Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao began his acting career with Hansal Mehta’s directorial Love Sex Aur Dhoka in 2010. However, the actor got widespread recognition through Shahid in 2013. The film even earned him a National Film Award with critical acclamation.
As the actor turns a year older today, let us revive some of his acclaimed works in Bollywood. From the blockbuster social drama Shahid to the action thriller Monica, O My Darling, here are the best works of Rajkummar Rao over his career. Check out the full article to know more.
Cinematic Journey Through Rajkummar’s Best Films
Here are five highly acclaimed films featuring Rajkummar Rao, known for his versatile acting skills.
1. Shahid
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
The biographical drama is based on the real-life story of lawyer and human rights activist Shahid Azmi. The plot revolves around the protagonist’s journey from being falsely accused of terrorism to becoming a lawyer who specialises in defending those wrongly accused of similar charges.
Rajkummar Rao’s performance in Shahid was widely praised, earning him critical acclaim and several awards.
2. Newton
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Rajkummar Rao starrer centres around the journey of a principled government clerk, who is sent to a conflict-ridden area in the jungles of Chhattisgarh to oversee the process of conducting a free and fair election.
As Newton navigates the complexities of the situation, the film explores themes of bureaucracy, government indifference, and the clash between ideals and practicality.
The film’s realistic portrayal of the electoral process in a challenging environment, along with its blend of humour and social commentary, contributed to its success.
3. Stree
Platform: Netflix
Set in the town of Chanderi, the horror comedy narrates the tale of a female ghost who visits the town during a four-day annual festival. During this time, the ghost preys on men, leaving only their clothes behind and sparing women.
The film offers a fresh take on the horror genre by infusing it with comedy and social commentary. As the characters delve deeper into the legend, the film explores themes of superstition, fear, and empowerment.
Stree features an ensemble star cast including Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Aparshakti Khurrana, and Pankaj Tripathi.
4. Bareilly Ki Barfi
Platform: Zee5
The romantic comedy revolves around Bitti, a small-town high-spirited girl living in Bareilly. In her search for identity and a sense of belonging, the protagonist stumbles upon a novel titled ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi‘ at a bookstore. The novel resonates with her because it depicts a female character much like herself.
Rajkummar Rao’s portrayal of the timid and awkward Babli earned him acclaim for his comedic timing and versatility as an actor. The film’s witty writing and relatable characters contributed to its success with both audiences and critics.
5. Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana
Platform: Zee5
The film stars Rajkummar Rao and Kriti Kharbanda in the lead roles. The story follows two central characters – Sattu and Aarti. The two are arranged to be married. However, on the day of their wedding, a misunderstanding occurs that leads to a turn of events.
The film then takes a leap in time, and the narrative focuses on the unexpected reunion of Sattu and Aarti, years after their cancelled wedding.
Ratna Sinha’s directorial delves into the complexities of relationships and the impact of individual decisions on one’s life trajectory.
6. Badhaai Do
Platform: Netflix
The plot revolves around the concept of lavender marriage – a marriage of convenience between two partners to conceal the sexual orientation of one or both of said partners.
Featuring Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar, the film addresses various themes, including societal norms, personal aspirations, and the complexities of relationships.
Badhaai Do addresses unconventional and sensitive topics in a light-hearted manner.
7. Monica, O My Darling
Platform: Netflix
Directed by Vasan Bala, the romantic thriller features Rajkummar Rao and Huma Qureshi in the lead roles.
The film is a quirky and offbeat love story with elements of suspense and intrigue. The title itself suggests a play on gender stereotypes, as ‘Monica’ is traditionally considered a feminine name, and ‘Darling’ is often used as a term of endearment.
Wishing the incredibly talented and versatile actor Rajkummar Rao a day filled with joy, laughter, and wonderful moments. May this year bring him even more success, happiness, and memorable performances.
Happy Birhtday, Rajkummar!