The face of versatility in mainstream Bollywood, Aamir Khan found early success in the tragic romance Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and the arthouse drama Raakh (for which he even bagged a National Award special mention). But nobody in the industry anticipated the immense range Khan would showcase as he flirted with all sorts of characters and storylines in his diversely storied career.

Described by the press as an eccentric genius, Khan has shown his lighter side with classic performances in Dil Chahta Hai and Secret Superstar while also testing his emotional limits in gut-wrenching performances like the ones in Ghajini and Talaash. Playing around with both mainstream and niche audiences, Khan also holds the distinction of starring in one of India’s very few Oscar nominees (Lagaan in this case). Here’s a glance at his best work as an actor. 

Mr. Perfectionist of Bollywood 

Aamir Khan is often described as a “perfectionist” because of the extent to which he can go to ace his role. The 1990s showcased his chameleon-like abilities in emulating diverse tones in his career. On one hand, he could display slapstick silliness with Chaplin-esque precision in Andaz Apna Apna and on the other, he could capture the moral trials and tribulations of a hardened policeman in Sarfarosh. 

By the 2000s, Khan started separating himself from formulaic Bollywood tropes, unlike peers like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. His movies were still hits at the box office but they carried a social sensitivity that no other big Bollywood star could portray at the time. This is evident from some fine examples like Taare Zameen Par which opened up the conversation on dyslexia in India, 3 Idiots which addressed academic pressure in engineering colleges, and PK which took sarcastic jabs at religious orthodoxy. The fact that Khan reads a script thoroughly before signing up for any project just shows the extent of his creative involvement.

The King of Physical Transformations

In terms of his physical commitment to the craft, Khan is also Bollywood’s answer to Christian Bale. Starting with his eight-pack abs phase in Ghajini, Khan has followed strict dietary regimens to achieve stunning physical transformations in most of his major roles in the 2010s. While his toned body was in full display as a naked alien in PK, a young college student in 3 Idiots, and a master thief in Dhoom 3, it was Dangal that marked the zenith of his physicality. 

To portray an older version of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, Khan gained 30 kgs and changed his accent. Then, he lost all of that weight to portray a leaner and more muscular version of Phogat in his early 20s. Khan’s Dangal transformation is reminiscent of how Bale lost immense weight for The Machinist and then quickly gained muscle for Batman Begins. One can only wonder what health tips these two acting heavyweights will discuss if they ever meet!

Why is 3 Idiots Aamir Khan’s best movie?

While Aamir Khan has starred in many modern classics, 3 Idiots seems to offer the complete package. Despite being in his mid-40s, he nails the portrayal of the wide-eyed scientific prodigy Rancho who is still remembered as one of Hindi cinema’s most likable heroes. The Rajkumar Hirani movie is also backed by anti-academic pressure sentiments that resonated with audiences across all age groups in India. 3 Idiots bears testimony to Khan’s goal of crafting family-friendly entertainment with some sort of underlying social message.

Where can you stream Aamir Khan’s filmography?

Aamir Khan’s movies can be streamed on Netflix and Prime along with Indian platforms like ZEE5.

Nobody could have guessed Alia Bhatt’s dramatic range when she debuted as a spoilt schoolgirl in Karan Johar’s Student of the Year. With a gut-wrenching performance in her sophomore feature Highway, Bhatt proved that she was destined for greatness. With a stellar career including three Filmfare wins, supporting parts in record-breaking blockbusters like RRR, and even a Hollywood project for Netflix, Bhatt has firmly cemented her footing as one of modern Bollywood’s definitive heroines.

Critical acclaim with Highway, Udta Punjab and more

Feel-good rom-coms have been a staple for Alia Bhatt, as is evident from her playful turns in 2 States, Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, and more. But every once in a while, Bhatt loves challenging herself with darker characters along with a social message or two. In Highway, she played a young girl who falls for her kidnapper while dealing with her childhood trauma. Dear Zindagi found her playing a clueless insomniac of a cinematographer who seeks solace in a free-spirited therapist. The movie was notable for talking about therapy at a time when mental health stigmas persisted in India.

Udta Punjab took on the titular Indian state’s drug menace with Bhatt playing a migrant labourer who is unexpectedly involved in a drug smuggling operation. Even Bhatt’s Netflix debut Darlings was a social drama, addressing the normalisation of domestic violence. But instead of relying on dark cynicism, Bhatt’s performance offered hope with Darlings turning into a satire on gender roles with the women finally getting their chance at giving misogynists a taste of their own medicine.

Hollywood debut with Heart of Stone

Joining contemporaries like Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt marked her Hollywood debut in the Netflix action thriller Heart of Stone. Featuring Gal Gadot as a secret agency operative, Heart of Stone also starred Bhatt as an antagonistic hacker who steals some covert intelligence secrets. The film polarised critics but trended on Netflix at the time of its release.

Why Gangubai Kathiawadi is Alia Bhatt’s best movie?

Two of Alia Bhatt’s greatest roles involve portraying real-life heroines: the Indian spy Sehmat Khan in Raazi and the sex worker-turned-social activist Gangubai Kothewali in Gangubai Kathiawadi. Alia Bhatt has showcased her chameleon-like dramatic prowess even in ensemble-driven movies like Udta Punjab and Gully Boy but Gangubai Kathiawadi proved how she can lead a narrative entirely on her shoulders. Driving home social messages on sexual exploitation, Bhatt took on a mainstream lead role with a nuanced sensitivity. While her debut Student of the Year allowed her to play a chirpy high-schooler effortlessly, Gangubai Kathiawadi marked a watershed moment in her career as a lead actress.

Even without Bhatt’s controlled and gritty performance, the movie has its own merits with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali proving once again his affinity for grandiose sets and his frequent cinematographer collaborator Sudeep Chatterjee turning 1960s-era Mumbai into an immersive dystopia.

Where can you stream Alia Bhatt’s filmography?

Most of Alia Bhatt’s best movies can be streamed on leading platforms like Netflix and Prime Video.

Dividing critics and audiences while minting money at the box office, Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal redefines mainstream action in Bollywood. The violent revenge saga directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga (who had earlier courted controversy with Arjun Reddy and its Hindi remake Kabir Singh) finds Kapoor playing Rannvijay Singh, a man burdened by the toxic aggression of his father. But when his authoritarian father’s life is threatened, the morally grey protagonist wreaks havoc in Vanga’s blood-soaked thriller.

For the viewers left shocked after Animal, they can also stream similar crime dramas or other works by Vanga and Kapoor. But if one needs less violent options, one can stream some family dramas exploring turbulent father-son bonds like the one shared between Anil Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor’s characters in Animal. Here’s a glimpse at your post-Animal watchlist.

1- Wake Up Sid

Ranbir Kapoor has had a history of playing rebellious sons as in this feel-good coming-of-age comedy, he plays a spoilt brat trying to build a life out of his wealthy father’s shadow.

2- Udaan

Ronit Roy shocked viewers with his gritty portrayal of an abusive and strict father who controls the dreamy aspirations of his aspiring poet of a son. Not an easy watch, Udaan still offers some much-needed hope.

3- Sarkar

Animal’s central relationship is rooted in violence and is drawing parallels with Michael Corleone’s arc in The Godfather. So, what else to watch but the Hindi remake of the mafia classic? With Amitabh Bachchan filling in for Marlon Brando, Sarkar explores a criminal patriarch’s dominating influence over a shattered family.

4- Dil Dhadakne Do

Animal isn’t Anil Kapoor’s first rodeo as a tough dad. The ensemble comedy-drama Dil Dhadakne Do found him playing a similar part as a father who is concerned more about his business and social image than the trouble brewing within his family. The end result is one of Kapoor’s most earnest performances.

5- Sanju

In many ways, Sanju seems to be the blueprint for Animal given how it proved Kapoor’s affinity to take on physically-challenging roles and to portray morally ambiguous characters. The semi-autobiographical take on Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt’s life is regarded as one of Ranbir Kapoor’s best movies and marked a comeback in his career.

6- Road to Perdition

Have a little Hollywood detour after Animal with the hard-hitting gangster drama Road to Perdition. Playing out as a road movie between a 1920s-era mobster and his adolescent son, this brilliant Sam Mendes venture is one of the few movies to feature Tom Hanks not playing a morally righteous hero. Even though Hanks’ antihero is on the wrong side of the law, his struggles to be a good father might interest Animal’s audiences.

7-  Leo

Loosely inspired by David Cronenberg’s A History of Violence, Leo finds Thalapthy Vijay playing an ominous man with an ominous history who is brought back to a life of gruesome violence after an accident. Much like Animal, Leo explores the moral impact of bloodshed on its hero.

