Randeep Hooda Best Movies: 5 unforgettable performances that prove he is a powerhouse of talent

In Bollywood, there are many actors who deliver remarkable performances but do not always enjoy box office glory. One such actor is Randeep Hooda, whose acting prowess often overshadows the commercial success of his films. Ever since making his debut in Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding (2001), Randeep has built a reputation for taking on unconventional roles and portraying them with unmatched intensity.

Born on 20 August 1976 in Rohtak, Haryana, Randeep Hooda is celebrating his 49th birthday this year. Over the years, he has worked with some of the biggest stars, from Salman Khan to Alia Bhatt, and carved a space for himself as an actor whose craft leaves a lasting impression. His last major hit came alongside Sunny Deol, where he played a menacing villain that audiences could not forget. On his special day, let’s revisit five of his best films where his performances compelled audiences to stand up and applaud.

Highway (2014)

Directed by Imtiaz Ali, Highway brought Randeep Hooda and Alia Bhatt together in a story about freedom, trauma, and self-discovery. Randeep played Mahabir, a rugged criminal who kidnaps Alia’s character but eventually becomes her unlikely protector. His raw, restrained performance earned him critical acclaim and even the Best Actor award. Available on Amazon Prime Video, the film continues to resonate with audiences and holds a solid IMDb rating of 7.6.

Sarabjit (2016)

Omung Kumar’s Sarabjit was based on the real-life story of Sarabjit Singh, an Indian farmer who accidentally crossed the border into Pakistan and spent years imprisoned there before his tragic death. Randeep Hooda’s physical transformation and emotionally charged portrayal of Sarabjit won widespread praise, even though the film itself struggled commercially. With Aishwarya Rai and Richa Chadha in key roles, this remains one of Randeep’s most moving performances.

Laal Rang (2016)

Though not a box office success, Laal Rang showcased Randeep Hooda in an unusual and memorable role. Playing Shankar Malik, a local involved in illegal blood trade, Randeep delivered a performance filled with swagger, depth, and grey shades. Despite its failure at the ticket counter, the film has gained cult status on OTT platforms like JioCinema and Hotstar, largely because of Hooda’s commanding presence.

Kick (2014)

In Sajid Nadiadwala’s blockbuster Kick, starring Salman Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Randeep Hooda played ACP Himanshu Tyagi, a tough and sharp police officer determined to catch Salman’s character, Devil. Despite sharing screen space with larger-than-life stars, Hooda held his ground and impressed audiences with his intensity. The film is available to stream on Netflix and remains one of his widely recognized roles.

Sultan (2016)

In Ali Abbas Zafar’s Sultan, Randeep Hooda took on the role of Sultan’s coach, who trains Salman Khan’s character for his comeback as a wrestler. Though his role wasn’t lengthy, his performance added immense weight to the film and didn’t go unnoticed. With Salman Khan and Anushka Sharma leading the project, Sultan went on to become a blockbuster, while Hooda’s contribution was highly appreciated.

From gritty character-driven roles to strong supporting acts in big-budget films, Randeep Hooda has consistently proven his range and dedication to the craft of acting. His performances may not always guarantee a film’s commercial success, but they always win the audience’s respect.