video, Voot, Shemaroo, Lionsgate Play and many other Indian streaming platforms. As for streaming exclusives, Kapoor’s 2023 action thriller Bloody Daddy was released as a Jio Cinema film. In the same year, the actor also made his foray into OTT drama with the Prime Video original Farzi.

If you wish to watch Kapoor’s films based on particular genres and characters, have a look at his diverse career trajectory.

A League of Morally Grey Characters

While Kapoor started out with light-hearted romantic comedies, he began experimenting with his craft from the late 2000s onwards. This is perhaps visible in his physical transformation as well. Once sporting a boyish, clean-shaven look, Kapoor grew out a rough stubble and experimented with hairstyles in many of his morally complex roles.

The neo-noir Kaminey perfectly summed up his duality as Kapoor played identical twin brothers, one of them being a scruffy-looking hustler and the other a more well-groomed and naive do-gooder. The film marked a turning point in his career as he proved his worth in gritty adult dramas.

He would reunite with Kaminey director Vishal Bhardwaj for Haider, a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Sporting a buzzcut and a distinct scar, Kapoor’s performance was simultaneously emotional, frightening, and revelatory.

Haider was followed by the equally dark and controversial drug-centric drama Udta Punjab. Playing a cocaine-addicted Punjabi rapper, Kapoor’s Tommy Singh evoked a fearful side of fame and showbiz. But talking about controversy, his most headline-making role has to be the titular antihero in Kabir Singh. Playing an obsessive, short-tempered alcoholic lover, the movie divided audiences and critics over its notions of toxic love and broke records at the box office.

The Other Side of Shahid Kapoor’s Movies

While Kapoor has his fair share of morally ambiguous protagonists, you can also watch him play some righteous and wholesome heroes. This is evident in Jab We Met, director Imtiaz Ali’s breakout movie that toyed around with the notions of an average Bollywood romance. Kapoor played a soft-spoken heir to a company, a contrast to Kareena Kapoor’s bubbly heroine, in this subversive boy-meets-girl story.

Even in period settings, Kapoor can evoke heroism as is evident from his understated performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s historical epic Padmaavat. While Ranveer Singh took the spotlight as the overzealous invader Allaudin Khalji, Kapoor played an honour-striving royal king Ratan Singh.

Why is Haider Shahid Kapoor’s best movie?

Haider is a movie that brings out the best out of its supporting cast as well as a career-best performance from its leading man. Doubling as writer and director, Vishal Bhardwaj offers his unique twist to the Bard’s Hamlet by changing the setting from medieval Denmark to military-ruled Kashmir. Delving into the socio-political landscape of India’s most troubled state and merging it with a son’s revenge for his dead father, Bhardwaj and Kapoor conjured a hauntingly beautiful drama that still goes down as one of Bollywood’s finest thrillers.

Hrithik Roshan is known for his dance moves and Greek God-like physique but he also is a versatile actor with some notable films. If you’re wondering where to start with Hrithik Roshan’s best movies and where exactly to watch them, we have got you covered with a definitive ranking of the Fighter star’s filmography.

Where to stream Hrithik Roshan’s best movies?

Netflix and Prime Video are good places to start as they offer most of Hrithik Roshan’s mainstream hits from the early and later phases of his career. His 2023 release Vikram Vedha can be exclusively streamed on Jio Cinema while ZEE5 offers a lot of his older romantic dramas to watch.

Once you’ve figured out where to watch Hrithik Roshan’s best movies, have a look at how his films have evolved over time.

Early Beginnings as a Rom-Com Face

With his dynamic dance choreography and overzealous theatrics, Hrithik Roshan became the smiling face of many feel-good romances in the early 2000s. After assisting his director father Rakesh Roshan in numerous projects in the 1990s, Kaho Na Pyaar Hai was a breakout hit for Roshan.

His iconic hook step for the song “Ek Pal Ka Jeena” is still etched in the memories of Bollywood cinephiles. He occasionally veered away to more serious acting with movies like Fiza in which he portrayed an estranged brother affected by religious riots and Mission Kashmir that found him playing a revenge-seeking terrorist.

But more or less, he branded himself as a romantic hero at the time with continuing success with Karan Johar’s ensemble family drama Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. His other romances like Na Tum Jaano Na Hum and Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon failed to make a mark at the box office but are still worth a watch for diehard fans of the actor.

An Indian Superhero With Krrish Franchise

After a string of commercial and critical disasters, Roshan’s career resurged with Koi Mil Gaya, a sci-fi comedy drama directed by his father Rakesh Roshan. The movie was a blockbuster and spawned a superhero franchise with its sequel Krrish starring Roshan as the titular superhero. With Krrish 3 released years later and another sequel on the way, watch the Krrish movies to get acquainted with one of India’s best-known homegrown superheroes.

Bang Bang and War: An Action Star Is Born

Krrish and Dhoom 2 already proved Roshan’s potential as an action star. He possessed one of the most notable physiques in Bollywood and was unafraid of experimenting with adrenaline-fuelled stunts. But if you wish to watch Roshan in his full-fledged action hero glory, stream Siddharth Anand’s Bang Bang. A remake of Tom Cruise’s Knight and Day, Bang Bang polarised critics but was a huge hit for its star. He collaborated with Anand again for War, an espionage thriller set in the YRF Spy Universe, and Fighter, a war drama revolving around Indian Air Force officers.

Why is Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Hrithik Roshan’s best movie?

Movies like Lakshya, Guzaarish, Jodhaa Akbar, and Super 30 prove Roshan’s dramatic prowess but Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara takes the top spot for being an iconic film overall. The buddy road comedy by Zoya Akhtar pairs Roshan alongside Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol as a trio of best friends vacationing in Spain. This life-changing journey brings out great emotional range from Roshan who plays a successful but overburdened corporate hotshot. From indulging in goofy antics with his friends to reliving his life with a newfound calmness, Roshan’s subtle performance is a testament to how much he has evolved from his Kaho Na Pyaar Hai days.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas needs no introduction. The model-turned-Bollywood star currently makes waves overseas in Hollywood and if you’re wondering where to binge her best movies, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive ranking and a guide to where to stream all of them.

Where can you stream Priyanka Chopra’s filmography?

You can watch most of Priyanka Chopra’s Indian films on Prime Video, Netflix, and local OTT platforms like ZEE5. As for her Hollywood ventures like Baywatch and Love Again, one can stream most of them on Netflix. Meanwhile, her TV series Citadel is a Prime original.

If you wish to watch Chopra’s movies according to genres and her career highlights, here’s a deeper look.

Early Beginnings with Romances

Priyanka Chopra found her early success as a model, notably winning the Miss World beauty pageant in 2000. Since then, she began getting acting roles alongside major actors like Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, and Hrithik Roshan. While the spy thriller The Hero: Love Story of A Spy marked her debut, Chopra shone as the leading lady in romantic dramas and comedies like Andaaz and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi.

Dramatic Evolution with Serious Roles

Aitraaz was an early career highlight as the thriller allowed Chopra to step out of formulaic Bollywood heroine tropes. Sharing screen space with Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor, Chopra played a manipulative corporate boss who tricks an employee in an erotic conspiracy.

Chopra followed this performance with more character-driven performances and played around with multiple genres, as is evident from her participation in the superhero drama Krrish, the neo-noir Kaminey, and the crime thriller Don.

Her future supporting performances that have aged well with time, include her roles in Barfi and Bajirao Mastani. Both movies interestingly involved love triangles with Barfi featuring her as a wealthy heiress with autism and Bajirao Mastani starring her as a queen trapped in her husband’s extramarital romance.

From Fashion to 7 Khoon Maaf: Chopra takes the Lead

After establishing herself as one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars, Chopra is also notable for getting top billing in some of contemporary Bollywood’s best female-led movies. It started with Fashion that prompted Chopra to revisit her pre-acting roots as a model on the rise. This trend continued with more acclaimed performances such as the eponymous Olympian boxer in Mary Kom, and a twisted femme fatale in the dark comedy 7 Khoon Maaf.

Transition to Hollywood

2015 marked a watershed moment in Chopra’s life as the actress transitioned to acting in America with the espionage thriller Quantico. Chopra starred in the series as Alex Parrish, an FBI Agent falsely implicated in a terrorist attack.

Following the show’s three-season run, Chopra went on to diversify her Hollywood portfolio playing the villain in the Baywatch reboot, headlining the rom-com Love Again, having a brief supporting part in The Matrix Resurrections, and co-starring with Game of Thrones star Richard Madden in the big-budget spy thriller series The Citadel.

Why Is Barfi Priyanka Chopra’s Best Movie?

Barfi!, India's official Oscar submission for Best International Feature, features Indian actor Ranbir Kapoor in the role of a deaf vagabond whose naïve mishaps are evocative of Charlie Chaplin comedies. The hero's companion and potential love interest, Jhilmil, is a bright and innocent autistic woman played to perfection by Priyanka Chopra. As another woman enters the picture, Barfi also becomes a tearjerker with a heartbreaking love triangle. The Anurag Basu-directed drama continues to endure as a classic for  its blend of slapstick humor and pure romance. The upbeat songs in the film are a standout feature, with some of the better ones centering around the amusing antics of Kapoor and Chopra.

From breezy romantic comedies to high-octane action blockbusters, Katrina Kaif has acted across various projects and established herself as one of Bollywood’s highest-paid stars. If you wish to watch the best Katrina Kaif movies from her nearly two-decade-long career, we’ve got you covered with a definitive ranking and a guide on where to stream them.

Where can you watch Katrina Kaif’s filmography?

You can stream most of Kaif’s best movies on Prime Video. Netflix, Voot, Jio Cinema and Eros Now also offer some of her notable titles.