8- The Raid

If Animal’s fight sequences interested you, prepare for more claustrophobic hand-to-hand combat and over-the-top bloodshed in this expertly choreographed Indonesian classic.

9- Haider

Hamlet gets a morbid Indian adaptation in the valley of Kashmir with Kabir Singh star Shahid Kapoor playing a man seeking vengeance for his father’s death. But matters get complicated as his own mother seems to be involved with the killer.

10- Arjun Reddy

The film that kickstarted Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s career (and his affinity for controversy). This tale of a toxic romantic is quite a fitting prelude to Animal.

Shah Rukh Khan. The very name is synonymous with Bollywood. Also fondly venerated as King Khan or SRK, Khan has carved a unique niche in the industry. From starting as a villainous supporting actor to a romantic leading man to joining the YRF Spy Universe, Khan continues to entertain fans not just in his home country but all around the world.

Here’s a look at some of his quintessential career highlights.

Villainous Origins

After drawing praise for his leading acts in TV shows like Fauji and Circus, Shah Rukh Khan tried his hand at acting on the big screen. But the future megastar wouldn’t get lead roles right away. He had to initially make his mark as a villainous figure, with Darr (1993) offering a breakout performance as a deranged stalker. Subsequent roles like revenge-seeking antihero in Baazigar (1993) further established him as a reliable villain.

The King of Romance

Melodramatic romance has enamoured Bollywood since its very origins. But Shah Rukh Khan had a major role to play in redefining cinematic love in the 1990s and the 2000s, starting with his evergreen classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995). The blockbuster helped him establish a formidable partnership with production studio Yash Raj Films in churning out many more romances like the cross-border drama Veer-Zara (2004) and the feel-good comedy Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008).

Khan has also exhibited notable on-screen chemistry with frequent collaborators like Kajol whom he romanced in Dilwale Dulhania and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998). Many of Deepika Padukone’s best movies also pair her opposite Khan, such as Om Shanti Om (2007) and Chennai Express (2013). Their chemistry amuses audiences even if Padukone is in a special appearance. Take the case of the 2023 Shah Rukh Khan movie Jawan.

Breaking Typecast

While a large chunk of Shah Rukh Khan’s movies are family-friendly romances, the actor is not afraid to experiment. He has surprised critics with tragiromantic intensity in Dil Se (1998) and Devdas (2002) played a tough-as-nails hockey coach in Chak De India (2007), wielded the sword of the titular emperor in Asoka (2001), and played an unconventionally wholesome psychologist in Dear Zindagi (2016).

An Action Hero

Shah Rukh Khan’s early films in the 1990s did demand some action from him but it’s perhaps his remake of Don (2006) that opened up the potential for him as a proper action star. The crime thriller’s sequel Don 2 (2011) and the sci-fi video game saga Ra. One (2011) bore further testimony to this. It’s all the more exciting for SRK fans to witness their favourite actor still indulge in high-octane action in his late 50s with the record-breaking successes of Pathaan and Jawan (both 2023).

What is Shah Rukh Khan’s best movie?

Shah Rukh Khan isn’t the one to cater to niche audiences with arthouse credits. But still, his critically acclaimed performance in  My Name is Khan (2010) perfectly reflects his ability to spread serious social messages universally. The film found him playing a man with autism dealing with post-9/11 Islamophobia in America. Directed by frequent collaborator Karan Johar, My Name is Khan perfectly sums up the entirety of SRK’s acting range. He’s equal parts charming and emotional as Rizwan Khan, drawing everyone to tears towards the end. Who knew the King of Romance could be this intense?

Where can you watch Shah Rukh Khan’s filmography? 

Considering how popular Shah Rukh Khan is, most of his best films are easily available on leading streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video as well as India-only services like Eros Now and Jio Cinema.

Ranbir Kapoor has carved his niche in Bollywood by taking on mainstream projects like Brahmastra (2022) while challenging himself with the criminally underrated financial comedy Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009) and physically demanding performances in Sanju (2018) and, more recently, Animal (2023).

Ranbir the Romantic

An early stint as an assistant director on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s drama Black led to Kapoor starring in the director’s next project Saawariya (2007). While the romantic drama underperformed, Kapoor was on his way to prove his worth as a charming leading man. And this is what he did, playing a casanova in Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008) and a gullible lover boy in Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahaani (2009).

However, he could sometimes let go of his heroism in favour of a more naive charm. Just take the case of Barfi (2012) with Kapoor’s heavily acclaimed performance as a Chaplin-esque drifter caught up in a love triangle. Some of his best romances were also the best Deepika Padukone movies, like Tamasha (2015) and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013).

Wake Up Sid, Brahmastra and more: How Ayan Mukherji shaped Ranbir’s career

To get top billing in out-of-the-box ideas, Kapoor didn’t need to rely on arthouse projects. Instead, even his mainstream hits could carry some emotionality that other commercial Bollywood movies couldn’t touch upon at the time. Wake Up Sid (2009) is a case in point. The directorial debut of Ayan Mukherji found Kapoor playing a wealthy immature manchild who gets a new lease on life when he befriends an older woman with more responsibilities.

Themes of adulting return in the form of Kapoor’s Bunny in the aforementioned Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, another Kapoor-Mukherji collab that defined 2010s-era Bollywood. The next decade welcomed the start of Mukherji’s long-gestating fantasy superhero project Brahmastra. Kicking off the so-called “Astraverse”, Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva (2022) found the actor playing the fire-creating hero Shiva, one of Bollywood’s rare superheroes.

Sanju and Animal: How Ranbir redefined antiheroes

Performances in Rockstar (2011) and the political thriller Raajneeti (2010) offered an early glimpse at Ranbir Kapoor’s affinity for playing morally grey heroes. Kapoor took this antiheroism up a notch when he was roped in to play controversial filmstar Sanjay Dutt in Sanju (2018). The Rajkumar Hirani movie was a semi-biographical take on Dutt’s life and found Kapoor playing a foul-mouthed, drug-addicted actor who is arrested on suspicion of terrorism.

But still, Kapoor’s take on Sanjay Dutt wasn’t as big a “walking red flag” as Ranvijay "Vijay" Balbir Singh in his blood-soaked crime drama Animal (2023). Despite the movie polarizing critics, Animal won over people chiefly for Kapoor’s performance as an aggressively violent heir to a business company.

Animal’s Vijay is the way he is because of the toxic relationship he shares with his authoritarian father. The character opened up a new chapter in Kapoor’s career, implying that maybe the smiling boy from Saawariya is eager to take on more challenging roles with darker undertones.

How Rockstar still endures as Ranbir Kapoor’s best movie

Barfi can be a strong contender for showcasing Kapoor’s comedic charm. But Rockstar remains a watershed moment in his career, thanks to his emotional portrayal of a tortured artist. The duality of an artist is more than visible in this 2011 blockbuster as Kapoor captures the metamorphosis of a dreamy-eyed boy who becomes a larger-than-life star but at a personal cost. His performance’s impact can be seen in how he won both Filmfare Awards for Best Actor and Best Actor (Critics’ Choice) for Rockstar.

Fondly regarded as “Thalapathy” (loosely translated to Commander) by his legions of fans, Vijay has endured as one of the most mainstream faces of the Tamil film industry.  Here’s a look at his career highlights.

Beginnings as a child actor

Vijay started his screen career at the mere age of 10 with a brief role in his director father S.A. Chandrashekhar’s crime drama Vetri (1984). Further roles as a child artist included the vigilante revenge drama Naan Sigappu Manithan (1985) in which he shared screenspace with Tamil superstar Rajinikanth.

Growing up as a romantic hero

On turning 18, Vijay bagged his first lead role in the melodramatic romance Naalaiya Theerpu (1992) leading up to regular work as hero, in mostly romantic comedies or dramas.

It was the rom-com Poove Unakkaga (1996) that offered his breakout performance. The aptly-titled Love Today (1997) and Thulladha Manamum Thullum (1999) were further successes in establishing him as a charming romantic with the latter offering an earnest performance as a passionate singer. 2000s-era hits like Kushi (2000) and Priyamaanavale (2000) continued his meteoric rise.

Transition to action roles

As a mainstream face of Tollywood, Vijay (or rather his stunt doubles) had to rely on a few action scenes in his early movies. But it is with Thirumalai (2003) that he found his footing as an action star. His action genre ventures have increased in scope and style over the years such as the superhero vigilante hit Velayudham (2011) and the crime thriller Thalaivaa (2013).

