Irrfan Khan, one of India’s most versatile actors, was known for his powerful performances in both dramatic and action roles. Although he was primarily celebrated for his nuanced performances in intense dramas, he also made a mark in action-packed films that showcased his ability to handle high-stakes and intense roles. His unique style brought depth to the action genre, blending intensity with his signature subtlety. Movies like Haasil and Maqbool highlighted his capability to portray complex, gritty characters, adding layers to his action-driven roles. His standout performances in films such as Jurassic World, The Lunchbox, and Life of Pi further demonstrated his ability to shine in action-oriented narratives, both in Bollywood and international cinema. Despite his untimely passing, Irrfan Khan’s action roles continue to inspire, reflecting his remarkable range and impact on Indian cinema.
Haasil (2003):
Haasil (2003) is a gripping action-thriller that explores politics, power, and revenge. Directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, Irrfan Khan delivers a stellar performance as Dean, a morally conflicted student leader fighting against corruption. His portrayal is intense, layered, and captures the emotional turmoil of his character perfectly. The film’s tight screenplay keeps the audience on edge with high-stakes drama, suspense, and strong performances from Jimmy Sheirgill and Mukesh Tiwari. Dhulia’s direction is sharp and gritty, with effective cinematography that enhances the film’s raw, dark atmosphere. Irrfan Khan’s performance remains the highlight, making “Haasil” a must-watch for fans of action-thrillers.
| Star Cast: | Irrfan Khan,Sharat Saxena,Ashutosh Rana,Rajpal Yadav,Sudhir Pandey |
| Release Year | 2003 |
| Languages Available | Hindi, |
| Run-time | 2 Hours 41 Minutes |
| IMDb Rating | 7.8 |
| OTT Platforms | Availble On Netflix.major platforms |
Maqbool (2003):
“Maqbool” is a gripping crime-drama directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, loosely inspired by William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The film features a powerhouse performance by Irrfan Khan, who delivers a complex, layered portrayal of Maqbool, a gangster caught in a web of ambition, betrayal, and paranoia. His subtle yet intense acting captures Maqbool’s inner conflict, making the character both menacing and tragic. The film is rich in dark, brooding atmosphere, with brilliant performances from the entire cast, including Pankaj Kapoor and Tabu. Vishal Bhardwaj’s direction is exceptional, blending crime, politics, and Shakespearean tragedy seamlessly. The dialogues and cinematography add depth, creating a gripping narrative that keeps the audience engaged throughout. Irrfan’s Maqbool is a standout performance, making this a must-watch for lovers of gritty, crime-driven dramas.
| Star Cast: | Irrfan Khan,Pankaj Kapur,Om Puri,Naseeruddin Shah,Piyush Mishra |
| Release Year | 2003 |
| Languages Available | Hindi, |
| Run-time | 2 Hours 12 Minutes |
| IMDb Rating | 8.0 |
| OTT Platforms | Availble On Netflix.Amazon Prime Video |
The Warrior (2001):
“The Warrior” is a visually stunning British-Indian action-drama directed by Asif Kapadia. Starring Irrfan Khan in the lead role, the film tells the story of a hardened warrior named Ajatshatru, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after seeking redemption. Irrfan delivers a powerful, restrained performance, bringing depth and introspection to his character. His portrayal captures the inner turmoil of a man grappling with his past and the brutal choices he’s made. The film’s breathtaking cinematography and immersive landscapes complement the quiet, reflective tone of the narrative. Asif Kapadia’s direction is meticulous, emphasizing themes of atonement, honor, and the quest for peace. “The Warrior” stands out for its poetic storytelling, emotional resonance, and Irrfan’s nuanced performance, making it a memorable and thought-provoking film.
| Star Cast: | Irrfan Khan,Sunita Sharma,Puru Chibber,Aino Annuddin,Firoz Khan |
| Release Year | 2001 |
| Languages Available | Hindi, |
| Run-time | 1 Hours 25 Minutes |
| IMDb Rating | 7.3 |
| OTT Platforms | Availble On Netflix.Amazon Prime Video |
Billu (2009):
“Billu” is a heartwarming comedy-drama directed by Priyadarshan, featuring Irrfan Khan in a key supporting role. The film revolves around a simple, impoverished barber, played by Irrfan, whose life turns upside down when a famous Bollywood star, Sahil Khan (played by Shah Rukh Khan), visits his village. Irrfan delivers a grounded, emotional performance as Billu, portraying a man torn between his loyalty to his family and the attention he receives due to the celebrity. His restrained acting brings authenticity to the character, capturing both humor and the emotional depth of his relationship with the star. The film explores themes of friendship, identity, and the struggle for self-respect in the face of fame. With strong performances, a touching storyline, and great support from the ensemble cast, “Billu” is a heartfelt and relatable film.