Have a glimpse at the Tiger 3 and Merry Christmas actress’ impressive career trajectory before you watch her movies.

Early Beginnings and Rom-Com Breakthrough

Born in Hong Kong and obtaining British citizenship later, Kaif entered the Bollywood scene in 2003 with the film Boom. Although the movie failed to make a significant impact, it laid the foundation for her entry into the world of Hindi cinema. Her initial struggle with the Hindi language and the cultural nuances of the industry were evident, but her perseverance shone through especially in romantic comedies with Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar.

The turning point in Kaif’s career came with the 2005 film Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya, where she shared the screen with Salman Khan. Their on-screen chemistry was palpable, and audiences took notice of the glamorous actress. Even though her subsequent projects were mostly male-dominated comedies with Akshay Kumar (Welcome, Singh is Kinng, Humko Deewana Kar Gaye), Kaif gradually built her own reputation as a bankable star.

A Transition to Dramatic Roles

As the years progressed, Kaif diversified her roles, proving her mettle as an actress. In films like New York and Raajneeti, she showcased her acting prowess and ability to handle intense and emotionally charged characters. The former found her playing an Indian-American woman affected by the racial realities of a post-9/11 world while Rajneeti found her playing an ambitious politician who rises up the ranks.

While she kept on appearing in light-hearted movies like the crime caper Tees Maar Khan and the slapstick comedy Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahaani, Kaif stepped out of her formulaic glamorous avatars, earning her critical acclaim and industry recognition. Her dramatic prowess is what has kept her on the radar of relatively more sensible productions like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Zoya Akhtar’s iconic road comedy-drama that featured Kaif in a supporting role as a diving instructor in Spain.

Kaif has indeed come a long way from her one-dimensional characters as is evident from her heavily acclaimed lead role in Merry Christmas, a Hitchockian thriller starring her as an ominous woman who indulges in a hysterical romance one Christmas day.

Reinvention as an Action Star

The actress continued her upward trajectory with the 2012 blockbuster Ek Tha Tiger, where she reunited with Salman Khan. The film's massive success solidified her position as one of Bollywood's leading ladies. You can watch her chops as an action star in commercially successful films like Dhoom 3, Bang Bang, and Tiger Zinda Hai, further establishing herself as a box office powerhouse.

Why is Merry Christmas Katrina Kaif’s best movie?

After years of being relegated to sexist tropes like a damsel in distress, Kaif’s latter career reflects more nuanced roles. Merry Christmas is the perfect example of this as director Sriram Raghavan paired her alongside noted Tamil character actor Vijay Sethupathi. Shining in her emotional capabilities alongside her co-star, Kaif proved to critics that she doesn’t need a hero to lean a shoulder on and can stand on her own as a deceptive Hitchockian-style heroine. The movie’s twists and turns allowed Kaif to showcase her versatility like never before.

From giving Bollywood its own take on Steven Spielberg’s E.T. to introducing one of India’s most popular superheroes, the Krrish franchise is one of the Hindi film industry’s premier franchises.

It all started with Rakesh Roshan directing his son Hrithik Roshan in the sci-fi comedy drama Koi Mil Gaya that introduced audiences to the friendly blue alien Jadoo. This was followed by the superhero thrillers Krrish and Krrish 3, both of which emerged as commercial hits. Now, with a fourth movie in the works, here’s a glimpse at all Krrish movies and a guide on where to watch them.

How to watch the Krrish movies in order?

The Krrish movies can be watched in the same order as their release date. Koi Mil Gaya revolves around Rohit Mehra, the naive son of a deceased scientist who tried making first contact with aliens. Now, with one such alien Jadoo lost in the forest, Rohit strikes a life-changing friendship with the extraterrestrial being. While thematic and visual comparisons with E.T. The Extra Terrestrial are obvious, Koi Mil Gaya was largely an original story featuring a memorable turn by Hrithik Roshan in the lead role.

Roshan reprised his role as Rohit and even played Rohit’s son Krishna in Krrish, Rakesh Roshan’s follow-up to Koi Mil Gaya. Krrish toyed with the possibility that Krishna carries superhuman abilities because of the alien powers bestowed upon his father. With Krishna using his powers for good as the masked hero Krrish, he also strikes a romance with a journalist played by franchise debutant Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The movie also filled the gaps between Koi Mil Gaya and Krrish by focusing on how Rohit was estranged from his son as he was coerced into a scientific experiment by an antagonistic tech entrepreneur.

Roshan (as both Rohit and Krrish) and Chopra Jonas both reprised their roles in Krrish 3 which increased the franchise’s scope by even throwing a supervillain and his mutant minions in the mix. While Krrish 3 failed to garner the same critical acclaim as its predecessors, the movie was a modest box-office success, setting up future potential for even more sequels.

When does Krrish 4 come out?

After years of speculation, Hrithik Roshan confirmed that Krrish 4 is very much on his radar as he confirmed in a social media post to mark 15 years of Krrish in 2021. Rumours from 2017 also suggest that Roshan might also play the movie’s antagonist while Priyanka Chopra Jonas would reprise her role as the heroine Priya Mehra. Whether Rakesh Roshan will return to direct the sequel, that is not yet known. Considering Hrithik Roshan is mostly busy starring in Yash Raj Spy Universe movies like War 2 and launching his own franchise with Fighter, it’s highly unlikely for Krrish 4 to release anytime in 2024 or 2025.

Where can you watch the Krrish movies?

While Koi Mil Gaya can be streamed on ZEE5, Krrish is unfortunately not available to watch anywhere at the moment. Krrish 3, on the other hand, can be streamed on Sony LIV and Epic On.

The Lokesh Cinematic Universe aka LCU aka “Loki-verse” is the brainchild of Tamil director and writer Lokesh Kanagaraj. The highest-grossing Tamil franchise (surpassing even the mammoth success of Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selavan), the LCU includes crime thrillers that often pit common men as vigilantes that challenge law-enforcement and drug cartels.

Here’s a glimpse at how to watch the LCU movies and in what order.

How to watch the Lokesh Cinematic Universe movies?

You can watch all LCU movies in the same order as their release date, considering that the franchise hasn’t delved into prequels yet. As of now, the LCU consists of standalone adventures that are remotely connected to each other through common characters.

It all starts with the Karthi-led thriller Kaithi which revolves around the exploits of a recently-released prisoner as he races against time to save his daughter. Kaithi was followed by the Kamal Haasan-led blockbuster Vikram. While Karthi could only be heard in a brief voice-over in the 2022 action drama, Kaithi’s Inspector Bejoy (Narain) returned in Vikram indicating that both movies are set in a shared world.

Vikram amped up the action stakes of the franchise with Haasan playing a special-ops investigator investigating a series of serial killings and discovering a larger criminal conspiracy. The star power of LCU also increased with Vikram’s ensemble also including Tamil character actor Vijay Sethupathi as drug lord Sandhanam and Malayalam heavyweight Fahadh Faasil as black-ops operative Amar.

Kanagaraj’s next film after Vikram wasn’t confirmed to be a part of his shared universe until Kaithi’s Constable Napoleon making an appearance this time. Ranking among one of Thalapathy Vijay’s best movies, Leo introduced a new protagonist in the form of Parthi, a peaceful cafe owner and animal rescuer who is mistaken for a gangster’s estranged son. If Vikram focused on armed combat, Leo highlighted hand-to-hand fights with more brutal gore as Parthi goes down a dark and violent past.

Has any Lokesh Cinematic Universe movie ever been remade?

Kaithi was remade in Hindi as Bholaa, a 2022 action thriller written, directed, produced by, and starring Ajay Devgn. You can watch the movie on Prime Video. 

Is the Lokesh Cinematic Universe inspired by Hollywood?

While Kaithi and Vikram draw upon original concepts, Leo is loosely adapted from David Cronenberg’s A History of Violence (available to rent on Amazon) which in itself was based on the graphic novel of the same name.

What is the future of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe?

Currently, Kaithi 2 is in the works although given the massive commercial success of Vikram and Leo, it’s clear that Kanagaraj will also be eyeing sequels for the other two movies. Even before Kaithi 2, the director plans to release a 10 minute short film in 2024 to elaborate more on the origins of the LCU. With Vikram also featuring Tamil superstar Suriya in a special appearance, it’s possible that the filmmaker might later direct a solo outing for his character too.

Where can you watch the Lokesh Cinematic Universe movies?

Kaithi can be streamed on Sony LIV, Aha and Hotstar while you can watch Vikram on Hotstar and ZEE5. Leo is available to stream on Netflix. All three movies can be viewed in the original Tamil version as well as dubs in other languages like Hindi and Telugu.

Mainstream Bollywood franchises occasionally gear towards the horror comedy genre. Bhool Bhulaiyaa is a major example with two hits to its name and a few more upcoming sequels. Even Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal franchise took a spooky detour with 2017’s Golmaal Again. But none of these series have become as diverse in their horror comedy approach as the Maddock Supernatural Universe aka Dinesh Vijan’s Horror Comedy Universe.

With producer Vijan’s studio Maddock Films producing Stree, director Amar Kaushik and screenwriters Raj and DK realised the potential for not just another Stree sequel but a shared universe exploring the supernatural mythology of India and overseas.

So, while Stree and its prequel Roohi focused on the phenomenon of Indian witches, its spin-off (set in the same timeline in another setting) Bhediya focused on an engineer turning into a werewolf. An end-credits scene in Bhediya unites the movie’s protagonists with characters from Stree, opening up the potential for an upcoming Stree 2 or a Bhediya 2. The possibilities are endless.

