Rajkummar Rao is one of the few actors in the industry who is known for his honest performances in each role. He has carved a niche for himself with his acting prowess and magnetic screen presence. His latest movie, Srikanth, brought life to the struggles of the visually impaired industrialist Srikanth Bolla. Coming from a humble background, Rajkummar Rao started his career in 2010 with Dibakar Banerjee’s Love Sex Aur Dhoka. Since then, he has appeared in around forty films and two web series. With each performance, he invites the viewers into the lives of his characters, guiding them through their joys, sorrows, and triumphs.
Rajkummar Rao is set to grace our screens once again in the coming months with his upcoming projects: Mr. and Mrs. Mahi, Vicky Vidya ka Woh Wala Video, and Stree 2. Let’s take a closer look at some of his best films, which have cemented him as a powerhouse performer in the Indian cinema.
Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana
In Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana, Rajkummar Rao delivers a nuanced performance as Satyendra. Satyendra is a young man whose life takes an unexpected turn when he is left on the altar by the love of his life. Directed by Ratnaa Sinha, the film explores the complexities of relationships and the impact of individual choices on destiny. Alongside him, Kriti Kharbanda also shines as Aarti, his love interest. The stellar supporting cast includes K. K. Raina, Alka Amin, and Manoj Pahwa.
Rao’s portrayal of Satyendra is shown with sincerity and depth, drawing viewers into his character’s emotional journey. Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana offers a perfect mix of romance, drama, and comedy.
Badhaai Do
Badhaai Do sees Rajkummar Rao teaming up with Bhumi Pednekar to portray Shardul Thakur. Thakur is a police officer battling between societal pressures and personal identity. Directed by Harshavardhan Kulkarni, the film challenges stereotypes and norms with its refreshing narrative. The plot depicts a lavender marriage and the struggles individuals face finding their truths. Badhaai Do also features Gulshan Devaiah, Sheeba Chaddha, and Seema Pahwa in supporting roles.
Rao’s performance is heartfelt and humorous, infusing the character with authenticity and empathy. As the film unfolds, audiences are treated to a delightful blend of comedy, drama, and social commentary. Badhaai Do is a must-watch for fans of Rao’s work.
Bareilly Ki Barfi
Bareilly Ki Barfi sees Rajkummar Rao share the screen with Kriti Sanon and Ayushmann Khurrana in a charming romantic comedy. Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, the film follows the journey of Bitti, a spirited young woman who defies societal norms in pursuit of love and self-discovery.
Rao portrays Chirag Dubey, a lovelorn bookstore owner entangled in a web of mistaken identities and unrequited love. Rao’s honest portrayal adds depth and authenticity to the film’s whimsical narrative. He has earned praise from critics and audiences alike for his performance. Bareilly Ki Barfi is a delightful ode to love, friendship, and the joys of being true to oneself.
Stree
In the horror-comedy Stree, Rajkummar Rao ventures into uncharted territory, delivering a memorable performance amidst eerie settings and supernatural encounters. Directed by Amar Kaushik, the film transports viewers to the haunted streets of Chanderi, where a mysterious entity known as Stree terrorizes the villagers. Rao portrays Vicky, a young tailor entangled in the town’s dark secrets. Alongside him, Shraddha Kapoor, Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee, and Pankaj Tripathi deliver standout performances.
With impeccable comic timing and genuine vulnerability, Rao infuses his character with depth and relatability, anchoring the film amidst its spooky premise. Stree not only entertains with its blend of scares and laughs but also offers a refreshing take on gender dynamics and urban legends.
Trapped
In the survival thriller Trapped, Rajkummar Rao delivers a tour de force performance as Shaurya, a man trapped in a nightmarish ordeal of his own making. Alongside him, Geetanjali Thapa portrays his girlfriend, adding emotional depth to the narrative. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the film explores isolation, desperation, and the human will to survive.
Rao’s portrayal is mesmerizing as he navigates the physical and psychological challenges of his character’s future. With minimal dialogue and maximum impact, Rao commands the screen with raw intensity, drawing viewers into Shaurya’s harrowing journey. Trapped is a gripping cinematic experience that showcases Rao’s unparalleled talent and commitment to his craft.
In conclusion, Rajkummar Rao’s filmography is a testament to his versatility, dedication, and innate ability to breathe life into diverse characters. Whether he’s charming audiences with his romantic escapades or chilling them to the bone with his intense performances, Rao continues to push the boundaries of Indian cinema and inspire generations of actors to come. As audiences eagerly await his next project, one thing is sure: Rajkummar Rao’s star will continue to rise, shining the silver screen with his unparalleled talent and magnetic presence.
