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9 Irrfan Khan movies that prove he was still too underrated

9 Irrfan Khan movies that prove he was still too underrated

When we think of Irrfan's best work, we can't help but think of all of them so took a while to narrow it down
Updated 01 May, 2020

Irrfan Khan passed away on April 29 at the age of 54.

The world is mourning the loss as the actor made in impact all over the world with his brilliant acting skills and a personality to match. From comedy to thriller to wholesome content, the man had range be it a leading role or a five minute cameo.

We'll be honest, when we think of Irrfan's best work, we can't help but think of his entire filmography. He never disappointed! Even if it's a silly online video calling out every Bollywood party song with AIB or the rude husband in Aaja Nachle, he made himself seen.

In fact, can we deny that his few lines in debut Salaam Bombay left as much as an impact as anything else? He was genuine proof that there are no small parts.

And while it's difficult, we've narrowed some of our favourite roles, inclusive of supportive characters along with leads, that you can watch as reminder of his talent.

Maqbool

Vishal Bharadwaj's adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth really didn't get the appreciation it deserved at the time of its release despite positive reviews. However, the film, as a modern interpretation of the classic tragedy really knocked it outta the park and Irrfan's work Maqbool is outstanding.

The Lunchbox

It's easy to understand why this wholesome movie won the Grand Rail d'Or; the the sheer simplicity of the story which carried a powerful message about human connections. The sweet love tale made us feel more feels than any grand gestures of love in any mainstream flick.

Hindi Medium

Irrfan's highest grossing movie to date, the movie stars him alongside Saba Qamar as two parents struggling to get their daughter in an elite school.

Who couldn't relate to Irrfan's pain when a flawed education system interferes with his child's right to decent education and the film's comic tone manages to hit right home with the message.

Puzzle

Irrfan's fairly known in Hollywood and while he has played supporting roles in many huge blockbuster flicks like The Amazing Spider-Man or Jurassic World, we loved his performance in 2018's Puzzle where he plays a wealthy puzzle tournament champion.

Haider

Irrfan was not the lead in this dark adaptation of Hamlet but he stole the spotlight as Roohdaar and delivered yet another unforgettable performance. The subtlety with which he uttered each dialogue was so memorable and left us wanting more.

Piku

We can agree that Irrfan's acting range knew no bounds and Piku really brings that to the limelight. His portrayal of the frustrated middle-aged man going through the motions of life made us laugh and lets not forget this iconic line from an iconic man:

A photo posted by Instagram (@instagram) on

Tokyo Trial

One of Irrfan's lesser known projects, the Japanese historical mini-series is about a small but significant episode of international history after World War II.

The actor plays Radhabinod Pal, a judge who played a pivotal role in the trial.

Haasil

Ranvijay Singh is one of Irrfan's villainous characters that earned him an award as well. The 2003 film initially got a lot of mixed reviews for its rough and violent depictions of student politics but soon became a cult classic.

Paan Singh Tomar

Irrfan's performance as an army person turning sportsman turning gang member is one that many haven't seen but those who have can't deny the powerful delivery of the actor in the biographical film.