And considering that writers Raj and DK previously directed the zombie horror comedy Go Goa Gone (which itself might be getting a sequel pretty soon), it’s safe to say that Dinesh Vijan’s franchise is in safe hands.

Here’s a guide on how and where to watch Dinesh Vijan’s Horror Comedy Universe movies in order.

What is the viewing order to watch the movies of Dinesh Vijan’s Horror Comedy Universe?

While your viewing order wouldn’t be too affected if you watch the movies according to release date (Stree, Roohi, Bhediya), it’s better to follow the narrative chronology (Roohi, Stree, Bhediya). Roohi is set before the events of Bhediya and focuses on the origins of the Mudiyapairi (witches) with Janhvi Kapoor playing the titular character.

Even though Rajkumar Rao appears in both Roohi and Stree, it must be noted that he plays different characters in each movie. Roohi offers more context for a more fleshed-out narrative in Stree with Shraddha Kapoor playing Jahnvi Kapoor’s successor as she haunts a group of naive friends in a small Indian town. Stree leaves viewers on an open-ended note with the antagonistic witch surviving and finding her next victim. Vijan himself confirmed that if Roohi and Stree’s events would directly collide, then Rao must resort to playing a double role as both Roohi’s Bhawra Pandey and Stree’s Vikrant “Vicky” Parashar.

While Bhediya is more focused on werewolves and environmentalism, the ending scene finds the gang from Stree meeting up with leading man Varun Dhawan’s hero. This is the franchise’s very own “Avengers Assemble” moment as they team up to combat an impending supernatural threat.

Where can you stream the movies of Dinesh Vijan’s Horror Comedy Universe?

Both Roohi and Stree can be streamed on Netflix and Jio Cinema. You can watch Bhediya only on Jio Cinema. Even non-subscribers can watch movies from Dinesh Vijan’s Horror Comedy Universe on Jio Cinema for free, given if they have a tolerance for occasional ads!

Where can you watch Stree 2?

The sequel to Stree is touted as one of the most anticipated Indian movies of 2024 and it will finally hit theaters in August 2024, exactly six years after the first movie’s release. While the streaming partners aren’t known as of now, it’s highly possible that it will release on Jio Cinema considering Jio Studios has produced every other Dinesh Vijan Horror Comedy Universe entry.

Before Salman Khan kicked off the Yash Raj Spy Universe with Ek Tha Tiger (and its two sequels that you can watch on Prime Video), the Bollywood star played the vigilante cop Chulbul “Robinhood” Pandey in the Dabangg trilogy.

The Dabangg movies proved Khan’s endurance in Bollywood as a leading man and action hero while also giving the spotlight on Sonakshi Sinha who plays his on-screen romantic interest Rajjo Pandey and made her cinematic debut with the first film.

Apart from Khan and Sinha, the franchise also offered a pedestal to other actors, especially the ones playing the villains from Sonu Sood in Dabangg to multi-lingual character actor Prakash Raj in Dabangg 2 and Kannada superstar Sudeep in Dabangg 3. While Abhinav Kashyap marked his writing and directing debut with Dabangg, the leading man’s brother Arbaaz Khan took the directing reins for the second movie. The third one was handled by choreographer and director Prabhu Deva who had collaborated many times with Khan and Sinha before.

Here’s a guide on how and where to stream the Dabangg movies in order.

How to watch the Dabangg movies in chronological order?

The Dabangg trilogy is pretty straightforward with all three movies released one after the other. So, you can watch the Dabangg movies just in the order of their release dates.

Where does the Dabangg animated series fit in the timeline?

Following the success of the movies, India’s Cartoon Network also spawned Dabangg- The Animated Series, a cartoon that included standalone episodic adventures in the life of Chulbul Pandey. But this show is set apart from the timeline of the movies.

Where can you watch the Dabangg remakes?

Dabangg’s first installment has been remade two times in South India with the Tamil remake Osthe starring Silmabarasan in Khan’s role and Sonu Sood yet again playing the antagonist. Later, Pawan Kalyan filled in for Chulbul Pandey in the Telugu remake Gabbar Singh. You can watch Osthe on Sun NXT. As for Gabbar Singh, it can be streamed on Prime Video and Sun NXT. Considering that both are adaptations of the first movie, they can be watched before Dabangg 2 and Dabangg 3.

The Legacy of the Dabangg Movies

The Dabangg franchise has left a significant impact on commercial 2010s-era Bollywood. Salman Khan's portrayal of Chulbul Pandey, with his unique style and dialogues, has become iconic. Even now, the first movie is synonymous with Khan slinging his RayBans Aviator glasses over the back collar of his shirt.

The films are known for their blend of action, humor, and music, catering to a wide audience. While critical acclaim varies across the installments, the franchise's consistent commercial success underscores its popularity.

The Dabangg series has contributed to Salman Khan's status as one of Bollywood's most bankable stars and has established the character of Chulbul Pandey as a cultural phenomenon in Indian cinema. Instead, if one looks back at the promotion tactics of the very first Dabangg movie, it is Chulbul Pandey’s character that was endorsed more than the movie itself. This character promotion has allowed him to live on in two more sequels.

Where to watch the Dabangg movies?

Despite the Dabangg franchise’s popularity, it’s still surprising how difficult it is to watch it on streaming services. The first two can be bought in physical and online copies but aren’t available to stream anymore. Dabangg 3, however, is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

India’s answer to the Step-Up franchise, the ABCD series has featured some of India’s best dancers and choreographers for foot-tapping performances. While song-and-dance numbers are common in Bollywood since the film industry’s inception, ABCD reinterpreted the dance musical genre by putting the focus on real-life performers.

Directed by choreographer and Dance India Dance judge Remo D’Souza, the first ABCD movie was an instant hit featuring an ensemble led by Indian dancing veteran Prabhu Deva. Fans of reality shows like Dance India Dance also had plenty of Easter Eggs to spot with many actual contestants playing members of a fictional dance crew from the urban neighbourhoods of Mumbai.

The franchise went down a more mainstream route with ABCD 2 featuring Bollywood actors like Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor in the lead. Since then, the franchise received a spiritual sequel in the form of Street Dancer 3D. The latter was eventually conceptualised as ABCD 3 but had to be rebranded with Disney (that produced the first two movies) exiting from Indian film production.

Here’s a guide on how and where to watch the ABCD movies.

How to watch the ABCD movies in order?

None of the ABCD movies are directly connected and can be streamed individually in any order as standalone movies. Even though all three movies share recurring artists like Prabhu Deva, Dharmesh Yolande, and Lauren Gottlieb, they end up playing different characters in each one.

A common theme in each of the ABCD movies is the underdog journey of dance crews. While the protagonists battle it out in a pan-Indian competition in ABCD, Dhawan and Kapoor play Indian dancers aspiring to break it onto the global stage in ABCD 2. Street Dancer 3D similarly incorporates an international tournament while focusing on the rivalry between Indian and Pakistani dancers.

Where can you watch the ABCD movies?

ABCD can be streamed on Netflix and Hotstar. As for ABCD 2, you can watch it on Netflix and Sony LIV.  Street Dancer 3D, meanwhile, is available on Prime Video.

Love him or hate him but Rohit Shetty’s movies prove that he has a knack for directing crowd-pleasing hits. If his Cop Universe gets a bit too loud, you can always watch his beloved Golmaal comedies. Spanning across four movies so far, the Golmaal franchise has often relied on the same acting ensemble (always led by Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, and Tushar Kapoor) even if the premise and character backstories change significantly in each installment. Yet, Shetty’s brand of delivering over-the-top humour, gravity-defying action, and a slapstick comedy of errors make each Golmaal installment memorable.

With Golmaal parts one to four ranking among some of Rohit Shetty’s best movies to stream, the movies constitute Bollywood’s highest-grossing comedy franchise with possibly Housefull being the only franchise that can surpass it. While the Akshay Kumar-led Housefull movies have more than often stuck with raunchy adult humour, the Golmaal franchise has had interesting makeovers over the years. Here’s a look at what to expect from Golmaal and where to watch these comedies.

In what order should you watch the Golmaal movies?

As each of the four movies are disconnected from a central narrative and share only recurring characters, the Golmaal movies can be watched in any order. But to perhaps see how the franchise evolves in scale, you can watch the series in order of release date.

From Golmaal to Golmaal Again: The Evolution of the Franchise

The first movie Golmaal: Fun Unlimited flirted with raunchy humour while incorporating situational comedy as a gang of four good-for-nothing friends plan to dupe an aged, blind couple. The movie was an instant hit and paved the way for Rohit Shetty’s future filmography. He amped up the stakes in Golmaal Returns, a sequel only in name, with new additions to the cast like Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shreyas Talpade. The raunchiness increased with subplots of marital infidelity. With enough wire-suspended cars and motorcycles, Shetty could utilise the increased budget for some zany action sequences too.

But perhaps the zenith of the Golmaal franchise was reached in the third part Golmaal 3 with the narrative fully turning into a family drama. The ensemble is divided into two halves, with each group portraying estranged siblings who must come together for their separated parents to marry (hilariously portrayed by new additions Mithun Chakraborty and Ratna Pathak Shah). With its more family-oriented approach, Golmaal 3 was a major box office success and received better critical acclaim than its predecessor.

The movie boasted some of the most eccentrically funny characters from the series including the amnesiac mob boss Puppy Bhai, played to exaggerated perfection by comedy heavyweight Johnny Lever. Even the franchise’s recurring character Vasooli Bhai, the gullible moneylender, gets some of his best lines in Golmaal 3.