Director AR Murugadoss and Vijay have helmed several successful action ventures together including Vijay’s box office-smashing hit Thuppaki (2012) in which he played a counter-terrorism army officer and Kaththi (2014) in which he had a dual role as a petty thief and his doppelganger, an idealist farmers rights leader.

New success with Master and Leo

Another director who has increased the scope of Vijay’s action star career is Lokesh Kanagaraj who first collaborated with the actor for the mega-hit Master (2021). A success in terms of both theatrical and streaming records, Master found Vijay playing an alcoholic professor saving a juvenile home. While Vijay’s previous movies had been dubbed in other languages, the popularity of Master’s dubs in Telugu and Hindi on Prime Video helped elevate Vijay’s pan-Indian success.

This pan-Indian fame continued with Vijay’s sophomore teaming with Kanagaraj, this time joining the director’s cinematic universe (nicknamed “Lokiverse”). Playing the titular character in Leo (2023), Vijay proved that he’s only getting better with age. He gets enough space to deliver whistle-worthy one-liners and relatively violent action sequences. Leo’s release on Netflix was equally successful with the original Tamil version trending along with Hindi, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam dubs.

What makes Kaththi Vijay’s best movie?

Ghilli and Mersal serve as close contenders as Vijay’s best movie but Kaththi can be crowned as the Tamil actor’s finest work so far. As is the case with numerous other Vijay movies, Kaththi also finds him in a dual role. But the stark contrast between the two characters allows him to display his dramatic range like never before. With one of the heroes also being an idealist and farmer rights advocate, Vijay gets to deliver some of the most rousing monologues of his career.

Where to stream Vijay’s filmography?

Most of Vijay’s best films can be streamed on mainstream platforms like Netflix and Prime Video. However, some can be streamed exclusively on predominantly Tamil-heavy services like Sun NXT and other Indian platforms like Eros Now.

Deepika Padukone has been a mainstay in Bollywood since 2007 and her career has only gone upwards ever since, establishing her among the industry’s highest-paid actors. From period pieces like Bajirao Masatani and Padmaavat to romantic dramas like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Tamasha, Padukone has had a diverse filmography within a little over a decade. She also redefined action heroine tropes in Bollywood with a lead role in the YRF Spy Universe entry Pathaan and an extended cameo in Jawan.

And it’s true that every once in a while a commercial and critical failure like Gehraiyaan might pop up in her track record but the vast consensus of her movies establish herself as a tour de force in Bollywood.

Deepika Padukone broke out with Om Shanti Om

Deepika Padukone’s pre-fame projects include a stint as a dancer on the music video for Himesh Reshammiya’s “Naam Hai Tera” and her film debut in the 2006 Kannada rom-com Aishwarya.

But it is her leading turn as a yesteryear Bollywood actress (and her reborn avatar) in Om Shanti Om that put her on the map with Bollywood. While just a newcomer in Hindi films back then, she stood out with a charming performance opposite an already-established megastar like Shah Rukh Khan.

Deepika Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan’s creative partnership continued in many other successful projects like Chennai Express, Happy New Year, and Jawan.

She appeared in some of the best female-led films of the 2010s

While Padukone has starred in some iconicng pairings with leading men like Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, and her co-star-turned-husband Ranveer Singh, the actress has also made her mark as a standout performer in solo-led ventures. Notable cases in point include the rousing gender rights drama Chhapak in which she played a character inspired by real-life acid attack survivor and activist Laxmi Aggarwal.

Another notable movie that primarily featured on Padukone’s performance was the hilarious road trip comedy Piku. The actress played the titular heroine, a career-driven architect who shares a turbulent relationship with her perpetually constipated father (played to perfection by Amitabh Bachchan). 

Even her collaborations with Ranveer Singh and director Sajay Leela Bhansali have offered some uplifting female performances of contemporary Bollywood. There’s Padmaavat, for instance, in which she played a self-righteous queen. While she’s doesn’t enter the battlefield herself, Padukone’s understated performance and characterisation doesn’t reduce the mythical figure into a damsel in distress either. The same can be said for her role of the warrior princess Mastani in Bajirao Mastani and an Indianised Juliet in the Romeo and Juliet adaptation Ram-Leela.

xXx: Return of Xander Cage marked Padukone’s Hollywood debut

Deepika Padukone also had a brief detour to Hollywood when she was paired opposite Vin Diesel in xXx: Return of Xander Cage in 2017. Despite mixed critical reviews, the third instalment of the xXx franchise was a huge hit at the global box-office and allowed Padukone to display her star power overseas. With enough stunt scenes as the xXx Program agent Serena Unger, Padukone also got an early chance to prove her potential as an action star.

The Reasoning Behind Ranking Deepika Padukone’s Best Movies

Critical acclaim plays a major factor in ranking the best of Deepika Padukone’s work, particularly the praise that her characters generated in particular. Another aspect to keep in mind is how much Padukone’s character stands out be it as Naina in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani or Shanti Priya in Om Shanti Om.

Given that she’s a household name in India, commercial performances of her movies also hold weight although not in all cases. So, while Chhapak and Tamasha didn’t mint much money, they were regardless notable career highlights for the leading lady.

Where can I watch Deepika Padukone’s filmography? 

All of Deepika Padukone’s best films are available on streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video while some can be streamed on exclusively Indian platforms like Eros Now and Jio Cinema.

From his dynamic debut in Band Baaja Baarat to his numerous gritty collaborations with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and co-star/wife Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh has carved his own multi-genre niche in Bollywood. While he also makes headlines for his hyperactive energy and bizarrely flashy wardrobe choices, Singh is all bark but also all bite in terms of his acting.

The actor is a chameleon who loves changing colours with every role, be it a mild-mannered robber in Lootera or a deranged invader in Padmaavat. Singh has had critical and commercial misfires at times, as is evident from forgettable credits in his filmography like Gunday and Cirkus. But overall, Singh has found himself playing lead and supporting parts in some of contemporary Bollywood's finest productions. 

Here's a glance at Ranveer Singh in all his dramatic, comedic, and romantic glory. 

Lootera (2013)

Ranveer Singh was already on his way to becoming a mainstream star with his debut. But his third screen credit Lootera is the movie that allowed him to shine as a critical darling. Arguably his most understated performance, Singh shines in this period romance by Vikramaditya Motwane that takes inspiration from O Henry’s tragic short story The Last Leaf. Singh is introduced as a soft-spoken archeologist who strikes an unlikely romance with a nobleman's daughter in 1950s-era India. As the plot thickens, the protagonist's true intentions are revealed and Singh plays out his moral dilemmas in an exceptionally muted performance. Lootera is enough to disprove the cynics who feel Singh only relies on over-the-top theatrics.

Gully Boy (2019)

Inspired by the rags-to-riches stories of Mumbai rappers Divine and Naezy, Gully Boy is a pseudo-biopic that offers a career highlight for Singh. Featuring many real-life Indian hip-hop veterans, the film is a grounded love letter to the underdog Indian MCs who have made their own mark in a country where independent music is still in a nascent stage. Singh not only experiments with the naivety and earnestness that his character Murad evokes but he also gets to rap on several songs within Gully Boy.

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023)

Collaborating with good friends like the director Karan Johar and heroine Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh seems to be in his comfort zone in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. But that doesn't reduce this delightful 2023 rom-com to a formulaic and lethargic effort. Instead, Johar succeeds at crafting a self-aware satire on the genre itself while unexpectedly touching on emotional undertones with a premise involving cross-cultural romances in India.

A polar opposite to Bhatt's sophisticated journalist Rani, Singh’s spoilt brat Rocky Randhawa is a likable hero. He might come off as too loud and extravagant on the surface but he harbours an emotional vulnerability that only bears testimony to Singh's praise-worthy range as an actor.

Bajirao Mastani (2015)

Sanjay Leela Bhansali loves revisionist histories, especially when they feature his recurring muses Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. Singh stars as the valiant military chieftain Bajirao who ends up falling for Padukone’s charming warrior princess Mastani. Also thrown in the mix is Bajirao's own wife Kashibai, classily played to perfection by Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The ill-fated romance that ensues is worthy of catching the audience's eye, more so in the backdrop of Bhansali's quintessential tropes like grandiose set pieces, atmospheric battles, and rousing musical numbers.

Dil Dhadakne Do (2015)

Before Gully Boy, Ranveer Singh joined forces with director Zoya Akhtar for her dysfunctional family comedy-drama Dil Dhadakne Do. For a change, Singh didn't get top billing and played a supporting character, playing Anil Kapoor and Shefali Shah’s on-screen son and Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ on-screen brother. All the aforementioned actors end up delivering some of the most hilarious and snarkiest performances of their career. Singh stands out with a relatively toned-down performance, brimming with the emotional fragility of a business magnate’s spoilt yet burdened son.

