Irrfan Khan is considered as one of the finest actors in the industry. But, many might not know that things could have been a lot different for the actor. Irrfan first came into the spotlight with Mira Nair’s Salaam Bombay in 1988. While he did have a significant role, it was cut short to a large extent in order to keep the film crisp. This obviously took a heavy toll on him and he reconsidered his decision for his career. But, we’re glad that he decided to stick to his gut or else Hindi cinema would’ve missed out on a serious talent. So, as Irrfan Khan brings on his birthday today, we list some of the best Irrfan Khan movies.
1.The Warrior (2001)
Helmed by the critically acclaimed director of Amy and Senna, Asif Kapadia’s The Warrior is a film based on a man named Lafcadia, who begins to question the purposeless killings of innocent people which he has carried out for a living and decides to abandon the path of violence. However, he finds out that leaving behind such a gruesome past isn’t easy. He barely has any lines in the film. In fact, expressions convey the emotions for the most part of the Irrfan Khan movie.
2. Haasil (2003)
After the film’s release, Irrfan had revealed that he was fed up with monotonous and unimaginative roles that he was being offered. So much so, that he even considered wrapping things up in the field. But, he went on to receive an offer for the Role of Ranvijay Singh in Haasil. Ranvijay was a character who had shades like a chameleon. One moment he’s a friend, philosopher and the next he’s an abductor and murderer. Ranvijay was a ticking time bomb and that’s what got Irrfan intrigued.
3. Maqbool (2004)
In an interview, Manoj Bajpayee revealed that he approached Vishal Bhardwaj several times for the Irrfan Khan movie. Come to think of it, maybe Manoj would have been the safer choice for Vishal. He was proven in his craft and this was something that seemed right up his alley. But, Vishal Bhardwaj stuck to his guns (gladly) and cast Irrfan Khan in the film. The character of Miyan Maqbool was extremely well written and Irrfan Khan did complete justice to it. He portrayed intensity and charm through the character and managed to win everyone ever. Maqbool also featured several reputed actors like Pankaj Kapur, Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri.
4. The Namesake (2006)
Two talented actors like Tabu and Irrfan Khan coming together on screen is something that in itself will grab your attention. In Namesake, Ashima (Tabu) and Ashok (Irrfan Khan) have an arranged marriage and are shown to move to the United States. The film follows their life for 25 years and some of the poignant issues that they encounter. This Irrfan Khan movie is a must-watch for anyone struggling to forge his or her own identity and finding difficulty embracing their past.
5. Yeh Saali Zindagi (2011)
Sudhir Mishra’s Yeh Saali Zindagi has everything the audience is looking for - an amazing cast, fast-paced storyline and stellar direction. It also is a lesson for everyone out there to learn how you can infuse comedy without going over the top. In the Irrfan Khan movie, we see a bunch of gangsters kidnap the prospective son-in-law of a politician in order to secure the release of an imprisoned gang-member. Irrfan Khan’s scenes with Saurabh Shukla are probably the best part of the film.
6. Paan Singh Tomar (2012)
Irrfan is one actor who you can cast in a role belonging to any part of India and he’ll seem like the perfect fit. Such versatility is rare to find but Irrfan somehow manages to get it spot on every time. Despite getting rave reviews from film festivals all over, the Irrfan Khan movie managed to hit the screens after a delay of 2 years. In the film, Irrfan played the titular role of a steeplechase runner who ends up resorting to arms in his revolt against the corrupt system and structure. It was a highly unconventional choice for Irrfan but he managed to pull it off convincingly.
7. The Lunchbox (2013)
The Irrfan Khan movie was a love story that kickstarted thanks to a mistaken delivery from the famously efficient lunchbox delivery system of Mumbai. It is a delightful story of love blossoming a little more each day, each letter between two unlikely characters. A frustrated housewife prepares a lovely meal for her husband but it ends up at a retiring officer’s desk, whose wife passed away long back. Both feel that they’re leading a lonely life and end up finding a way to express themselves through these little letters. The performances by the 3 leading actors, Irrfan Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Nimrat Kaur are on point. It is also hard to believe that it was Ritesh Batra’s debut film considering how layered the method of storytelling in the film was.
8. Talvar (2015)
Talvar was a thriller based on 2008 Noida double murder case in which a teenager and her family servant were murdered. The Irrfan Khan movie follows the investigation which took place post the incident in order to catch the culprit. Irrfan Khan played the role of Arun Kumar, the man leading the charge of the investigation. Ashwin takes up the controversial case while going through bit of a personal turmoil himself. Irrfan’s portrayal of the character helps you back him and share the same disgust he expresses for the people behind such a heinous act.
9. Piku (2015)
Piku was a sweet portrayal of a dysfunctional yet adorable father-daughter relationship. In the film, Deepika plays the titular role of Piku, a strong independent woman who firmly believes in taking a stand for what’s right. On the other hand, her father Bhaskor Banerjee (Amitabh Bachchan) is a grumpy old man obsessed with the disorders of his body. Rana (Irrfan Khan), an owner of a travel agency joins the two as they set out on a road trip from Delhi to Kolkata. Filled with light humor and some brilliant acting, This Irrfan Khan movie makes for a really fun watch.
10. Hindi Medium (2017)
In India, English is not a mere language but a status symbol. If you can’t speak English, you’re looked down upon by others. Apart from the already existing class divides in the country like religion, caste, race and sex, language too is very much a part of the list. The Irrfan Khan movie tries to bring about that message forward with the story of a couple from Chandni Chowk aspiring their daughter to have the best education in order make her a part of the so-called ‘elite group’.
In India, English is not a mere language but a status symbol. If you can’t speak English, you’re looked down upon by others. Apart from the already existing class divides in the country like religion, caste, race and sex, language too is very much a part of the list. The Irrfan Khan movie tries to bring about that message forward with the story of a couple from Chandni Chowk aspiring their daughter to have the best education in order make her a part of the so-called ‘elite group’.
RIP #IrrfanKhan u were an inspiration and the finest artist ever. U will always be remembered……….
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