Rajkummar Rao's best work to watch on OTT

Rajkummar Rao has proved to be one of the most versatile actors of recent times in Indian cinema, delivering memorable performances year after year across genres. From serious dramas to offbeat comedies, his performances are characterized by depth and realism. For audiences wanting to watch his best work on OTT, here's a list of must-watch films, each reflecting a different side of his talent.

Rajkummar Rao plays Satyendra, an honest clerk whose life is turned upside down when his bride-to-be, Aarti, leaves him on the eve of their wedding after passing a civil services exam. Years later, they meet again under strained conditions. Rao's performance conveys the transformation from a romantic lover to a tough cop, oscillating between vulnerability and restraint. The movie is distinctive for its rare combination of romance and social commentary, with Rao holding the film together through his subtle performance.

Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video

In this horror-comedy that defies genres, Rao features as Vicky, a tailor from a small town who gets pulled into supernatural mayhem when women in Chanderi begin disappearing under mysterious circumstances. His comic timing and everyman appeal bring down the film's eerie premise to earth, making the frights and chuckles equally effective. Rao's rapport with the ensemble cast and his capacity to switch between fear and heroism have turned Vicky into an iconic figure in the Maddock Films' supernatural world.

Available on: Amazon Prime Video.

Rao plays the part of Montu, a lackadaisical PT instructor at a small-town school who is compelled to justify himself when a new competitor enters. The movie pleasantly explores the significance of sports education, and Rao gives Montu relatable flaws and incremental improvement. His comedic presence and emotional resonance make Montu's transformation from indifference to inspiration both enjoyable and affecting, demonstrating Rao's simple talent for taking slice-of-life stories to a higher plane.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, the series is set in the offbeat, cartel-governed town of Gulaabgunj and stars Rao as a mechanic attempting to outrun his deceased mafia father's legacy while he deals with crime and love. His performance lends both vulnerability and quirk to the character and shines amidst a vast ensemble. The show weaves together elements of nostalgia, dark humor, and crime, and Rao's performance provides a strong anchor to a world filled with vivid characters and unpredictable turns.

Streaming on: Netflix

In this biographical drama, Rao gives his career-best performance as Shahid Azmi, a human rights attorney who battles for justice in the face of adversity. His performance is characterized by intense understatement and conviction and captures Shahid's idealism and inner turmoil. Rao's understated yet effective acting raises the powerful narrative of the film to great heights and meets with unanimous critical acclaim and a National Award for Best Actor.

Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video

Rao features as Jayant, a robotics engineer caught in a complex of murder and lies following a fiery romance gone wrong. His performance requires a mix of wit, paranoia, and vulnerability, which Rao handles with ease. The neo-noir tone of the film and the unpredictable nature of the plot are matched by Rao's own capacity to keep audiences guessing about his character's intentions, making it a highlight thriller in his body of work.

Streaming on: Netflix

Rao excels as Newton Kumar, a sincere government clerk who is resolved to hold free and fair elections in a war-torn jungle. His nuanced depiction of Newton's idealism, innocence, and moral bravery is both understated and strong, grounding the movie's satirical approach to Indian democracy. Rao's low-key performance lends authenticity to the character, eliciting praise from critics and global attention for the film.

Available on: Amazon Prime Video