Padmaavat (2018)

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s controversial and ambitiously grand reinterprets the myth of the queen Padmavati who refused to bow down to the invading ruler Allaudin Khalji in medieval India. Historical accuracy is not the concern here as Bhansali is focused on crafting the grandest sets in his career while Ranveer Singh relies on method acting to delve into the villainous frenzy of Khalji. Whether it is him dancing out power moves on the song “Khali Bali” or just terrorising everyone around him, Singh proves how compelling he can be as a villain too.

Band Baaja Baarat (2010)

Ranveer Singh’s first film marked one of the most promising Bollywood debuts of the 2010s. This is perhaps because the streetsmart Delhi boy Bitto Sharma exemplifies a playful energy that comes so naturally to Singh. Sharing impeccable screen chemistry with Anushka Sharma as the co-lead, the duo’s misadventures offer a hilarious and insightful look at the wedding organising industry of India.

Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013)

An Indianised take on the ever-tragic tale of Romeo and Juliet, real-life lovebird Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone play the ill-fated lovers. The story is set in a town plagued by two warring families that have been going at each other’s throats for more than 500 years. However, when a passionate romance brews between Ram and Leela, the repercussions are equally intense. But at least, even the pain plays out beautifully, thanks to recurring collaborator Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s eye for splendour. It is his direction and the leads’ believable romance that add depth to Ram-Leela despite it being an adaptation of a story that many already know of.

Ladies Vs. Ricky Bahl  (2011)

While Ranveer Singh hasn’t acted in that many remakes, his sophomore romantic-comedy Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl was directly remade from John Tucker Must Die. And yet the Indian twist to the story brimmed with originality, thanks to the quirks added by Parineeti Chopra in a standout role as one of the women betrayed by Bahl. Singh plays the titular Casanova who plays with the hearts of multiple women until they team up to take him down. This Hollywood remake might not offer Singh’s most challenging role but considering that this was his second movie, the actor is perfectly in control of his then-emerging stardom.

83 (2021)

The Indian cricket team’s fascinating journey to winning the sport’s World Cup in 1983 makes for a cinematic underdog epic, as is evident from Kabir Khan’s ensemble drama 83. Singh leads the pack of players, donning the moustache and bravado of the team’s captain Kapil Dev. The movie’s runtime might deter some audiences but 83 is a perfect tribute to the country’s most popular sport with Singh getting to deliver some rousing monologues and display his real-life counterpart’s charismatic traits.

Dhoom was one of contemporary Bollywood’s first franchises, and its impact can still be felt in the Indian action genre. A studio known for its romances more than anything else, Yash Raj Films decided to enter the action genre when it greenlit Dhoom (2004). The heist thriller ended up igniting a craze for sports bikes in the country and turned John Abraham into a full-fledged star after he played the villainous biker gang leader Kabir Sharma.

The late Sanjay Gadhvi helmed the direction of both Dhoom and its sequel Dhoom 2 (2006). While the latter upped the franchise’s scope by throwing in more foreign locations and roping in stars like Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai, Dhoom 3 (2013) set even higher standards for the franchise with more sophisticated stunts, a narrative almost entirely set in Chicago, and the inclusion of bankable stars like Aamir Khan and Katrina Kaif.

From the franchise’s title song “Dhoom Machale” to the bike chases and heist sequences, the Dhoom trilogy might have polarised critics but for the Bollywood audience, it has set a benchmark in action filmmaking. Here’s how to watch all the Dhoom movies.

The Dhoom movies follow the same order as their release date

Each movie in the Dhoom franchise follows the same chronological order as the year of its release. So, all three movies can be conveniently watched as per their numbers.

Dhoom 3 opens with a flashback but it just sets up the backstory of the newly-introduced villain Sahir (Aamir Khan), keeping the recurring characters’ stories from the previous films intact.

Dhoom movies at a glance

Dhoom introduced the Mumbai cop ACP Jai Dixit (Abhishek Bachchan) teaming up with novice mechanic Ali (Uday Chopra) to take on a biker gang responsible for committing several robberies. John Abraham played the gang’s leader.

Dhoom 2 served as a direct sequel even though Jai and Ali were the only returning characters. This time, the duo attempts to prevent a heist by the mysterious expert thief known simply as “A” (Hrithik Roshan). With the villain’s tendency to steal priceless artefacts from all over the world, this sequel made room for some stunning international heists. Aishwarya Rai was also a notable addition in the sequel as she plays a morally grey character who seems to be both an ally to the cops and the thief.

Dhoom 3 followed the same approach as Dhoom 2 in the sense that it featured an all-new mission for Jai and Ali (without any other characters returning). Borrowing a page out of Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige, director Vijay Krishna Acharya (who had also penned the screenplays of the previous two Dhoom movies) carved a detailed backstory for the villain this time. Aamir Khan, in a fascinating dual role, played the illusionist thief Sahir and his naïve twin brother Samar, both of whom team up to take down the bank they believed caused the death of their father.

With numerous high-octane bike chases (one with even an auto-rickshaw involved), Dhoom 3 took the franchise’s action a notch higher. Fleshing out the villain’s origins also offered Aamir Khan to evoke sympathy out of his characters, something that hadn’t really been achieved with the villains of the first two Dhoom movies.

Why are the Dhoom movies obsessed with bikes?

Interestingly, Yash Raj Films supremo and the franchise’s producer Aditya Chopra initially envisioned Dhoom to feature car chases instead of the ones on bike. But it was director Sanjay Ghadvi who convinced Chopra to side with the two-wheelers so that he could show the lead characters’ faces more clearly.

Further, Gadhvi had a personal bias towards motorcycles as the late director’s interview with Rediff suggests. To quote Gadhvi, “I was crazy about bikes in my youth. When you speed them up, and the wind hits your face, it gives you a rush that you cannot get in a car.”

The Dhoom trilogy led to a video game and a comic

The Dhoom franchise wasn’t just limited to movies. In 2012, Ali actor Uday Chopra authored a 98-page comic titled Dhoom – Redux 893. Considering that it was published a year before Dhoom 3, it’s possible the comic dealt with a mission set before the third movie. In this comic published by Yomics (the graphic novel division under Yash Raj Films), Jai and Ali found themselves dealing with a Japanese Yakuza gang in Mumbai.

Dhoom 3 also spawned a video game of the same name for Android and iOS phones with the gameplay mainly revolving around Aamir Khan’s character riding around Chicago on his bike after successfully conducting a string of high-profile heists.

The son of legendary Bollywood screenwriter Salim Khan, Salman Khan carved his own niche in Hindi-language films as a leading man in romances, comedies, action thrillers, and a long line of remakes of South Indian films. Even if a considerable chunk of his latter movies has polarised critics, he gained favourable reactions from his devoted legions of fans who affectionately call him “Sallu Bhai”.

While he broke out thanks to romantic portrayals in Sooraj Barjatya’s family-friendly dramas in the 1990s (starting with Maine Pyaar Kiya), the Tiger 3 star successfully rebranded himself as an action star with successful franchises like Dabangg and the Tiger series (that kicked off the YRF Spy Universe). Every now and then, Khan also stars in comedies most of which present the actor’s amusingly eccentric slapstick timing.

Here’s a look at the very best of Salman Khan’s filmography.

Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)

In the mid-2010s, it seemed like Salman Khan was content only with no-brainer action flicks. And then came Bajrangi Bhaijaan, a cross-border drama powered by Khan’s heartwarming portrayal as the titular character. Khan’s Bajrangi is a naive Indian do-gooder who makes it his goal to safely get a lost Pakistani girl back to her homeland. Cherished by critics and audiences alike, Bajrangi Bhaijaan proves how Khan can balance adorable comedic timing and tear-jerking emotional prowess.

Hum Aapke Hai Koun…! (1994)

Sooraj Barjatya’s brand of ensemble family romances mostly played around with the idea that the entire household can join a romantic narrative instead of just the film’s lead pair. Hum Aapke Hai Koun… can arguably be his best work in this canon, showcasing some memorable performances from Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit in the lead. Starting out with a meet-cute love story and then throwing in familial responsibilities to complicate the romance, Hum Aapke Hai Koun established 90s Bollywood tropes for many other romantic comedy dramas that followed.