The Golmaal series went down a supernatural route with the fourth movie, Golmaal Again. Despite mixed critical reviews (as is the case with most of the Golmaal movies that you will watch), the movie emerged as one of the highest-grossing Bollywood movies of 2017. Set in the vicinity of a haunted house, the movie reunited returning cast members with new entrants like Tabu and Parineeti Chopra. The result was yet another commercial win for Rohit Shetty and leading men Ajay Devgn and Arshad Warsi.

Where can you watch the Golmaal movies?

Golmaal: Fun Unlimited can be streamed on multiple platforms ranging from Prime Video to to Lionsgate Play. Golmaal Returns can similarly be streamed on the aforementioned platforms along with ZEE5. You can watch Golmaal 3 on Jio Cinema and Eros Now while Golmaal Again can be streamed on Prime Video and Hotstar.

Before RRR, there was Baahubali. Ranking among the best SS Rajamouli movies to watch, Baahubali: The Beginning and its prequel/sequel Baahubali: The Conclusion redefined big-budget, larger-than-life, pan-Indian cinema in contemporary times. The story might have concluded in two swords-and-sandals epics but the legacy continues through an animated series, a comic book, a trilogy of novels, and even an upcoming Netflix prequel.

SS Rajamouli has been working in the Telugu film industry for decades now but it was the two-part Baahubali series that made him a household name, even drawing recognition from overseas. The latter is relevant to how both movies ended up raking nominations at the fantasy and sci-fi-centric Saturn Awards. Based on mythological epics like Mahabharata, the filmmaker’s father V. Vijayendra Prasad wrote an endearing tale of legacy and righteousness set in the fictional kingdom of Mahishmati.

With Telugu star Prabhas in a dual role as the emperor Amarendra Baahubali and his son Mahendra, Baahubali revolves around stateplay, war tactics, family rivalries, rebel alliances and a lot more. The world-building of the Baahubali franchise is a marvel to watch, especially with some highly original fight sequences and visual effects that are impressive for non-Hollywood standards. Here’s a guide on how to stream Rajamouli’s visionary franchise.

How to watch the Baahubali movies in order?

As is evident from their titles, the Baahubali movies can be watched in the same order as their release date. The open-ended third act twist of Baahubali: The Beginning left many viewers eagerly waiting to know just why did the loyal military general Kattappa kill his own king Amarendra Baahubali? Two years and a bazillion memes later, Baahubali: The Conclusion provided the answers while also offering some crucial backstory on the same king. At the same time, the 2017 release fulfilled its sequel duties by building upon the current fate of Mahishmati.

How to watch the Baahubali animated show in order?

In the same year as Baahubali: The Conclusion’s release, Amazon Prime Video released an animated spin-off series titled Baahubali: The Lost Legends. Acting as a prequel to the events of both movies, the show chiefly focused on the friendship-turned-enmity between the young princes Amarendra Baahubali and Bhallaladeva as they competed to rule over Mahishmati. Other classic characters like Bhallaladeva’s mother Sivagami and Kattappa also made appearances even though none of the original movie actors returned to voice them. The show’s popularity endured among diehard Baahubali fans with a five-season run that also included one special in 2017. Baahubali: The Lost Legends concluded in 2020.

How to watch future Baahubali projects?

While Rajamouli hasn’t announced any upcoming Baahubali movies, he did confirm that he has been working on a prequel series to watch on Netflix. It’s unlikely for the show to come out anytime soon considering that Rajamouli is currently working on an RRR sequel.

Where to watch the Baahubali movies and animated shows?

You can stream both Baahubali movies on Netflix, Hotstar, and Sony LIV. The movies are available in the original Telugu version along with dubs in Hindi and Tamil. They can also be rented from YouTube, Google Play Store, and Apple TV+. As for Baahubali: The Lost Legends, the animated prequel streams exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.

When Rohit Shetty and his recurring collaborator Ajay Devgn remade the Tamil cop drama Singam in 2011, Singham kickstarted a hugely successful franchise now known as the “Rohit Shetty Cop Universe”. If you want to watch the entire Rohit Shetty Cop Universe in chronological order, we've create a complete streaming guide to show you which streaming services have offers for every movie and TV show in the franchise. We'll also let you know where to watch every title in the Rohit Shetty Cop Universe in 4K and options to watch them legally for free online.

How to watch the Rohit Shetty Cop Universe (chronological order)

The chronological order of The Cop Universe is, fortunately, the same as its release order:

• Singham (2001)
• Singham Returns (2014)
• Simbba (2018)
• Sooryavanshi (2021)
• Indian Police Force (2024)

This Cop Universe begins in 2011, as the morally righteous policeman called Singham takes on a criminal politician. Singham Returns was released in 2014, starring Ajay Devgn in the lead role and Kareena Kapoor as his on-screen love interest. In 2018, Shetty revisited the franchise with contemporary actors Ranveer Singh and Sara Ali Khan with Simbba. The movie features a surprise cameo by Devgn’s Singham and a post-credits scene teasing Akshay Kumar’s DCP Veer Sooryavanshi – revealing that the movie takes place in the Cop Universe. Sooryavanshi was released in 2021, including a reunion of the franchise's heroes. The franchise continues on the small screen with the Prime Video TV show, Indian Police Force.

Where can you watch the Rohit Shetty Cop Universe movies?

Below you can find out where to watch every movie and TV show in the Rohit Shetty Cop Universe – from Singham to Indian Police Force. This includes every way you can watch it online on popular streaming services in India.

Manga writer Masashi Kishimoto's iconic Naruto franchise has emerged as a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its intricate narrative, profound character development, and an immersive exploration of the ninja world.

At the heart of this expansive universe is Naruto Uzumaki, a spirited young ninja whose aspirations extend beyond personal glory to the coveted position of Hokage, the revered leader of his village, the Hidden Leaf Village. Over time, the franchise included not just a successful anime but also many movies and a direct sequel Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. Here’s a guide to stream the entire Naruto universe.

How to watch the original Naruto?

The Naruto series unfolds across two distinct segments: the original Naruto and its sequel, Naruto Shippuden, each contributing to the overarching narrative and character evolution. You can stream both of them on Netflix and Crunchyroll.

The initial phase of the Naruto saga, comprising 220 episodes, immerses viewers in Naruto's formative years. Faced with the dual challenges of being an orphan and bearing the burden of a powerful, sealed Nine-Tailed Fox within him, Naruto endures the scorn and isolation of his fellow villagers.

Alongside his companions Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, Naruto navigates the trials of the ninja academy, embarks on missions, and confronts formidable adversaries. This part of the series encapsulates Naruto's journey of self-discovery, perseverance, and the forging of unbreakable bonds that define the essence of the Hidden Leaf Village.

How to watch Naruto Shippuden?

Naruto Shippuden seamlessly picks up the original narrative, ushering viewers two and a half years into the future. Having undergone intensive training under the mentorship of the legendary Jiraiya, Naruto returns to the Hidden Leaf Village with newfound strength and maturity. This sequel, spanning 500 episodes, delves into darker themes, intricate character backstories, and the unveiling of long-concealed mysteries.

Naruto: Shippuden represents a more mature phase in the saga, weaving a tapestry of emotional depth and epic confrontations.

Where to watch the Naruto movies?

Complementing the television series are a plethora of Naruto movies that offer fans additional insights and adventures with their beloved characters. While most of them are set between episodes of Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, they are standalone adventures and don’t majorly affect the shows’ timeline.

With most of the Naruto movies available to stream on Tubi, Naruto The Movies: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow marked Naruto's inaugural cinematic venture in 2004. Subsequent films, such as Naruto Shippuden the Movie and The Last: Naruto The Movie, delve deeper into character relationships and the challenges faced by Naruto and his comrades, providing a cinematic extension to the rich tapestry of the ninja world.

Where to watch Boruto: Naruto Next Generations?

The franchise further expands with spin-off series like Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, which shifts the narrative focus to Naruto's son, Boruto Uzumaki. Set in a technologically advanced Hidden Leaf Village, Boruto explores the complex dynamics of being the Hokage's son, introducing new themes while paying homage to the legacy of its predecessor.

The Naruto franchise transcends the confines of the small screen, extending into novels, video games, and even a stage play. This multi-dimensional approach ensures that fans can immerse themselves in the ninja world through various mediums, deepening their connection with the characters and the overarching narrative.

If you wish to watch cinema that bridges the gap between India and the West, Mira Nair is one of the most prominent names that come to mind. After her breakout debut Salaam Bombay picked up nominations for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs, the director continued a streak of cross-cultural films that delved into the economic, social and cultural aspects of Indians across different classes (and in many cases Indians living abroad).

From working with a pre-fame Denzel Washington in Mississippi Masala to adapting Jhumpa Lahiri’s Booker Prize-winning book The Namesake for a movie of the same name, Nair’s filmography makes for a diverse binge. Here’s a closer look at her best movies and where to watch them.

Early success with Salaam Bombay

With her recurring collaborator Sooni Taraporewala penning the screenplay, Mira Nair marked her directorial debut with the 1998 classic Salaam Bombay. Relying on an ensemble of largely non-actors playing homeless children on the street, Nair’s debut drama delved into the tumultuous lives of slum-dwellers in the titular city.

The movie proved to be one of the biggest Indian successes at Western awards like Golden Globes and Oscars (one of the only three Indian movies to be nominated for Best International Feature) but back home, contemporary Indians have mixed feelings about Salaam Bombay. On one hand, it is an empathetic story with good intentions but on the other, it seems to fetishise urban Indian poverty in the same vein as polarising movies like Slumdog Millionaire. Regardless of its divided analysis, Salaam Bombay proved Nair’s directing prowess and set out a roadmap for many other genre efforts.