Comments

Laila Apr 30, 2020 11:39pm
I love the Lunchbox!! If you haven't seen it, then go see it now. It's an amazing story with so many facets.. It makes you cry, smile and laugh.
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Saumya Apr 30, 2020 11:51pm
@Laila please watch the name sake if you have not seen yet.
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Mouza Ali May 01, 2020 12:27am
A very talented actor and a simple soul, life cut short by terminal illness. Very unfortunate. Loved him in Haasil and Pan Singh Tomar.
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Sheraz Ali Rizvi May 01, 2020 01:46am
I never forget the the performance of Irfan Khan in Paan Singh Tomar! One of the best performance by this great underrated actor.
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Sheraz May 01, 2020 03:55am
The guy was an absolute treat ro watch! You were so natural and subtle. We'll for sure miss you!! R.I.P
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Ahmad Paracha May 01, 2020 04:39am
Though i was not a big fan of him but if i had to choose one performance of his as his best thn it would be in the movie 'The Namesake'.
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ravi May 01, 2020 06:57am
Acting was natural to him. He had amazing capability to make any character special one. And above them all he was a man with golden hearts
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Bharat Dave May 01, 2020 07:28am
He was truly underrated. More so he could never get commercial success.
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RK Dubey May 01, 2020 08:26am
I saw most of these films .He made impression on all these films.Tokyo Trials , is a treat for history and legal professional and students.
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Amol May 01, 2020 08:26am
How can you forget D-Day? Both Rishi Kapoor and Irfan played wonderful characters in that film.
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raj kumar May 01, 2020 08:59am
India has lost one of its Gem in the acting field.
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G H A L I B J E E E May 01, 2020 10:01am
For me most of the time his name was enough to watch a movie. R.I.P
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sam May 01, 2020 12:16pm
I noticed Irrfan-sir first in 'Chankya' Tv-serial as a sulking commander. He was outstanding in 'Maqbool', 'Billu-barber' movies, Irrfan-sir's eyes were like an ocean, conveyed lot of thing w/o any dialogue.
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Abdul Rauf May 01, 2020 12:56pm
The one inspired me a lot was his movie 'Madari'
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Prateek Singh May 01, 2020 03:19pm
Rarely one feels so close to a celebrity figure. Rarely, one feels that one should have known him personally as a friend and person . And it will not happen now!Ever!! Disappointment is personal - for so many around us!
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Abhinandan Gupta May 01, 2020 03:49pm
His best is the Namesake. Sadly missing from this list.
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Sudhir May 01, 2020 06:32pm
The choices must have been tough. Irrfan was equally brilliant in Slumdog Millionaire, Life of Pi , Namesake and Billu. With Irrfan you were always guaranteed the maximum bang for the buck.
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Junaid May 01, 2020 07:09pm
He has stared in 12 oscar nominated movies and many of it won oscars. His role in Life of pi, slumdog millionaire, Namesake were some of his best work.
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Faisal May 01, 2020 07:19pm
So sad news Irfan Bhai miss u
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Rangarajan Raghavachari May 01, 2020 07:19pm
Everyone forgets that Irfan was a contemporary of Manoj bajpayee the great in National school of drama one of the best institutions in India.When Talent is clubbed with training and nurtured the outcome is excellence..The role of CBFC,NIFT,NSD,WICA,Editing,Sound engineering ,Music,Acting,FTII etc in various functions to illustrate si nce 1995 has helped Indians to be world class in every aspect of cinema..Irfan was the beneficiary since 2005 of this ecosystem..Meanwhile technicians,ob van experts are a major industry with outdoor vans along with Filmcity..A new revolution of filmmaking one for class and another for mass is enlarging and many 100 cr box office even in regional cinema is the new normal..Currently there are 50 actors of both genders,languages, who are the next Irfan khan and Rishikapoor..Exciting times ahead for Indian cinema..
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Laila May 02, 2020 08:37am
@Saumya thanks for reminding me. I did actually watch it years ago. It's a great movie too!
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Science save life May 02, 2020 10:21am
He was legendary actor. Many of the movies goer dont understand real acting , they want only entertainment that's why talent got back seat.
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A true fact May 02, 2020 02:30pm
@Saumya definitely! still think it was one of the most amazing performances by the late actor. His presence in the movie truly depicts how a fathers influence can never wane even if he has departed. It was irfan khans powerful performance that’ delivered that feeling.
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A true fact May 02, 2020 02:30pm
@raj kumar the world has lost.. not just India
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Imtiaz Ali Khan May 02, 2020 03:45pm
Inna lillaahi wa inna ilayhi Raaji'oon.
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mahmood anwar May 02, 2020 06:44pm
Namesake & Life of Pi, along with HM were my favourite by him. Also seen many of his mini Gulzar tv plays from early 1990s on Doordarshan, along with Om Puri.
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Ravi May 03, 2020 06:20am
Great actor and a very good person at heart.
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Laila May 03, 2020 06:26pm
@Saumya thank you for the reminder! I completely forgot about that one. I watched it years ago. Excellent movie. Definetely a little a gem!
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kamal Mansoor May 03, 2020 08:03pm
Great loss.
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