Wanted (2009)

The 2000s had been a turbulent era for Salman Khan with a hit-and-miss filmography. And then came Prabhu Deva’s Wanted which firmly established him as an action star. A remake of the Telugu blockbuster Pokiri, Wanted found Khan playing a lovable goon who goes against a powerful gangster. Wanted is also a cult classic for how it established South character actor Prakash Raj as the go-to bad guy in Bollywood

Andaz Apna Apna (1994)

For the cynics who believe Salman Khan can’t be funny, Andaz Apna Apna will be enough to change their minds. He, along with fellow superstar Aamir Khan, played one-half of a streetsmart duo who navigate through absurd romances and outlandish mobsters in their quest to make money. Unabashedly slapstick in its approach, Andaz Apna Apna flopped in its time but has become a beloved classic over the years with quotable dialogues and unforgettable characters like Shakti Kapoor’s mustachioed Crime Master Gogo.

Maine Pyar Kiya (1989)

Maine Pyar Kiya was the movie that established Salman Khan as a leading man. While his pairing with heroine Bhagyashree went down as one of the most iconic Bollywood couples, the Sooraj Barjatya film also established the trope of familial differences obstructing a romance (a trope that would be fleshed out further with Bollywood hits like Shah Rukh Khan’s 1995 blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge).

Dabangg (2010)

Marking the debut of Salman Khan’s Rayban-wearing vigilante cop Chulbul “Robinhood” Pandey, Dabangg subverted the mainstream Bollywood action by parodying the genre with self-aware humour. Dabangg is a notable highlight in Khan’s career as it allowed its leading man to take the joke on himself while shining as an action star in the 2010s.

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s tragiromance Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam starts on a note comparable to Salman Khan’s previous collaborations with Sooraj Barjatya. But the way the story takes a drastic turn with heartbreak and loss, the 1999 film features Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and even Ajay Devgn (in a supporting appearance) at the best of their emotional capabilities.

Sultan (2016) 

The sports drama Sultan was released around a fitting time in Salman Khan’s career. With over-the-top action thrillers like Race 3, Jai Ho, and Kick to his name, Khan was being panned by critics and even some of his fans. Sultan proved how he still has what it takes to experiment with different projects. Set around a wrestler who aspires to move to MMA, Sultan doesn’t mindlessly glamorise its leading man. Instead, Salman Khan’s hero does go through moments of downfall, only to rise like a true Rocky-like underdog.

Ek Tha Tiger (2012)

The film that kicked off the YRF Spy Universe is also one of the franchise’s finest offerings. Starring Khan as Indian secret agent Tiger and Katrina Kaif as his Pakistani counterpart Zoya, Ek Tha Tiger doubles as a nail-biting espionage thriller (with fair share of realistic action sequences) and an unexpected romance that allegorically represents cross-border peace.

Partner (2007)

Salman Khan has acted in many remakes of Hollywood and South Indian films but a film like Partner proves how he can add his own twist on the original source material. Stepping in for Will Smith’s casanova in this Hitch remake, Partner is steered by Khan’s effortless performance as a “love guru” and Govinda who plays an introverted man who seeks his help. Their collective chemistry gives Partner its own voice from merely reducing it to a Hollywood remake.

Khamoshi: The Musical (1996) 

The first collaboration between Khan and auteur Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Khamoshi: The Musical has everything that makes a quintessential Bhansali film. A heartfelt romance. A rousing music score. And grandiose art direction. And yet it flopped perhaps because it was ahead of its time. Offering a career-best performance by Manisha Koirala as the caring daughter of a deaf couple, the now-cult classic also features a surprisingly touching turn by Khan as an artist who reignites a musical passion in Koirala’s protagonist.

Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999)

The pinnacle of Salman Khan-Sooraj Barjatya partnerships, Hum Saath Saath Hain might seem a tad bit outdated with its core emphasis on balancing family values with individual romance. But still, when viewed as a product of the 1990s, the family drama-cum-romantic comedy does make for an interesting watch featuring the charming bravado of Khan in his “loverboy” prime.

No Entry (2005)

Perhaps the raunchiest of Salman Khan’s comedies, No Entry starred him as a womanising friend who wrecks the marital bliss of his friends. And, of couse, this comedy of errors names Khan’s character Prem (an obvious callback to the previous characters he played with the same name). No Entry was also notable for revitalising Anees Bazmee’s status as a comedy director while establishing Khan’s co-star Anil Kapoor as a reliable supporting actor in his latter years.

Maine Pyaar Kyu Kiya? (2005)

Maine Pyaar Kyu Kiya is yet another of Khan’s Hollywood remakes (this time the 60s comedy Cactus Flower that later became the Adam Sandler-led comedy Just Go With It). The David Dhawan-directed comedy took satirical jabs at Khan’s previous romances too along the way. With Khan playing a womanising daughter caught between two women (Sushmita Sen and Katrina Kaif), the movie offered him an opportunity to step out of his Romeo image and play more morally flawed heroes.

Tere Naam (2003) 

Although Salman Khan’s antihero Radhe is definitely a walking red flag in this ill-fated romance, Tere Naam was a watershed moment in Khan’s career. While portraying an emotionally turbulent gangster who is changed forever after falling for a mild-mannered girl, Tere Naam offers one of the actor’s most riveting performances.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is definitely a career milestone for Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukherji but it also offers an interesting extended cameo with Salman Khan playing the groom-to-be Aman Mehra. In fact, one of the most dramatic scenes of this Karan Johar-directed classic finds Aman stepping down from the altar as he knows his fiance loves someone else.

Tiger Zinda Hai (2017)

Raising the stakes of fast-paced action and the turbulent drama, Tiger Zinda Hai is a worthy follow-up to Ek Tha Tiger. It might not match its predecessor but the improved technical aspects in terms of the multi-location cinematography and adrenaline-fueled stunt choreography, Tiger Zinda Hai offers hope for the future of action in mainstream Bollywood.

Judwaa (1997)

Starring Salman Khan in a dual role, Judwaa is David Dhawan at his illogical best. You don’t need to scratch your brain while watching this comedy of errors as Khan amps up the humour as twin brothers Raja and Prem. Inspired by the Telugu film Hello Brother (which itself was remade from the Jackie Chan-starrer Twin Dragons), Judwaa is yet another of Khan’s remakes that gets a voice of its own.

Yuvvraaj (2008)

One of Salman Khan’s most underrated films, Subhash Ghai’s musical drama Yuvvraj stars Khan as a promising singer who gets embroiled in a clash between his brothers as they struggle to inherit their father’s fortune. Lavish set-pieces, a soothing soundtrack, and committed performances by Khan and Anil Kapoor (who plays his manipulative estranged brother) make Yuvvraj worth revisiting.

Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004)

A clash between Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar to woo the same lady (one of Priyanka Chopra’s early Bollywood roles), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi is a simple rom-com that’s elevated with individual moments of situational humour, thanks to not just Khan and Kumar’s goofy nature but also with the contributions of character actors like Amrish Puri and Rajpal Yadav.

Salaam-e-Ishq (2007)

A romantic anthology exploring the different shades of love, Salaam-e-Ishq is synonymous with the song “Tenu Leke” that found Khan donning a bridegroom’s attire and riding a white horse on the streets of London. Divided into six segments with an ensemble cast starring the most popular actors of the time, Salaam-e-Ishq offers some good, old 2000s nostalgia before Khan fully made the move to action blockbusters.

Heroes (2008)

In a career mostly comprising of lead roles, Khan can be quite a revelation in his supporting acts. Heroes is an example that stars him as a martyred soldier in the Indian Army. The movie plays out in the backdrop of three letters, each of which represent a war hero’s love for their nation and their family. Humanising its militaristic heroes instead of merely glamorising their acts of valour, Heroes is an interesting look at the morality of war.

Baghban (2003)

The movie that was broadcast infinitely on the Indian channel SET Max, Baghban is Indian melodrama at its peak. Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini lead the ensemble as an aging couple who are pushed to the brink of separation by their unafficionate children. A grateful exception among their children is the adopted orphan Alok Malhotra. The film might be bogged down by its runtime but it has somehow managed to stay relevant through its commentary on the breakdown of Indian families. Just try not watching it with parents! You might just end up getting a moral lecture later.

Jaan-E-Mann (2006)

For those who think Sallu Bhai doesn’t have emotional range, they should just have a glimpse at Khan’s Suhaan Kapoor crying at Brooklyn Bridge as the sun goes down. A love triangle between Khan, Preity Zinta, and Akshay Kumar’s characters, Shirish Kunder’s directorial debut Jaan-E-Mann doesn’t really boast a very original story and screenplay. Yet, it’s just the heartbreaking pain that drives Khan’s hero in the latter half that makes Jaan-E-Mann worth adding to the average Salman Khan fan’s watchlist.