India meets West: From Monsoon Wedding to Mississippi Masala

If one is to watch Nair’s post-Salaam Bombay movies, a recurring theme to find is the feeling of displacement among Indians. Monsoon Wedding, while shot in the midst of a Hindu arranged marriage in India, finds the bridegroom as an NRI (Non Residential Indian) from the US. As he explores his homeland, his cultural confusion is more than evident.

The reverse is the situation in Mississippi Masala, a romantic comedy dealing with interracial romances between African Americans and Indian Americans. The pairing of Denzel Washington and Sarita Choudhury gets the message straight and prophesied the advent of subsequently iconic cross-cultural romances like The Big Sick and You People.

Mira Nair’s non-Indian projects: Queen of Katwe, Vanity Fair and more

Following the same route as other Indian-origin directors like Shekhar Kapur and Gurinder Chaddha, Nair established herself further with projects that involved non-Indian actors in non-Indian settings. The first time she did so was with The Perez Family, a comedy about Cuban refugees pretending to be a family in America. Then, there’s Vanity Fair that presents Nair’s reinterpretation of William Makepeace Thackeray’s novel of the same name.

Some more iconic Nair movies to stream include Amelia (on American aviator Amelia Earhart), Queen of Katwe (on Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi) and The Reluctant Fundamentalist that delves into the racial struggles of post-9/11 America from the perspective of a Pakistani man, played to perfection by Riz Ahmed.

Why is The Namesake Mira Nair’s best movie?

Based on the iconic novel of the same name, The Namesake perfectly captures the alienation that defines most of Nair’s protagonists. An inter-generational story between an Indian immigrant father and his Americanised son is brought to life with emotional dialogues, vivid imagery, and Nitin Sahwney’s soul-stirring score. Serving justice to Jhumpa Lahiri’s source material, The Namesake is still bound to be relatable to many brown immigrants.

Where can you stream Mira Nair’s filmography?

You can watch some of Nair’s movies by renting them on Amazon or streaming on Hotstar. You can also watch her TV series A Suitable Boy on Netflix.

Ram Gopal Varma (or RGV as he’s popularly known) might be regarded as an eccentric today, thanks to his unpredictable Twitter banter or his foray into absurd projects like low-budget erotica. But what’s undeniable, or rather unbelievable for today’s generation, is that RGV was a cinematic auteur in his own right with the writer and director dominantly shaping the crime, noir, thriller (and to an extent, horror) genres in Bollywood and South Indian cinema for a good part of 1990s and the 2000s.

And let’s not forget without RGV, Bollywood wouldn’t have been blessed with cinematic talents like writer-director Anurag Kashyap (who famously worked as a co-writer on Satya) and actors Manoj Bajpayee and Urmila Matondkar. Here’s a look at RGV’s best movies and where to watch them.

RGV: A Master of Crime

Varma burst onto the scene in the early 1990s with the critically acclaimed film Shiva (which you can stream in both Telugu and Hindi). Starring Nagarjuna as the eponymous college rowdy, this gritty, realistic portrayal of college politics marked a departure from the typical romantic dramas that dominated Bollywood at the time. Varma's raw and unfiltered storytelling style immediately set him apart, earning him both praise and criticism.

One of Varma's most noteworthy contributions to Bollywood is his groundbreaking work in the crime genre. Films like the criminal underdog story Satya and the Dawood Ibrahim-influenced gangster drama Company were instrumental in introducing a new, edgier narrative style that focused on the dark underbelly of society. The use of unconventional camera angles, intense character studies, and a stark portrayal of urban realities distinguished Varma's films from the mainstream.

Politics plays an equally integral role in most of his crime thrillers with Varma not afraid to put the finger on the authorities and bureaucracy to justify the actions of his morally gray gangster protagonists. Some more Varma crime classics to stream include the cop drama Shool and his Godfather remake Sarkar.

RGV: Dated but influential Horror veteran

When it comes to horror movies, RGV’s best horror movies to watch include Bhoot, Raat, Darna Zaroori Hai, and Phoonk. These would seem laughable in today’s standards with some forced jumpscares and overly melodramatic performances but remain influential in Indian horror’s formative stage.

But that doesn’t mean that Varma didn’t know how to build up atmospheric tension. Some of his horrors, in fact, are boosted further with his regular collaborator Urmila Matondkar’s spine-chilling acting. A case in point is the criminally underrated Kaun, a home invasion thriller that stars Matondkar as a paranoid woman trapped in her mansion on a rainy evening.

Recent Career Inconsistency

With his disastrous Sholay remake (Aag) and strange forays into pornographic movies, RGV is subjected to much ridicule. His career might have indeed been more inconsistent over the years but this doesn’t mean that he has lost his touch. Some 2010s RGV movies to watch include the two-part gangster thriller Rakta Charitra  and the historical fiction The Attacks of 26/11.

Why is Satya Ram Gopal Varma’s best movie?

Satya subverted the tropes of an average Indian crime thriller and made the genre darker and more realistic than ever. Delving into the struggles of small-town immigrants in Mumbai and the inner workings of the metropolitan city’s underworld, RGV and Kashyap’s quotable screenplay was coupled with some career-making performances by JD Chakravarthy as the titular character and Manoj Bajpayee playing his criminal ally Bhiku Matre. For anyone into 90s-era Indian cinema, Satya remains an all-time classic.

Where can you stream Ram Gopal Varma’s filmography?

You can watch Ram Gopal Varma’s movies on Netflix, Prime Video, Eros Now, and various other OTT platforms.

Choreographer. Director. Writer. Socialite. Farah Khan is a Bollywood heavyweight be it with her dance moves or her collaborations with Shah Rukh Khan like Main Hoon Na and Om Shanti Om. Much like her contemporaries Karan Johar and Aditya Chopra, Khan has relied on an over-the-top filmmaking style, never leaving a stone unturned in amping up the melodramatic romance, song-and-dance numbers, and extravagant set pieces in her movies. Here’s a look at her career.

Farah Khan, the Choreographer

Farah began her career in the entertainment industry as a choreographer. She quickly gained recognition for her exceptional choreography skills, working with top actors and directors in the 1990s. Her choreography in films like Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992) and Dil To Pagal Hai (1997) earned her several awards and accolades like seven Filmfare Awards and the National Film Award for Koi Mil Gaya. Farah's energetic and fun-filled dance routines set a new standard in Bollywood, making her one of the most sought-after choreographers in the industry.

Directorial Debut with Main Hoon Na

In 2004, Farah Khan made her directorial debut with the film "Main Hoon Na." The movie, starring Shah Rukh Khan, marked the beginning of Farah's successful career as a director. Main Hoon Na was a commercial hit and received positive reviews for its entertaining blend of action, drama, and humor. Farah's directorial style was characterized by vibrant visuals, lively storytelling, and catchy song-and-dance sequences.

Continued Success with Om Shanti Om

Farah's sophomore film as a director, Om Shanti Om (2007), further solidified her position in the industry. Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, the film was a massive success, becoming one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films at the time. Om Shanti Om paid homage to the Hindi film industry, incorporating elements of romance, drama, and comedy. The movie's catchy soundtrack by Vishal-Shekhar (including evergreen party hits like “Dard-E-Disco” and romantic ballads like “Aankhon Mei Teri”) and memorable dance numbers, choreographed by Farah herself, added to its popularity.

A Mixed Future: Tees Maar Khan and Happy New Year

Following the success of Om Shanti Om, Farah continued her winning streak with Tees Maar Khan (2010). Despite mixed reviews, the film performed well at the box office, showcasing Farah's ability to create commercially successful and entertaining films. However, it's worth noting that "Tees Maar Khan" faced criticism for its storyline and screenplay.

Farah Khan's directorial career took a different turn with Happy New Year (2014), a heist comedy-drama featuring an ensemble cast led by Shah Rukh Khan. The film received mixed reviews but was appreciated for its spectacular dance sequences, which have become a trademark of Farah's directorial style. Despite the criticisms, Happy New Year was a box office success, reinforcing Farah's reputation as a director who could deliver crowd-pleasing entertainers.

Why is Om Shanti Om Farah Khan’s best movie?

Om Shanti Om is a big-budget love letter to Bollywood, a feel-good ode to vintage Hindi melodramas as is evident from not just the “love at first sight” trope between Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone’s characters but also the ridiculously self-aware element of “rebirth”. Khan and Padukone play the titular lovers Om and Shanti who find love during the Golden Age of Bollywood, only to tragically die and reunite in the next life to avenge their deaths and find love once again. Yes, the plot sounds heavily unrealistic on paper but it only makes the movie all the more magical, thanks to Khan’s rose-tinted vision.

Where can you stream Farah Khan’s filmography?

Netflix is where you can find three of Farah Khan’s films.

Vasanth Kumar Shivshankar Padukone is known better among Bollywood audiences as Guru Dutt, a stage name he carried as both an exceptional actor and filmmaker. While his films might not have fared well at the box-office and his broken heroes lacked the charm of Dutt’s contemporaries, films like Pyaasa and Kaagaz Ke Phool have endured as cult favourites in Hindi cinema.

Here’s a look at his short-lived but iconic career.

Early beginnings with dance

In the 1940s, a young Dutt was a bright dancer of Uday Shankar's School of Dancing and Choreography in Almora, Rajasthan. But after striking a romance with the company’s leading lady, Dutt had to part ways and settle for the job of a telephone operator instead.

A Man of Many Talents

Unsatisfied with his day job, Dutt set out to Bombay like many other aspiring actors. A three-year contract with Prabhat Studios allowed him to prove his acting prowess in minor character roles, use his choreography knowledge in a few dance numbers, and make influential friends like Bollywood’s “evergreen star” Dev Anand.

