Arjun Kapoor’s films you might’ve missed (but shouldn’t have!)
When you think of Arjun Kapoor, it’s easy to remember the flashy dance numbers, mainstream masala films, and his cool-kid charm. But over the years, the actor has stepped into roles that quietly portrayed depth, emotional range, and a knack for subtle storytelling—ones that often got overshadowed by box office stats. Let’s give these performances the limelight they deserve. Following are some underappreciated roles of Arjun Kapoor that Indian cinema lovers should definitely revisit.
One of the most critically acclaimed yet criminally underrated roles of Arjun Kapoor’s career came with Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar. Directed by Dibakar Banerjee, the film paired him opposite Parineeti Chopra in a gritty and offbeat thriller where he played Pinky Dahiya, a suspended cop caught between corruption and conscience. Stripped of glam, Arjun delivered a nuanced and restrained performance that stunned both fans and critics.
Why revisit: Arjun’s portrayal of vulnerability and quiet rage is a pure masterclass in subtle acting. Also, his performance and daring look in the film’s climax deserves a lot of credit which many mainstream heroes could never do!
In Vishal Bhardwaj’s gritty noir universe, Kuttey saw Arjun playing Gopal—a crooked cop navigating a chaotic mess of greed, betrayal, and bullets. While the film had a dark and unconventional tone, Arjun blended seamlessly into this morally ambiguous narrative. He held his own alongside an ensemble cast (Tabu, Konkona Sen Sharma, Naseeruddin Shah, Kumud Mishra, Anurag Kashyap, and so on) and showed his ability to thrive in offbeat, performance-driven movies.
Why revisit: For Arjun’s fearless leap into a twisted world where no character is entirely good—or bad.
Aurangzeb (2013): Double Trouble, Double Talent
Before playing it safe became the norm, Arjun took a bold step in Aurangzeb, a gritty crime drama where he played a double role—Ajay and Vishal. Switching between a ruthless brat and a morally conflicted youngster, he gave a layered performance that was both daring and sincere to the script. The movie explored the theme of family betrayal, corruption, and power politics in Gurgaon’s real estate mafia.
Why revisit: This is Arjun Kapoor minus the glamour. Raw, rough-edged, and real.
In this quirky English-language indie film, Arjun Kapoor played Savio, a grumpy mechanic stuck in a sleepy Goan village. With an ensemble cast featuring veterans like Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, and Dimple Kapadia, Arjun held his own ground with restrained humour and honest emotion. His chemistry with Deepika Padukone was refreshingly subtle, that provided the film its unique yet grounded warmth.
Why revisit: Arjun proved that he can be funny without much over-the-top antics—and deep without the melodrama.
Based on Chetan Bhagat’s bestselling novel, Arjun Kapoor played Krish Malhotra—a simple, soft-spoken Punjabi boy exploring the complexities of inter-cultural love. What made his performance stand out was his grounded charm and relatable vulnerability. He beautifully balanced humour, emotional tension, and familial conflicts with Alia Bhatt as his co-star. The two protagonists brought authenticity that could have easily slipped into cliché territory.
Why revisit: For Arjun’s restrained and heartfelt portrayal of modern love caught between tradition and choice.
There have been numerous adaptations of Shakespear’s Romeo and Juliet, yet few touch your heart and stay relevant. Ishaqzaade marked Arjun’s debut that deserves a revisit for how confidently he stepped into the industry. As Parma Chauhan, a volatile, brash boy from a politically charged backdrop, Arjun brought raw energy and unapologetic aggression. The emotional shift in his character arc—from hate to heartbreak—was compelling and left a lasting impact.
Why revisit: The debut of Arjun kapoor roared with authenticity and still packs an emotional punch.
In star-studded Singham Again, Arjun’s appearance as a villainous force has surprised many. This could be a turning point—a space where Arjun embraces darkness with theatrical flair and action-packed intensity. His bold choice to play an antagonist in Rohit Shetty cop universe deserves a nod.
Why revisit: For a taste of Arjun Kapoor 2.0—bold, wicked, and ready to surprise.
It’s easy to categorize Arjun Kapoor—star kid, commercial actor, and rom-com regular. But a closer look reveals someone who’s made a couple of bold choices, taken risks with unconventional scripts, and never shied away from experimenting with characters that don’t always guarantee applause. Arjun Kapoor may not always get the credit he deserves, but these abovementioned performances show he’s more than just a poster boy—an actor willing to evolve, experiment, and express.
On his birthday, revisit Arjun Kapoor’s underrated movies. You might just appreciate a performer who’s been hiding in plain sight.