Karan Arjun (1995)

Watching a movie like Karan Arjun in today’s time would seem ridiculous. It is, after all, a movie about two brothers who get brutally killed only to avenge their deaths after being reborn in another life! Still, it is an amusing time capsule of sorts in the way the revenge drama displays some classic tropes of the quintessential Bollywood mass-entertainer. And further, before the YRF Spy Universe made Tiger and Pathaan’s meetings more frequent, Karan-Arjun was a rare opportunity to see Shah Rukh Khan share screen space with Salman Khan.

From the latter seasons of Attack on Titan to originals like Chainsaw Man, MAPPA has surely established itself among the most influential anime studios in recent times. Its reign on streaming platforms is evident from trending titles like the sophomore season of shounen anime Jujutsu Kaisen (or JJK as fans call it) which occupied a spot on Netflix India’s Top 10 lists for more than ten weeks.

Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 goes on to prove how far MAPPA has come with regard to the quality of animation and subversive narratives. But the Japanese studio had already established its supremacy before Jujutsu Kaisen. Here are some of MAPPA’s finest works that put it on the map. 

Vinland Saga

The lore of Vikings has been done to death in Hollywood with the notorious Norse viewers even getting revisionist treatments like the History Channel original Vikings and Robert Eggers' barbaric take on Hamlet, The Northman. It's only ironic that an anime still subverts this action subgenre like never before. Balancing blood-soaked action pieces with surprisingly profound moments of introspection, Vinland Saga's second season was produced and animated by MAPPA.

While its debut season stands out on its own, Vinland Saga season 2 spectacularly transformed its protagonist Thorfinn from a reckless vengeance-seeking teen to a meditative adult who tries his best to step away from bloodshed. With enough moments of inspirational pacifism and peace-evoking visuals of natural landscapes, Vinland Saga's second season offers some of MAPPA's most beautiful anime frames. But the dark overtones are still more than evident in goosebump-raising moments of violence, proving how the anime studio is not afraid to adapt some truly disturbing manga.

Attack On Titan

Just as the case was with Vinland Saga, Attack on Titan was initially produced by Wit Studio. It's only after season 3 that the baton was passed to MAPPA. The decision was clearly monumental in elevating Hajime Isayama's iconic manga to new visual heights. From animating the anime's watershed moment Rumbling to adding more details to the fast-paced group fight sequences in the final season, MAPPA's involvement did help in drastically improving the quality of Attack on Titan. As a dark fantasy anime, AoT lives up to its cult status with a socio-political arc that goes beyond just a mere battle between humans and Titans. Instead, Isayama's commentary on the futility of conflict ends up as an anime story for the ages.

Jujutsu Kaisen

With formulaic elements seen in previous light-hearted shounen anime like Naruto, Jujustu Kaisen could have been just another entry in its genre’s pantheon. Rather, the kinetic energy with which the show’s first two seasons transpired, Jujutsu Kaisen has turned into one of MAPPA’s most profitable properties. High-schooler Yuji Itadori’s adventures with the supernatural secret organisation Jujutsu Sorcerers make for a delightful coming-of-age arc. The anime benefits greatly from well-rounded characters like fan-favourite Satoru Gojo and equally impressive byproducts like the blockbuster theatrical release Jujutsu Kaisen 0.

Chainsaw Man

Walking in the footsteps of self-aware anime satires like One Punch Man, Chainsaw Man stands out with its excessive gore and hilariously absurd characters. The titular protagonist Denji is an amusing character study on his own. Unlike other MAPPA anime heroes, Denji isn’t driven by any lofty ambitions to become the greatest. Rather, his life goals are pretty simple, mostly being reduced to getting enough food for the day. As he gets involved with a group hellbent on eradicating monsters, Denji must rely on his blood-stained avatar to save the people of his city. Despite Denji’s naive humour being the talking point of the series, Chainsaw Man proves MAPPA animators’ expertise in framing grandiose fighting sequences (with extra showers of blood in this case).

Yuri!!! On Ice

Redefining sports anime tropes and shattering gender stereotypes, Yuri!!! On Ice delves into the intricacies of the figure skating world. Drawing critical acclaim for addressing anxiety and homosexuality in Japan, the MAPPA original was ahead of its time when it premiered in 2016. Matters get more interesting in this binge-worthy anime with the cutthroat competitions among the skaters, the glittery costumes and just the magical charm of walking on ice. Particular attention has been given to the skating sequences with Japanese figure skating legend Kenji Miyamoto choreographing and performing the routines himself. Yuri!!! On Ice’s impact can be seen with ice skaters performing to the show’s music during the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Hell’s Paradise

A band of prisoners and the ninjas supervising them must survive on an island that isn’t what it looks like. Hell’s Paradise is quite a contrast within itself as it pairs a psychedelic colour palette with some truly grim character arcs. The island on which the story unfolds is adorned with multi-coloured flora and fauna while scenes in the Japanese mainland also highlight the architectural brilliance of Edo-period Japan. The ninja Gabimaru and his executioner Yamada Asaemon Sagiri also make for an incredible pair, each of the two warriors dealing with loneliness and loss as they head out to find the elixir of immortality. 

Kakegurui

Kakegurui is bound to make viewers curious from merely its outlandish premise. Set in a private school that is run by gambling games, the titular heroine makes her presence felt with her gambling addiction. Decoding the cheating tactics of her fellow students, Kakegurui ends up disrupting the social order of her elite academy. But don’t let the card games fool you as this Netflix-distributed MAPPA anime has some moments of relentless action once the cards have been folded. With scenes involving stabbed eyeballs and ripped fingernails, Kakegurui can be too bizarre for some but the ones who can stomach their fair share of the quintessential MAPPA gore and absurdity will be rewarded.

Banana Fish

With a single season of 24 episodes, Banana Fish makes for a perfect binge. Despite a 2010s setting, the stylish action thriller has a retro 80s-inspired visual feel to it. At the same time, the premise is layered with the haunting realities of the early 2000s such as a mind-control conspiracy relating to the US-Iraq War. The central storyline involves a New York gang leader and a photojournalist’s attempts to decipher the mystery of a substance codenamed “Banana Fish”. As the unlikely duo gets closer to the truth, a brilliant political conspiracy unfurls that clearly makes this one of MAPPA’s most realistic animes.

Re-Main

Every once in a while, MAPPA produces an anime that is not about any high-stakes challenges or hyperviolent action. Re-Main is one such example, playing out as a feel-good story about regaining one’s identity. The hero in this case is the water polo champion Minato Kiyomizu who loses his memory after a coma that lasts for three years. Seeking to make up for the years that passed him by, Re-Main offers a feel-good viewing experience that can provide a relaxing break away from the usual hullabaloo of MAPPA originals.

Dorohedoro

Dorohedoro might be overshadowed by other MAPPA anime but this underrated gem on Netflix set the stage for comedic anime in the studio’s roster like the far more popular Chainsaw Man. Still, Dorohedoro holds its own ground while exploring a post-apocalyptic world dominated by sorcerers and mutant creatures. The titular hero is an amnesiac reptilian humanoid who seeks answers to undo a curse that turned him into a beast. Equipped with enough slapstick gags, deadpan humour, and genre parodies, Dorohedoro is worth checking out for its easygoing tonality. It just goes on to prove how willing MAPPA is to experiment with all sorts of manga, even the strange ones like Dorohedoro.

From the Munnabhai series to collaborations with Aamir Khan and now an immigration-themed comedy with Shah Rukh Khan, Bollywood director Rajkumar Hirani has cemented his position in the industry as a maestro of family-friendly comedies. Beginning his career as a film editor and ad director, Hirani broke out with his debut feature Munnabhai MBBS. Ever since then, he has managed to deliver nothing but hits.

The director eyes another potential blockbuster this December, joining forces with megastar Shah Rukh Khan for the first time. Titled Dunki (a local iteration of the word “donkey”), the comedy-drama chronicles the journey of Indians who aspire to immigrate to the West but through illegal means. As is the case with the rest of his filmography, Dunki promises to deliver on all the elements that make a quintessential Rajkumar Hirani movie: a heartwarming message, clean humour with a naïve charm and a Christmas release window (much like 3 Idiots and PK).

But before Dunki, it’s worth glancing at all the major highlights of Hirani’s directorial career.