| Star Cast: | Irrfan Khan,Rasika Joshi,Shah Rukh Khan,Om Puri,Asrani |
| Release Year | 2009 |
| Languages Available | Hindi, |
| Run-time | 2 Hours 16 Minutes |
| IMDb Rating | 6.4 |
| OTT Platforms | Availble On Netflix. |
D-Day (2013):
“D-Day” is a gritty and intense Indian action-thriller directed by Nikhil Advani. The film revolves around a team of RAW agents led by Rakesh Singh (played by Arjun Rampal), who are sent on a deadly mission to capture India’s most wanted terrorist, Nawaz Sharif (played by Irrfan Khan). Irrfan Khan delivers a powerful performance as Nawaz Sharif, a ruthless and enigmatic terrorist mastermind. His portrayal is menacing, yet nuanced, bringing a sense of cold intensity to the character. Irrfan’s presence adds credibility to the film’s complex narrative, blending action with emotional depth. The film stands out for its taut storytelling, gritty realism, and strong performances from the ensemble cast, especially Irrfan. “D-Day” is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
| Star Cast: | Irrfan Khan,Shruti Haasan,Rishi Kapoor,Huma Qureshi,Nassar |
| Release Year | 2013 |
| Languages Available | Hindi, |
| Run-time | 2 Hours 31 Minutes |
| IMDb Rating | 7.2 |
| OTT Platforms | Availble On Amazon Prime Video. |
Paan Singh Tomar (2012):
“Paan Singh Tomar” is a biographical drama directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, based on the real-life story of the athlete-turned-dacoit Paan Singh Tomar, played brilliantly by Irrfan Khan. Irrfan delivers a career-defining performance as Paan Singh Tomar, capturing the transformation from a celebrated athlete to a fugitive seeking justice. His portrayal is both powerful and heartfelt, bringing emotional depth to the character’s journey of despair and frustration as he is abandoned by the system he once served. The film highlights themes of identity, honor, and injustice, with Irrfan’s nuanced acting bringing authenticity and gravitas to the narrative. The direction by Dhulia is subtle yet impactful, while the cinematography adds to the film’s earthy, rural setting. “Paan Singh Tomar” is a must-watch, with Irrfan’s performance remaining one of his finest.
| Star Cast: | Irrfan Khan,Mahie Gill,Vipin Sharma,Rajendra Gupta,Zakir Hussain |
| Release Year | 2012 |
| Languages Available | Hindi, |
| Run-time | 2 Hours 15 Minutes |
| IMDb Rating | 8.2 |
| OTT Platforms | Availble On Netflix |
The Lunchbox (2013):
The Lunchbox (2013) is a heartwarming tale of love, loss, and human connection. Directed by Ritesh Batra, the film revolves around an unusual bond formed between Ila (Nimrat Kaur), a lonely homemaker, and Saajan (Irrfan Khan), a reclusive widower, through a mistaken lunchbox delivery. Set in the bustling city of Mumbai, the film beautifully captures the subtleties of life, relationships, and unspoken emotions. Irrfan delivers a nuanced performance, portraying Saajan’s transformation from a withdrawn man to someone rediscovering hope. Nimrat Kaur and Nawazuddin Siddiqui add depth and charm to the story. A poignant masterpiece, it lingers long after the credits roll.
| Star Cast: | Irrfan Khan,Nimrat Kaur,Nawazuddin Siddiqui,Lillete Dube, |
| Release Year | 2013 |
| Languages Available | Hindi, |
| Run-time | 1 Hours 45 Minutes |
| IMDb Rating | 7.8 |
| OTT Platforms | Availble On Netflix |
Karwaan (2018):
Karwaan (2018) is a delightful road-trip film that explores themes of self-discovery, grief, and the unexpected twists of life. Directed by Akarsh Khurana, the story follows Avinash (Dulquer Salmaan), a disillusioned IT professional, who embarks on a journey to retrieve his late father’s misplaced body. He’s joined by his quirky friend Shaukat (Irrfan Khan) and a rebellious teenager, Tanya (Mithila Palkar). Irrfan shines as Shaukat, effortlessly blending humor and wisdom, adding layers to the narrative. The picturesque South Indian landscapes, soulful music, and moments of introspection make the film a heartwarming and relatable experience. A charming ode to life’s unpredictability.
| Star Cast: | Irrfan Khan,Kriti Kharbanda,Dulquer Salmaan,Mithila Palkar,Akash Khurana |
| Release Year | 2018 |
| Languages Available | Hindi, |
| Run-time | 1 Hours 54 Minutes |
| IMDb Rating | 7.6 |
| OTT Platforms | Availble On Amazon Prime Video.ney+ Hotstar: |
Angrezi Medium (2020):
Angrezi Medium (2020) is a touching and humorous story about a father’s unconditional love and sacrifice for his daughter’s dreams. Directed by Homi Adajania, the film stars Irrfan Khan as Champak Bansal, a small-town sweet shop owner who goes to extraordinary lengths to fulfill his daughter Tarika’s (Radhika Madan) wish to study in London. Irrfan delivers an endearing performance, balancing comedy and emotional depth with ease. The film is layered with moments of humor, heartfelt dialogues, and a universal message about parental devotion. Supported by a stellar cast including Kareena Kapoor Khan and Deepak Dobriyal,Angrezi Medium is a heartwarming watch that resonates with families everywhere.
| Star Cast: | Irrfan Khan,Kareena Kapoor,Radhika Madan,Dimple Kapadia,Pankaj Tripathi |
| Release Year | 2020 |
| Languages Available | Hindi, |
| Run-time | 2 Hours 25 Minutes |
| IMDb Rating | 7.2 |
| OTT Platforms | Availble On platforms like Hotstar,Netflix,Disney+ Hotstar: |
Haider (2014):
Haider (2014) is a powerful adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, set against the turbulent backdrop of insurgency-hit Kashmir. Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, the film follows Haider (Shahid Kapoor), a young man returning to his homeland to uncover the truth behind his father’s disappearance, only to confront betrayal, revenge, and his inner turmoil.Irrfan Khan, in a pivotal cameo as Roohdar, adds an enigmatic and haunting layer to the narrative. His restrained yet impactful performance enhances the film’s intensity. Supported by exceptional performances from Tabu and Kay Kay Menon, Haider is a visually stunning and emotionally charged masterpiece of modern Indian cinema.
| Star Cast: | Irrfan Khan,Shahid Kapoor,Shraddha Kapoor,Tabu,Kay Kay Menon, |
| Release Year | 2014 |
| Languages Available | Hindi, |
| Run-time | 2 Hours 40 Minutes |
| IMDb Rating | 8.0 |
| OTT Platforms | Availble On platforms like Hotstar,Netflix |