Guru Dutt and Dev Anand: Friendship for the Ages

Dutt continued to work under more directors but his breakthrough came in the 1950s, thanks to former friend (and by now a rising star) Dev Anand coming to his rescue. With Anand intent on setting up his own production company Navketan, he reminded Dutt of a promise they had made during their time with Prabhat Studios. Dutt had agreed that if he were to direct a movie, Anand would be the hero. Anand conversely promised that if he were to ever produce a movie, Dutt would be the director.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Baazi marked Dutt’s directorial debut, a stylish crime noir starring Anand. A year later, Dutt featured Anand yet again in his sophomore noir Jaal. These movies redefined the noir genre for Bollywood with sharp visuals and morally gray characters. Jaal, in fact, is regarded as perhaps the first Bollywood film with an antihero.

Guru Dutt, the Actor

Starting with the swords-and-sandal action epic Baaz, Dutt decided to cast himself as lead while also sitting on the director’s chair. Baaz was just the tip of the iceberg as he went on to play more emotionally compelling characters in his career. Known for his emotive performances, Dutt's on-screen presence was magnetic, drawing audiences into the narratives he inhabited. Roles like playing an existential poet in Pyaasa and an ambitious film director in Kaagaz Ke Phool showcased his ability to portray complex characters with depth and nuance, setting him apart from his contemporaries.

Guru Dutt, the Director

It was Guru Dutt's transition to filmmaking that truly defined his legacy. A prominent case in point is Kaagaz Ke Phool, Guru Dutt employed innovative filmmaking techniques, such as flashbacks and symbolism, to narrate the tragic tale of a film director's rise and fall. Despite facing commercial failure upon its release, the film has since gained a cult following for its cinematic brilliance and thematic richness. Close-up shots, melancholic stories, and playing around with lighting was previously unknown in Indian black-and-white cinema.

Why is Pyaasa Guru Dutt’s best movie?

Pyaasa was a game-changer for Bollywood as it delved into the existential crisis of a poet in a materialistic world. The film's exploration of societal values and the artist's struggle for recognition resonated deeply with audiences, earning it critical acclaim. Also offering a powerhouse performance from Waheeda Rahman in her first lead role, SD Burman’s music and Mohammed Raffi’s heartbroken ballads only add further to the film’s immortality.

Where can you stream Guru Dutt’s filmography?

Guru Dutt’s eight films as director and many more as an actor, can mostly be accessed on Prime Video and Vi Movies.

One of the greatest actors and filmmakers of India, Raj Kapoor was the son of acting veteran Prithviraj Kapoor. Even though his name is attached to a Bollywood star family that still continues its legacy with contemporary talents like Ranbir Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan, Raj Kapoor has carved his own niche that hardly anyone else has been able to ape in the industry.

Often celebrated as the “Showman of Indian Cinema," Kapoor left an indelible mark among not just an Indian fanbase but also among audiences in Turkey and the erstwhile Soviet Union. His legacy can still be felt in Russia and Turkey with songs from his movies like Awaara and Shree 420 being performed to this day.

Raj Kapoor, the Actor

As an actor, Raj Kapoor's on-screen presence was iconic. His charm, expressive eyes, and natural flair for emoting endeared him to audiences across generations. Kapoor's career took off with the film Aag (1948), but it was with Barsaat (1949) that he truly made a splash. His performances in timeless classics like Shree 420 (1955) and Chhalia (1960) showcased his ability to seamlessly portray a wide range of characters. Kapoor had a unique ability to infuse his roles with a perfect blend of innocence, charisma, and vulnerability, making him a beloved figure in the hearts of moviegoers.

Raj Kapoor, the Director

Beyond his acting prowess, Raj Kapoor's legacy as a director is equally noteworthy. His directorial debut, Aag, marked the beginning of a new era in Hindi cinema. However, it was with Barsaat that Kapoor truly established himself as a visionary filmmaker. Known for his innovative storytelling and emphasis on social issues, Kapoor's films often carried a poignant message wrapped in entertaining narratives.

One of Kapoor's most celebrated directorial ventures is Awara (1951). The film not only showcased his directorial finesse but also featured him in a memorable role as a morally grey working-class hero. The Kapoor-Nargis pairing became legendary, creating an on-screen chemistry that resonated with audiences for years to come.

Raj Kapoor's directorial endeavors continued to evolve, reaching new heights with the cult classic Mera Naam Joker (1970). Despite facing commercial challenges upon its initial release, the film has gained recognition as a cinematic masterpiece over the years. Kapoor's ambition and vision were evident in the sheer scale and complexity of the narrative, exploring the complexities of life through the eyes of a joker.

Raj Kapoor, the Producer

As a producer, Raj Kapoor began his journey in 1948 with RK Films. Dominating the Golden Age of Bollywood, RK Films produced not only Kapoor’s only acting and directing ventures but his later efforts too, many of which didn’t even feature him in the lead role. Such examples include the romantic drama Satyam Shivam Sundaram that starred his younger brother Shashi Kapoor and Zeenat Aman, Bobby which marked the acting debut of his son Rishi Kapoor, and Ram Teri Ganga Mailli which sparked controversy for some partial nudity in scenes involving heroine Mandakini.

Why is Awaara Raj Kapoor’s best movie?

Starring and directed by Raj Kapoor, Awaara has endured as a Bollywood masterpiece for its groundbreaking narrative, melodious music, and stellar performances by RK as the titular vagabond who unexpectedly gets involved in a life of crime, Nargis as a wealthy socialite who becomes his love interest, and Kapoor’s real-life father Prithviraj Kapoor as his estranged father. Released in 1951, the film’s class commentary offered the early hints of the socialist undertones in Kapoor’s cinema while the timeless songs sung by Mukesh have only aged well with time.

Where can you stream Raj Kapoor’s filmography?

ZEE5, Eros NOW, Prime Video and more.

Telugu superstar Prabhas continues to trend as one of India’s highest-paid actors with Salaar Part 1 - Ceasefire minting box-office gold. While the actor became a household name all over the country with his involvement in the period epic Baahubali, Prabhas has been a mainstay in the Telugu industry, thanks to cult classics like Chatrapathi and Rebel.

Here’s a look at the best of his career.

Early success with Eeswar and Varsham

Prabhas made his acting debut in 2002 with the Telugu film Eeswar, directed by Jayanth C. Paranjee. However, it was his role in the 2004 film Varsham that brought him widespread recognition and marked the beginning of his journey as a leading actor. The film, directed by Sobhan, showcased Prabhas's versatility and established him as a bankable star in the Telugu film industry.

Becoming an Action Star

One of the key turning points in Prabhas's career came with the 2005 film Chatrapathi, directed by S. S. Rajamouli. The film received critical acclaim and showcased Prabhas's ability to carry action-oriented roles with ease. His collaboration with Rajamouli continued to be fruitful, leading to their later association in the blockbuster epic fantasy film series, Baahubali.

In 2012, Prabhas starred in the action thriller Rebel, directed by Raghava Lawrence. The film further solidified his image as an action star, as he performed high-octane stunts and showcased his physical prowess. Despite mixed reviews, Prabhas's dedication to his action sequences was widely appreciated.

The Baahubali effect

The magnum opus Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) directed by S. S. Rajamouli catapulted Prabhas to national and international acclaim. The film became a massive success and set new benchmarks for Indian cinema in terms of box office collections. Prabhas played the dual role of Amarendra Baahubali and Mahendra Baahubali, showcasing his ability to portray complex characters with distinct characteristics. The film's success not only elevated Prabhas's career but also brought him recognition on a global scale.

Following the success of Baahubali: The Beginning, Prabhas reprised his roles in the sequel, Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017). The film further heightened Prabhas's star power and became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. His dedication to the physically demanding roles in the "Baahubali" series earned him widespread acclaim and established him as one of the top actors in the Indian film industry.

Continued success in pan-Indian and Telugu cinema

While Baahubali remains a significant milestone in Prabhas's career, he continued to explore diverse roles and genres. In 2019, he starred in the action thriller Saaho, directed by Sujeeth. The film, known for its high-octane action sequences, showcased Prabhas's commitment to pushing the boundaries of Indian cinema.

Prabhas's career is not only marked by his success as an action star but also by his ability to balance commercial entertainers with content-driven films. His filmography includes a mix of genres, including romantic dramas like Darling (2010), comedies like Mirchi (2013), and period dramas like Baahubali. This versatility has contributed to his widespread appeal among audiences of different demographics.

Why is Baahubali Prabhas’s best movie?

From grandiose costumes to over-the-top action sequences to an emotional double role performance by Prabhas, Baahubali has all the makings of the great Indian historical epic. The movie ended up establishing Prabhas as a reliable brand beyond just Telugu cinema. The movie’s legacy can still be felt today as it continues to impact Indian pop culture with tie-in media, quotable dialogues, and even memes.

Where can you stream Prabhas’s filmography?

Netflix and Prime Video are great places to start with while Hotstar, Voot and other regional streaming services also offer some of Prabhas’s best movies.

Bimal Roy, a luminary in the realm of Indian cinema, stands out for his impactful filmography that resonates across generations. Born in 1909, in Dhaka (then in India, now the capital Bangladesh), Roy's journey in the film industry spanned several decades, earning him the title "The Silent Master" for his ability to convey profound emotions without much exposition in his dialogue.

How Roy went to Cannes

Roy's cinematic repertoire is marked by a diverse array of films, from socially relevant dramas to timeless classics. While his directorial debut, Udayer Pathey, premiered in 1944, it was the release of Do Bigha Zamin in 1953 that truly catapulted Roy into the limelight. This poignant tale of a farmer's struggle against feudal oppression not only won the International Prize at the Cannes Film Festival but also established Roy as a socially conscious filmmaker.