PK (2014)

PK very evidently borrows tropes from pre-existing sci-fi dramas like E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial and The Man Who Fell To Earth, in telling its story of an alien desperately searching for a radio that can beam him back home. But what sets Hirani’s sci-fi comedy apart is the emphasis on India’s multi-religious identity as the titular extraterrestrial (played to deadpan perfection by Aamir Khan) ends up questioning gods and religions in the pursuit of his radio.

When it comes to socio-political aspects of his cinema, Hirani has often played it safe for the mainstream audiences that he caters to. But PK is perhaps his boldest work, one that ended up garnering controversy even before its release. And yet, the movie deserves to be watched universally as it’s definitely no hateful attack against organised religion. Instead, it just respectfully poses questions on how religion can be maligned and misinterpreted by false prophets. From Khan’s slapstick routine as the childish alien to an emotional romantic subplot transcending national borders, PK has it all and endures as Hirani’s finest work.

3 Idiots (2009)

If there’s a Rajkumar Hirani movie that comes close to PK, it is his first collaboration with Aamir Khan. While it’s loosely inspired by Chetan Bhagat’s polarising bestseller Five Point Someone, 3 Idiots removes the raunchiness of the novel and adopts a more sanitised approach better suited for Hirani’s work. The end result is an influential commentary on the nature of engineering colleges in India, anchored by unforgettable performances from the titular idiots played by Khan, Sharman Joshi and R Madhavan. Equally unforgettable is character actor Boman Irani played the Einstein-haired authoritarian college principal nicknamed “Virus”.

What makes 3 Idiots all the more enduring is how relatable it has been for engineering students in India, especially the ones who are burdened by their families to pursue a scientific course like this. The tragic scene of a promising student’s demise is still as goosebump-inducing as it was back in the day. But then again, the movie has its fair share of laughs, thanks to the sheepish nerd “Silencer” played effortlessly by Omi Vaidya (who was previously notable only for appearing in an episode of The Office). This balance between dark and light-hearted is what makes Hirani so relevant after more than a decade since the movie was released.

Munnabhai MBBS (2003)

While 3 Idiots served as a conscious commentary on the state of Indian engineering colleges, Munnabhai MBBS was an unabashed laughter ride set within a generic medical college. Marking a full-fledged comeback for Sanjay Dutt and rebranding him as a comedic star, Munnabhai MBBS played out as an enjoyable joyride for all ages. The title alludes to a local hoodlum in Mumbai who sets out to mend his ways by pursuing a medical degree.

The comedy might lack the dramatic impact of 3 Idiots or PK but it still has its fair share of Bollywood melodrama to make viewers sympathise with an unruly hero like Dutt’s Munnabhai. An equally impressive character is Munnabhai’s loyal sidekick Circuit, played with impressive comic timing by Arshad Warsi.

Lage Raho Munnabhai (2006)

The follow-up to Munnabhai MBBS is more of a spiritual sequel as it completely strays away from its medical college premise to craft a Gandhian fantasy instead. Munnabhai is yet again introduced as a “tapori” (Mumbai slang for vagabond or rowdy) but when he seeks out to help residents of an old age home, he surprisingly gets aid from a hallucinatory vision of Indian freedom fighter and human rights champion Mahatma Gandhi.

Instead of glamorising the politics of Gandhi, Hirani stresses on the importance of simple Gandhian values like non-violence and respect for human dignity as Munnabhai inadvertently ends up inspiring others to pick up such positive habits. Still, what stops Lage Raho Munnabhai from being Hirani’s absolute best is perhaps the long runtime and the overabundance on sentimentality as Munna starts questioning his own sanity after his Gandhian experiments.

Sanju (2018)

Rajkumar Hirani’s last film before Dunki is also possibly his weakest, primarily for the treatment of its subject matter. On the surface, Sanju is a biopic on actor Sanjay Dutt (Hirani’s collaborator and close friend since the Munnabhai movies). But like many mainstream Bollywood biopics, Hirani’s movie relies heavily on creative liberties. While Dutt indeed has had a tumultuous life worthy of a film adaptation, Sanju blurs the line between fact and fiction to such a point that it might get difficult for audiences to watch without any scepticism.

Sanju covers some particularly uncomfortable moments in Dutt’s life, such as his drug addiction and eventual arrest on suspicion of terrorism and arms possession. It can still be debated if Dutt was always a squeaky-clean personality (ignoring the rowdy phase of his career) but Sanju’s excessive whitewashing of its real-life muse leaves a bittersweet taste.

Drawing inspiration from franchises like James Bond and Mission: Impossible and obviously the trendsetting Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), YRF Films successfully made the leap from Bollywood romances to big-budget action thrillers with its monumental YRF Spy Universe. This is not India’s first and only cinematic universe, considering that Rohit Shetty had already set up his over-the-top Cop Universe with Singham and Simmba. The Tamil film industry is also not far behind with director Lokesh Kanagaraj setting up his Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) with Kaithi and Vikram.

But when it comes to box-office returns and sheer star power, YRF Spy Universe seems unbeatable at the moment. With the production and story most laid out by YRF supremo Aditya Chopra and roping in Bollywood’s most venerated personalities like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, the franchise is Indian cinema’s most successful franchise at the moment. The year 2023 proved to be a watershed moment in this regard, witnessing the releases of Pathaan and Tiger 3 (both of which also made MCU-style cameos more mainstream in Bollywood). With five successful hits in its roster and upcoming titles like War 2 and Tiger vs Pathaan, the YRF Spy Universe definitely knows no stopping.

Pathaan (2023)

Mainstream Bollywood was in a lull after the pandemic when it came to action movies. Shah Rukh Khan, who usually had a reputation as a romantic hero, sought to create a new star persona as an action hero. He comfortably embraced the titular character, an ex-RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) agent who is tasked with preventing a global terrorist conspiracy. His frequent co-star Deepika Padukone played a Pakistani secret agent, who came off as a refreshing and more contemporary take on female agents in Indian action flicks. Breaking out as the villain in Dhom, John Abraham also got back to his villainous roots to play a rogue mercenary in Pathaan.

Even when Pathaan gets unbelievably over-the-top, the star power of SRK is enough to justify the theatrics (much like how action audiences dare not question the physics of Fast & Furious movies anymore). The cherry on the top was obviously Salman Khan’s unexpected cameo as Pathaan’s fellow RAW agent Tiger. All in all, Pathaan was a perfectly packaged thriller that balanced high-stakes action with some delightfully formulaic Bollywood heroism that the audiences had been craving for quite some time.

War (2019)

Billed as a one-on-one duel between Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff, War was an unexpected hit for YRF. While the Tiger movies already constituted a franchise, it was War that opened up the possibilities for a shared universe. From an exciting plane heist that seems to be inspired by Point Break to a face mask technology clearly inspired by the Mission: Impossible movies, War did have a touch of Hollywood action to it.

But this Western influence didn’t get too derivative and instead helped in modernising the average Bollywood action thriller. Instead of Roshan or Shroff being reduced to one-man armies, War highlighted how even gifted secret agents like them need strategy, weaponry, and a good support team to rely on. Both heroes have proven their physical agility before and War set up the stage for them to display some impressive and highly realistic stunt choreography. Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara’s rousing neo-Western background score only enhances the viewing experience further.

Ek Tha Tiger (2012)

The film that started the YRF Spy Universe in the first place, Ek Tha Tiger was released at a time when Salman Khan was doing everything (fighting, dancing, romancing) in potboiler dramas, most of which didn’t really fare well with the critics. But the Kabir Khan-directed Ek Tha Tiger marked a new chapter in his career as for once, Khan seemed to play a relatively believable action hero. His character Tiger interestingly represents the duality of an undercover agent, as he is conflicted between his duties as a RAW agent and leading a normal life every now and then.

Katrina Kaif was also well-suited as the co-lead Zoya, an agent for the Pakistani secret service ISI. But when Zoya and Tiger discover a conspiracy together, they not only join forces but also fall in love. The result is not just an adrenaline-fuelled action journey but also a moving love story that transcends borders. To satisfy the mainstream Bollywood necessities, the movie was also balanced with popular dance numbers like Mashallah and Banjaara along with a tragic romantic ballad like Saiyaara.

Tiger Zinda Hai (2017)

The highly-anticipated sequel to Ek Tha Tiger, this Salman Khan-Katrina Kaif reunion carried the emotional weight of its predecessor while doubling on the action pieces. Having gone into voluntary exile in the previous film, Tiger Zinda Hai finds Khan’s Tiger and Kaif’s Zoya coming out of hiding as they team up to rescue a group of nurses held hostage by terrorists in Iraq. The espionage within the plot is less complicated this time, but the big-budget action is good enough to hook audiences.

