This year itself, Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao had three major releases and is already working on his next projects, making him a super busy yet bankable star in the world of cinema. From his humble beginnings in “Love Sex Aur Dhokha” in 2010 to emerging as an industry stalwart, Rao has consistently delivered powerhouse performances that highlight his intense dedication to the craft. Today, on his birthday, let’s delve into some of the most impactful films of his career.
**Top 10 Movies of Rajkummar Rao**
**1. Shahid (2012)**
“Shahid” marks a seminal point in Raja’s career. Directed by Hansal Mehta, the film tells the tumultuous story of Shahid Azmi, a lawyer and human rights activist. Overcoming the challenges of portraying such a complex character, Rajkummar Rao immersed himself into the role, offering a portrayal so poignant that it earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor. This film stands as a testament to his commitment, encapsulating both the struggles and the triumphs of Azmi’s life with remarkable clarity.
**2. Kai Po Che! (2013)**
Adapted from Chetan Bhagat’s novel, “Kai Po Che!” cast Rao as Govind, a pragmatic character with picturesque ambitions. His role in this friendship-centric narrative showed his ability to be both sincere and convincing, capturing the essence of camaraderie and dreams. This film was just the beginning of Rao’s journey towards cinematic excellence, laying the foundation for the numerous memorable roles that followed.
**3. Aligarh (2015)**
In “Aligarh,” Rajkummar Rao shared the screen with Manoj Bajpayee in a sensitive portrayal of societal morality and human rights. Playing the role of a sympathetic journalist, Rao brought depth to a character who stands by a professor facing suspension over morality grounds. Directed by Hansal Mehta, the film received universal acclaim, and further solidified Rajkummar’s place as a versatile actor who could handle intricate, emotionally rich roles.
**4. Trapped (2016)**
“Trapped” is a film that pushed Rao’s acting boundaries. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, this survival thriller centers around Shaurya, a man who inadvertently gets locked in an apartment without essential supplies like food, water, or electricity. Rao’s unwavering dedication was palpable on-screen, delivering a performance that was both harrowing and compelling, shedding light on human endurance and resourcefulness under dire circumstances.
**5. Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017)**
Breaking away from more intense fare, Rajkummar showcased his comedic chops in “Bareilly Ki Barfi.” Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, the film adapts Nicolas Barreau’s novel ‘The Ingredients of Love’.
. Here, Rao played Pritam Vidrohi, an author caught in a quirky love triangle with Kriti Sanon and Ayushmann Khurrana. His effortless humor and timing bolstered the film’s narrative, exhibiting his versatility as an actor.
**6. Newton (2017)**
In Amit V. Masurkar’s “Newton,” Rajkummar Rao played Newton Kumar, a government clerk assigned to ensure fair elections in a conflict-ridden area. This film blurred the lines between satire and reality, with Rao delivering a subtly powerful performance that resonated with both audiences and critics. His portrayal of Newton showcased a character committed to ideals, infused with humor amidst serious circumstances, further demonstrating his expansive range as an actor.
**7. Stree (2018) and Stree 2 (2024)**
Rajkummar Rao ventured into uncharted territory with “Stree” and its sequel “Stree 2,” playing Vicky, a gifted tailor in a town haunted by the ghostly legend of Stree. Combining horror with comedy, Rao excelled in bringing levity and spook to his role, proving once again that he is a master of versatility.
**8. Badhaai Do (2022)**
“Badhaai Do” offered Rajkummar Rao another opportunity to portray an intricate character. He played Shardul Thakur, a gay police officer grappling with his sexual orientation amidst societal pressure. Rao’s nuanced performance brilliantly captured the emotional turmoil and the sensitive struggles of his character, enhancing the film’s narrative depth.
**9. Monica, O My Darling (2022)**
This neo-noir tribute to classic crime flicks saw Rao playing Jayant Arkhedkar, a robotics expert ensnared in an elaborate murder scheme. “Monica, O My Darling” is a gripping tale of perfect plans gone awry, and Rao’s performance as a tech-savvy mastermind exhibits his talent for engaging with complex, dark storylines and creating characters that are both relatable and riveting.
**10. Srikanth (2024)**
“Srikanth” portrays the inspiring journey of entrepreneur Srikanth Bolla, founder of Bollant Industries, which employs unskilled and differently-abled individuals. Born visually impaired, Srikanth’s life story is extraordinary and Rajkummar Rao’s portrayal honors his incredible achievements. This film not only narrates Bolla’s entrepreneurial success but also his resilience, highlighting the actor’s ability to convey real-life heroism.
As Rajkummar Rao continues to grace the silver screen with his stellar performances, his portfolio is a rich tapestry of diverse roles that reflect his versatility and dedication. With three major releases already this year, and several more in the pipeline, Rao remains an indomitable force in the world of cinema, celebrated for his ability to transform every character into an unforgettable experience.