What followed after Do Bigha Zamin

The success of "Do Bigha Zamin" set the stage for a series of cinematic gems by Roy. "Parineeta" (1953), an adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel, showcased Roy's versatility in handling romantic narratives with finesse. The film's success solidified Roy's reputation as a director capable of addressing a wide spectrum of themes.

Further success with Devdas and Madhumati

Roy continued to leave an indelible mark with films like Devdas (1955), a timeless retelling of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's classic, and Madhumati (1958), a haunting tale of reincarnation that earned him the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Director. His ability to seamlessly weave profound human emotions into his narratives set him apart in an era dominated by grand musicals.

Bimal Roy’s best collaborators

Beyond his artistic brilliance, Bimal Roy's influence extended to shaping the careers of some of Indian cinema's brightest stars. His collaborations with actors such as Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, and Meena Kumari significantly contributed to their iconic status in the industry. The nuanced performances elicited under Roy's direction became benchmarks for excellence in Indian cinema.

Roy’s legacy on Indian cinema

Furthermore, Bimal Roy's impact transcended the silver screen. His films served as a mirror reflecting the social issues of his time, addressing topics such as poverty, class divides, and human resilience. Roy's commitment to storytelling with a purpose resonated with audiences, making him a revered figure in Indian cinema's golden age.

Roy's filmmaking philosophy centered on authenticity and relatability. He believed in presenting stories that echoed the struggles and triumphs of the common man. This approach, coupled with his adept storytelling skills, created a cinematic language that transcended cultural boundaries and appealed to a global audience.

Why is Do Bigha Zamin Bimal Roy’s best movie?

Do Bigha Zamin (released internationally as Two Acres of Land), the movie synonymous with Roy’s name, is considered a cinematic masterpiece for several compelling reasons. The gritty human drama from 1953 is celebrated for its poignant storytelling, capturing the harsh realities of rural India. The narrative, revolving around a poor farmer's desperate struggle to retain his two acres of land, delves into socio-economic issues, depicting the exploitation faced by the marginalized.

The film's stark realism, powerful performances, and evocative cinematography, coupled with Salil Chowdhury's soul-stirring music, create a deeply emotional and socially relevant cinematic experience. Do Bigha Zamin not only earned critical acclaim and international recognition, winning the Prix International at Cannes, but also left an enduring impact on Indian cinema by addressing pressing societal concerns with unmatched depth and sensitivity.

Where can you stream Bimal Roy’s filmography?

Prime Video, Shemaroo, and Vi Movies and TV boast a diverse collection of Bimal Roy cinematic classics.

Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire was the last blockbuster movie of 2023, cashing in on the Christmas weekend and filling in coffers till the next year. The action thriller by KGF writer and director Prashant Neel reassures leading man Prabhas who hasn’t had such a pan-Indian hit since the Baahubali franchise. The Telugu cinema superstar had a rough start to his 2023 with the religious epic Aadipurush turning out to be a critical and commercial disappointment.

But now with the high-octane action saga Salaar, Prabhas is back to dominate mainstream pop culture. The actor stars as a tribesman named Deva who lives in the dystopian fictional kingdom of Khansaar. Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran joins the ensemble as Varadha, a prince who eyes the throne of Khansaar with Deva’s help. But loyalties get twisted and blood gets shed in this exciting period epic.

Here’s a look at all the movies you should watch if you liked Prabhas’s latest.

1- KGF Chapter 1

Prashant Neel gained his pre-Salaar fame with KGF Chapter 1, a gangster epic set in the heartland of the goldmine-laden settlement of Kolar in Karnataka. The first installment of the movie made a star out of Yash who starred as the “angry young man” named “Rocky Bhai” while its immense box-office success created potential for Kannada movies to be pan-Indian hits.

2- Saaho

Saaho might be no Baahubali but this spy thriller potboiler did show Prabhas’s potential to continue his pan-Indian success. Cast alongside Bollywood actors like Shraddha Kapoor and Jackie Shroff, Saaho was tailor made for an audience beyond the Telugu market.

3- Ugramm

A major influence behind Salaar is Prashant Neel’s own directorial debut, the 2014 crime drama Ugramm. The gritty Kannada film revolves around a man’s struggle against gangsters who wreak havoc on a village and its women. Even with limited budget, the dim-lit cinematography and relentless action offered an early prototype to Neel’s future filmography.

4- Raavanan

If you thought Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Varadha is a morally twisted character, have a look at his tough-as-nails cop in Raavanan. One of Mani Ratnam’s best movies, this dark retelling of the Ramayan stars Prithviraj as a police officer who seems morally righteous at first, but as he rescues his wife (Aishwarya Rai) from the clutches of a forest rebel (Vikram), he begins to show his true colours.

5- Aaj Aur Kal

The kingdom of Khansaar is reminiscent of the many princely states that made up India before it attained its independence from the British. Aaj Aur Kal is a fascinating look at the last of these states as an oppressive ruler (Ashok Kumar) struggles to hold his kingdom together in the post-independence era.

6- Kabzaa

Kannada star Upendra tried his hand at the pan-Indian game with Kabzaa, an interesting tale of a freedom fighter who inadvertently turns to a life of crime as the country gets free in the 1940s.

7- Chatrapathi

One of SS Rajamouli’s best movies, the crime revenge drama Chatrapathi established Prabhas as an action star. Things have only looked better for him ever since.

8- Pushpa: The Rise

Much like KGF and Salaar, the Allu Arjun-led Pushpa: The Rise signaled the marketability of two-parter action sagas from South Indian film industries.

9- KGF Chapter 2

If KGF Chapter 1 isn’t enough to satiate your thrills, watch its more ambitious sequel. Yash returns to play Rocky Bhai as Neel directs him again, but Sanjay Dutt’s terrific turn as the Chapter 1’s antagonist’s vengeance-seeking brother.

10- Baahubali: The Beginning

The mythical franchise that made Prabhas a household name only ages better with time and deserves to be revisited after Salaar.

There are plenty of genres to look forward to when it comes to TV releases in 2024. While many planned projects were shifted due to last year’s Writers’ Guild Strike, the release calendar right now offers a lot of promise.

Cop Universe and Mirzapur S3: What Indian TV has to offer

Not much is known about Indian OTT releases at the moment but hype is bound to be generated by the viral Prime Video gangster drama Mirzapur that returns after four years with a third season. January 2024 will also bear witness to Killer Soup, a Netflix crime thriller from the mind of Neeraj Pandey that stars Manoj Bajpayee in a double role.

Meanwhile, Raveena Tandon stars in the Hotstar original Karmaa is Calling, the Indian remake of Revenge. Another highlight from January will be Indian Police Force, a cop drama starring Siddharth Malhotra, Vivek Oberoi and Shilpa Shetty, that will serve as another chapter in Rohit Shetty’s blockbuster Cop Universe movie series.

From Echo to X-Men 97: What Marvel has to Offer

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is gearing up to open the year with Echo, a spin-off focused on the titular heroine after she was first introduced as a vigilante in Hawkeye. Apart from fleshing out a new character, the show is also worth getting excited about because it marks the return of Wilson Fisk (Kingpin) and Matt Murdoch (Daredevil) from the cult Netflix hit Daredevil.

In early summer, Marvel also plans to release the animated series X-Men ‘97 on Disney+, a watershed moment in the MCU that will connect the 90s series’ team of mutants with the current phase of the franchise.

From True Detective to House of the Dragon: The year of new seasons

Some of the most anticipated follow-up seasons this year include a fair share of HBO shows. Prime examples include the anthology thriller True Detective that stars Jodie Foster in a fourth season focusing on the disappearance of eight men at an Alaska research station. HBO’s highly successful Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon  also returns with its sophomore season, promising more dragons and more bloodshed!

Talking about anthologies, Ryan Murphy’s FX period drama Feud gets an all-new second season titled Feud: Capote vs the Swans. With a star-studded cast led by Naomi Watts, Demi Moore and more, the old Hollywood narrative promises to be as gripping as 2017’s Feud: Bette and Joan.

The Last Airbender, Fallout and more: The Promising New Shows of 2024

From Apple TV+ to HBO, all major studios are ready to offer brand new series for the awards race. The former has invested a lot in Masters of the Air, a World War II aviation drama starring Austin Butler and produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. As for HBO, their money is on Robert Downey Jr who will be caked up in prosthetics for playing multiple antagonists in the Vietnam War black comedy The Sympathizer.

Elsewhere on Prime Video, Donald Glover and Maya Erskine offer their own twisted spin on Mr. & Mrs. Smith, a TV remake of the original movie starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. The OTT service is also expecting high viewership for its anticipated Fallout adaptation, a dystopian action comedy inspired by the video game franchise of the same name.

Meanwhile, fresh off the success of its live-action take on One Piece, Netflix eyes another animated series to adapt. This time it is Avatar The Last Airbender, a direct remake of the cult Nickelodeon series.

Here are all the shows we can't wait to watch this year!

Writer. Director. Music composer. Diehard Shakespeare fan. Vishal Bhardwaj is many things rolled into one. The Maqbool and Haider filmmaker has carved a niche for himself in the crime drama genres since the 2000s. But that doesn’t mean that he shies away from other genres.

His shockingly brilliant debut Makdee, for instance, was a children’s horror featuring Shabana Azmi as a goosebump-inducing witch. Bhardwaj’s Indianised Shakespearean adaptations might again seem like conspiracy thrillers on the surface but they have a lot of underlying social themes. Haider is a brilliant example as the revenge drama delves into the politically turbulent situation of the Indian state of Kashmir.