Even if the violent chaos can be too loud or unbelievable for some audiences, Tiger Zinda Hai still has a positive message underlying its straightforward plot. With Tiger and Zoya closer than ever now, the Ali Abbas Zaffar directorial venture calls for unity between India and Pakistan, two neighbouring countries that always seem to be in conflict with each other but that can hopefully come together like Tiger and Zoya one day.

Tiger 3 (2023)

As is the case with the Tiger movies, Tiger 3 amped up its action like never before. Emraan Hashmi entered the YRF Spy Universe as a vengeance-seeking terrorist with Tiger and Zoya teaming up yet again for a third adventure. The international conspiracy at the heart of the story this time is much more complicated and there are genuine attempts for freshness to the usual Spy Universe formula, but it was the pacing that troubled some critics and audiences.

Regardless, everything seems worth it with that one spectacular prison break sequence where Pathaan comes to Tiger’s rescue. It’s not every day that the two titans of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, unite for a crossover that’s on the level of a superhero team-up. One can only wonder about the reactions that their face-off will garner now, considering YRF Films is actively working on a project titled Tiger vs Pathaan.

The UPSC exam (short for Union Public Service Commission) is often regarded as one of the most Herculean tests, not just in India but in the rest of the world, too. Seen as a common yardstick of success in India, UPSC toppers end up becoming high-ranking bureaucrats, police officers, and the like.

India is a diverse country of various religions. This religious multitude is all the more evident from how Bollywood manages to cash in on major festival release windows. Shah Rukh Khan has been the king of the Diwali season from 1995’s Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to 2014’s Happy New Year. Meanwhile, his perpetual competitor Salman Khan has successfully monopolised the Eid season.

Amazon’s bloodiest crime-action series Mirzapur is all set to return for its latest season. Season 3 of Mirzapur will answer the question all fans have been asking since Season 2 ended: ‘Is Guddu Bhaiya the new king of Mirzapur?’

From the release date, to the story and star-cast, here’s everything we know about Amazon’s most popular crime-action drama.

Disclaimer: This article was last updated on 29th September, 2023. 

What will Mirzapur Season 3 be about?

*The article contains spoilers to Season 1 and Season 2. 

Following the cliffhanger ending of Season 2, Mirzapur Season 3, will most likely revolve around the power dynamics between Kaleen Bhaiyya and Guddu as the two face off against each other to rule the town of Mirzapur. The season will also confirm if everyone’s beloved character, Munna, is actually dead, and if so, it will delve deeper into the aftermath following his sudden demise. While we don’t know much about the story of Season 3 of Mirzapur as of yet, the actor Shweta Tripathi who plays the role of Golu, did add to the excitement of the upcoming season by sharing a heartfelt note on her Instragram;

“I couldn't wait to start shooting as soon as I finished reading the episodes for season 3. And now that we've completed shooting, I can't wait for all of you to watch it. Wrapped a little piece of my heart. It's been one hell of a challenging and fulfilling ride. She's one of the bravest, toughest and most endearing girls I've met. And I love her!! And this cast and crew and the biggest gems.”

When is Mirzapur Season 3 set to release? 

It’s been almost three years since the last season of Mirzapur was released. Fans have been eagerly waiting since then to find out who the new king of Mirzapur will be, but sadly, Amazon still hasn’t confirmed the new season’s release date announcement. 

Actor Ali Fazal confirmed that the series wrapped shooting for Season 3 in December, 2022 by penning down a heartfelt note on his official Instagram handle. Apart from this, the rest of the cast and crew of Mirzapur continue to remain tight lipped regarding the official release of the new season. However, if past trends are any indicator, the new season of Mirzapur is most likely scheduled to release sometime between mid October to mid November. 

Is there a trailer for Season 3?

No, sadly Amazon hasn’t released a trailer for Season 3 as of yet. However, fans are hopeful to see a trailer or at least a teaser and date announcement, drop soon in the coming few weeks given that the show is anticipated to release around Diwali. 

Finished all your movie snacks just looking for what to watch? Wipe off those butter fingers, and scroll through this fresh lineup of film recommendations based on what people have been loving lately on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Zee5, and more. 

The Top 10 Films Streaming In India 

*This list is based on data recorded between 14th August - 20th August. 

#10 Shazam! Fury of the Gods 

A direct sequel to the 2019 DC film Shazam! Fury of the Gods is an action-packed superhero flick where a band of superheroes led by Shazam fight off an army of angered gods looking to claim their powers back, and turn these superheroes back to ordinary humans. A great watch for anyone in the mood for a lot of city destruction level drama, and superhero thrills. 

Where to watch: Shazam! Fury of the Gods is currently streaming on Jio Cinema. You can also rent/buy the movie on demand, visit our website to view all the streaming options available to you in India. 

#9 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 

Keeping with the trend of superhero films, we have Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 at number 9. The final film in the famous trilogy that follows Peter Quill and his band of misfits’ as they set out into space to protect the galaxy, this film goes beyond your standard superhero storyline, and delves deeper into Rocket’s emotional backstory, and the Starlord’s grief following Gamora’s death. Packing in a feel-good playlist, several mind blowing action sequences, and a ton of wholesome moments, this film is an easy-watch for anyone looking to movies for a quick and indulgent escape from reality. 

Where to watch: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. You can also rent/buy the movie on demand, visit our website to view all the streaming options available to you in India. 

#8 1920: Horrors of the Heart 

If you’re looking for a scary movie to sink your teeth into, give 1920: Horrors of the Heart a try. A haunted house, demons, and an innocent girl seeking revenge manipulated by a powerful supernatural force, this Mahesh Bhatt thriller checks off all the parameters for a good horror flick that’ll keep you up all night.

Where to watch: 1920: Horrors of the Heart is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. 

#7 Heart of Stone 

Want to see more of Alia Bhatt after watching Rocky Aur Rani in cinemas? Check out Netflix’s latest spy thriller Heart of Stone, where Alia Bhatt stars alongside Wonder Woman Gal Gadot and English actor Jamie Dornan. This action packed thriller not only marks the beginning of Alia’s career in Hollywood but also serves as the actors first ever role as the lead villain in a film. 

Where to watch: Heart of Stone is streaming exclusively on Netflix. 

#6 Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

Based on the iconic game Dungeons and Dragons, Honor Among Thieves is a fantasy-comedy starring Chris Pine as the Edgin Darvis. The film follows him and his group of adventurers as they embark on an epic heist to reclaim a lost relic. With its light humor, loveable characters, and drool-worthy scenery, the film is an easy watch even for those that haven’t played the game before. 

Where to watch: Dungeons and Dragons Honor Amongst Thieves is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. 

After a decade-long wait, Akshay Kumar is all set to make his grand comeback as God in the satirical comedy Oh My God 2. The upcoming film is a sequel to the 2012 film Oh My God. A Hindi film inspired by the film The Man Who Sued God, this satirical comedy tells the story of an atheist who takes god to court after an earthquake destroys his store where he sells idols to religious worshipers. While OMG 2 is set in the same universe as its predecessor, the movie will explore an entirely new storyline, and see Akshay Kumar step into the role of a whole new deity. Keep reading to get the full scoop on OMG 2. 

What is the story of OMG?

Written and directed by Umesh Shukla, Oh My God is a supernatural comedy about Kanji, a Gujrati atheist played by Paresh Rawal who despite owning a store of Hindu idols regularly makes fun of religious activities. This is, until one day a small earthquake hits the city and destroys only his store. Desperate to fix his store Kanji visits the insurance office, however, he is denied a claim as earthquakes are classified under an act of god, which isn’t covered by insurance. Saddened by this news, Kanji turns to his family and friends for help who in turn blame his atheism as the source for all of this mess. 

Kanji, now furious with the world and god, takes matters into his own hands and in a bold move decides to sue god. With the help of a Muslim lawyer Hanif Querishi, Kanji is able to summon the insurance company, and several religious leaders appointed to act as representatives of god in court and moves forward with his case. Given the unusual and quirky nature of his case, Kanji’s court troubles go viral and attract the attention of several religious fundamentalists who attack him to drop the matter. Abandoned by his family, Kanji is all alone and in mortal danger, when a real-estate agent named Krishna (Akshay Kumar) comes to his rescue and saves him from the angry mob. Thereafter, Krishna and Kanji become fast friends, and Krishna is often seen advising Kanji on how to proceed with his case. With Krishna by his side, Kanji’s luck begins to turn and he ends up receiving a huge wave of support from other humans who also suffered losses caused by acts of god and inturn winning the court case.