Here’s a glimpse at his career so far.

Bhardwaj’s Shakespeare trilogy (Maqbool, Omkara, Haider)

An English literature student from Delhi University’s Hindu College, Vishal Bhardwaj has been a dedicated Shakespeare aficionado. His appreciation for the Bard doesn’t just lead to mere mimicking of his tragedies but instead, Bhardwaj has added a raw, gritty Indian touch to his Shakespeare adaptations. Maqbool took Macbeth’s political crisis in the midst of the Mumbai underworld while Othello’s tale of infidelity and identity politics set the stage for Omkara, a bloody tale set in the criminal hinterland of Uttar Pradesh.

Haider, similarly found his frequent collaborator Shahid Kapoor playing the titular lead of Hamlet. Indian politics and family dynamics mingle in this snow-covered tale of Kashmir, complete with Kapoor holding a skull and having his own Hamlet-style “to be or not to be” moment.

A Maestro of Dark Comedy (Kaminey, 7 Khoon Maaf, Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola)

Despite his directorial debut Makdee being a family-friendly horror, most of Bhardwaj’s filmography is heavy on adult content. But despite the gruesome violence and sensual affairs, Bhardwaj also relies on a Coen-esque sense of dark comedy in most of his works. Kaminey which found Shahid Kapoor in a double role as a streetsmart gangster and his naive twin brother, played out as a comedy of errors with caricatured portrayals of criminals and politicians.

7 Khoon Maaf which drew inspiration from a Ruskin Bond novella played around with an amusing concept of Priyanka Chopra’s protagonist being a woman, charming multiple men as her husbands and killing them on the way. Each dark story of her husband brings out Bhardwaj’s eye for observational satire.

Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, on the other hand, is a full-fledged satirical comedy even throwing in some memorably surreal elements like a thrilling alcoholic flight sequence and a rose pink-coloured buffalo. But Bhardwaj’s politics again spring up with the director commenting on workers’ rights, the perils of industrialisation, and Maoist rebellions in this laugh riot.

Why is Haider Vishal Bhardwaj’s best movie?

It’s hard to accord the top title to a single Vishal Bhardwaj movie, considering how most of his work is worthy of cult status. The same can be said even for films that he has only written or composed music for, like Ishqiya and Satya. But Haider still showcases the zenith of Bhardwaj’s career, with its hard-hitting performances and surprisingly relevant take on Hamlet. Shifting the setting from medieval Denmark to contemporary Kashmir, Bhardwaj’s violent revenge drama offers a career-best performance from Shahid Kapoor while the auteur bestows some of his best-written dialogues to convey the protagonist’s descent into madness. Kay Kay Menon and Tabu are equally menacing playing his uncle and mother respectively.

Where can you stream Vishal Bhardwaj’s filmography?

Bhardwaj’s only Netflix original so far is the spy thriller Khufiya which starred his recurring screen muse Tabu. Most of his other theatrical releases can also be streamed on Netflix, Prime Video and Hotstar.

As the new year kicks off, India gears up for some highly anticipated theatrical releases both from within the multiple regions of the country and Hollywood. Here’s a glimpse at the release calendar so far.

From Fighter to Kalki: To New Beginnings

Many new cinematic franchises will be born this year, from Bollywood’s Fighter franchise to Telugu superstar Junior NTR’s next project being titled Devara Part 1.

Starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone as Indian Air Force pilots, Fighter is being touted as an Indian counterpart to Top Gun with director Siddharth Anand hoping to start a franchise of aviation-driven action thrillers. As for Devara, not much is known about the April release but its promotional material implies Junior NTR to be taking charge in a period action epic with a swords-and-sandal setting.

One of the most highly anticipated releases this year is also the sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 - AD, which had garnered buzz last year already at San Diego Comic Con. Pan-Indian star Prabhas leads the dystopian superhero action flick along with industry heavyweights like Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and his Baahubali co-star Rana Daggubatti.

From Pushpa 2 to Dune 2: The Sequels continue

Apart from new franchises, 2024 will also bear witness to a multitude of sequels and spinoffs. While Hollywood is on a lull with its MCU and DCEU offerings this year, many alternate chapters are worth getting hyped about.

Examples include Deadpool 3 and Dune: Part Two (both of which were delayed due to the SAG-AFTRA strike), the Lady Gaga-led musical sequel to Joker, Godzilla and King Kong’s second pairing in Godzilla x Kong: New Empire, Tom Hardy’s third outing as Eddie Brock in Venom 3, and a new chapter in the Planet of the Apes saga.

Even the animated format has some exciting sequels to look forward to, from Dreamworks’ Kung Fu Panda 4 to Disney’s Inside Out 2.

At the same time, this is also the year for new chapters within existing franchises. The void of MCU releases is being filled with other Marvel adaptations within Sony’s own cinematic universe. This will kick off with Madame Web’s release in February, which promises to deliver web-spinning action from not just the titular actor but also many other alternate universe wall-crawlers. Spider-Man’s menacing villain Kraven the Hunter also gets his titular cinematic adventure with Aaron Taylor-Johnson offering an antiheroic take on the character.

As for closer home, Telugu star Allu Arjun will return to play the eponymous character in Pushpa: The Rule, an action potboiler that will conclude the story of 2021’s Pushpa: The Rise.

In Bollywood, Ajay Devgn returns to play the “super”cop Singham in Singham Again, another high-octane chapter in Rohit Shetty’s Cop Universe movies. Horror comedy in Hindi cinema will also see the sequels to some of the genre's biggest hits like Stree 2 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

Coming to Tamil Cinema, Kamal Haasan reunites with writer-director Shankar for Indian 2. The political thriller is a much-awaited sequel that comes more than two decades after the 1996 release of Indian.

Rajinikanth to Mohanlal: The Year of Superstars

Many of India’s biggest actors are eyeing multi-genre projects this year. Tamil star Rajinikant is set to open the year with the sports drama Lal Salaam, a release that will be quickly followed up by Dhanush and Malayalam superstar Mohanlal in the period action epics Captain Miller and Malaikottai Vaaliban. Junior NTR and Prabhas’s efforts in the Telugu industry have already been mentioned while Bollywood’s top heroine Alia Bhatt aims to wow audiences with the prison break drama Jigra.

Safe to say, this is going to be one happy new year!

Mahesh Bhatt is more than just Alia Bhatt’s father and the producer of numerous romantic and erotic thrillers in the 2000s and the 2010s. Much before his legacy as a stalwart Bollywood producer, Bhatt emerged as one of the industry’s foremost directors.

From arthouse offerings like the Doordarshan TV movie Daddy (1989) and his breakout hit Saaransh (1984) to commercial potboilers like the romantic musical Aashiqui (1990) and Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahi (1991), Bhatt has a multi-genre legacy.

It’s only a pity that when he returned to the director’s chair after decades with his 2020 action thriller Sadak 2 (a sequel to his own 1990 commercial and critical hit), the film failed to make a mark. But still, with his production studio Vishesh Films churning out hits by other directors like Aashiqui 2, Jannat, and Gangster, Bhatt’s legacy in the industry continues.

Bhatt’s 80s success with Arth and Saaransh

Despite his success in the 1980s, Mahesh Bhatt actually started his filmmaking career in the previous decade. But his early 1970s credits like Manzilein Aur Bhi Hai (1974) and Lahu Ke Do Rang (1979) failed to make a mark either among critics or audiences. It was with the gritty romantic drama Arth (1982) that Bhatt could actually establish himself as a writer and director.

Featuring career-defining performances by Shabana Azmi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and the late Smita Patil, Bhatt drew upon his own extramarital affair to depict a couple's turbulent relationship. A National Award for Best Actress followed for Azmi while Bhatt earned himself his first Filmfare for Best Director.

Arth’s success paved the way for even more critical acclaim with Saaransh (1984), an equally tragic tale of an elderly couple dealing with the loss of their only son. Anupam Kher, who relied on prosthetics to look older than his age, gave a terrific lead performance that won him a Filmfare while Bhatt won another Filmfare for Best Story. The film was also submitted at India’s official entry to the Oscars but failed to make the cut.

From Aashiqui to Sadak: Bhatt’s dominance in the 1990s

While the 80s showered critical praise on Bhatt’s style of observational realism, the director tried his hand at melodramatic romance and action with 90s-era commercial hits. He got to direct many actors who were starting out in the same decade. This can be understood from his collaborations with the Khans of Bollywood like Aamir Khan, who showcased his romantic charm in Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahi (1991) and Hum Hai Rahi Pyar Ke (1993). Shah Rukh Khan aka SRK also joined forces with Bhatt for Duplicate (1998), one of his many action movies that featured him playing morally grey heroes.

However, the twin highlights of his career at this time were definitely Aashiqui (1990) and Sadak (1991). The former is a romance that is still revered in Bollywood with its timeless love songs that made the career of playback singer Kumar Sanu, music label T-Series, and the composer duo Nadeem-Shravan. As for the action thriller Sadak, Bhatt toyed around concepts from the Martin Scorsese classic Taxi Driver for a movie that remains his highest-grossing credit as director.

Why is Saaransh Mahesh Bhatt’s best movie?

Saaransh is Mahesh Bhatt's best movie due to its emotional storytelling and Anupam Kher's stellar performance. The film addresses profound themes of grief, loss, and societal expectations, showcasing the emotional journey of an elderly couple coping with an unexpected tragedy. Saaransh is still celebrated for its melancholic realism, monologue-rich dialogue, and poignant exploration of human resilience, making it a standout achievement.

Where can you stream Mahesh Bhatt’s filmography?

Prime Video, Netflix, Shemaroo and Hotstar.