25 Best Irrfan Khan Movies – From the intense Maqbool to the heartwarming Angrezi Medium, Irrfan Khan left behind a legacy of unforgettable performances in both Bollywood and Hollywood. His unmatched talent and versatility made every character he played feel real and relatable.
If you want to experience the magic of Irrfan Khan’s acting, here are 25 of his best films that showcase why he remains a legend in Indian cinema. Whether it’s drama, comedy, or thrillers, Irrfan’s brilliance shines through in every role.
Table of Contents
Introduction
25 Irrfan Khan Films That Prove Great Acting Needs No Noise
Some actors entertain. A few stay with you. And then there was Irrfan Khan—a force so quiet yet so powerful that long after the screen faded to black, his characters lingered in your thoughts. He wasn’t just an actor; he was an experience. With every glance, every pause, every half-smile, he revealed layers most performers couldn’t touch in a lifetime of monologues.
From a hardened criminal in Maqbool to a struggling father in Hindi Medium, from a heartbroken husband in The Lunchbox to a philosophical cop in Talvar, Irrfan didn’t just play roles—he dissolved into them. He made silence speak louder than dialogue, and simplicity feel more profound than grand gestures.
This isn’t just a list—it’s a celebration of an artist who redefined acting. Below, we’ve gathered 25 of his finest films, each a testament to his genius. You’ll find cult classics, Hollywood gems, underrated treasures, and blockbuster hits—all united by one thing: Irrfan’s unmatched brilliance.
Whether you want to revisit his magic or discover it for the first time, let this be your guide. Lights dim. The screen flickers. And Irrfan Khan, once again, makes cinema come alive.
Here are his 25 most unforgettable performances.
25 Best Irrfan Khan Movies (1999 – 2020)
1. The Goal (1999)
- Director: Gul Bahar Singh
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Story: Set in a small Indian village, The Goal tells the inspiring tale of a young boy named Manu who dreams of becoming a footballer. Despite being talented, he faces caste-based discrimination, which hampers his chances of getting selected. Irrfan Khan plays the role of the village coach, Anupam, who sees great potential in Manu and decides to help him break through the social barriers. The film is a heartfelt commentary on casteism and the triumph of spirit over societal limitations. Irrfan brings gravity and grace to the mentor’s role, guiding the boy with not just sports wisdom but life lessons.
2. Haasil (2003)
- Director: Tigmanshu Dhulia
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Story: Set against the turbulent backdrop of student politics in Allahabad University, Haasil follows the story of Aniruddh, a young man who joins college and unknowingly steps into a world of crime, power, and political manipulation. Irrfan Khan plays Ranvijay Singh, a cunning student leader who initially befriends Aniruddh but later uses him for his own political gain. Irrfan’s portrayal is chilling yet charismatic, turning the villainous Ranvijay into one of the most iconic negative roles in Hindi cinema. The film escalates into a violent power struggle, exploring themes of corruption, ambition, and betrayal.
3. Maqbool (2004)
- Director: Vishal Bhardwaj
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Story:A modern Indian adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Maqbool transports the tragedy into the Mumbai underworld. Irrfan Khan plays Maqbool, a trusted aide of don Abbaji. Seduced by ambition and by Abbaji’s mistress Nimmi (played by Tabu), Maqbool becomes entangled in a web of desire, guilt, and violence. He murders Abbaji to ascend the criminal hierarchy, but paranoia and remorse consume him. The film is a haunting journey into the psyche of a man who chooses power over peace. Irrfan’s restrained performance gives depth to Maqbool’s inner conflict, making the audience empathize even with his darkest decisions.
4. Rog (2005)
- Director: Himanshu Brahmbhatt
- IMDb Rating: 5.2
- Story: Rog is a psychological crime thriller that revolves around Inspector Uday Singh Rathod, played by Irrfan Khan. Uday is a loner, emotionally disconnected from the world, until he begins investigating the murder of a mysterious woman named Maya. As the investigation deepens, Uday becomes obsessed with Maya’s life and slowly falls in love with her memory. The film explores themes of loneliness, emotional detachment, and forbidden love. Irrfan’s portrayal of a broken man discovering feelings through the shadows of a crime is deeply moving and showcases his remarkable ability to express silent pain.
5. 7½ Phere (2005)
- Director: Ishaan Trivedi
- IMDb Rating: 5.3
- Story: A light-hearted comedy, 7½ Phere centers around a television crew planning to shoot a reality show based on a traditional Indian wedding. As the line between reality and fiction blurs, chaos and hilarity ensue. Irrfan Khan plays Manoj Joshi, the uncle of the bride, who brings sharp wit and subtle sarcasm to the story. The film is a satirical take on the commercialization of personal moments and the intrusion of media into private lives. Irrfan’s comic timing and deadpan delivery add charm and realism to the colorful, culturally rich setting.
6. The Namesake (2006)
- Director: Mira Nair
- IMDb Rating: 7.5
- Story: A profound exploration of identity and belonging, The Namesake follows the life of Gogol Ganguli, the American-born son of Bengali immigrants. Irrfan Khan plays Ashoke Ganguli, Gogol’s father, who tries to instill Indian values in his children while adapting to American culture. The story spans decades, showing Ashoke’s sacrifices, cultural displacement, and quiet strength. Irrfan delivers one of his most subtle and powerful performances, expressing deep emotion through silence, small gestures, and wise words. The film is a tribute to immigrant life, parental love, and the struggle to bridge two worlds.
7. Life in a… Metro (2007)
- Director: Anurag Basu
- IMDb Rating: 7.4
- Story: Set in the fast-paced life of Mumbai, this ensemble film intertwines multiple urban love stories. Irrfan plays Monty, a straightforward, quirky man searching for companionship through matrimonial ads. His unexpected romance with the emotionally scarred Shruti brings warmth and humor to the otherwise heavy narrative. The film explores the complexities of love, relationships, infidelity, and loneliness in the modern world. Irrfan stands out with his grounded performance, showing how simplicity and honesty can cut through the noise of a chaotic city.
8. Mumbai Meri Jaan (2008)
- Director: Nishikant Kamat
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- Story: Set in the aftermath of the 2006 Mumbai train bombings, the film follows the lives of five strangers affected by the tragedy. Irrfan Khan plays Thomas, a street vendor who pulls pranks on wealthy people as a form of rebellion. However, the trauma of the blast changes his outlook. Through Thomas, the film shows how class divisions and social tensions are exacerbated during crises. Irrfan portrays this subtle transition from a prankster to a man full of empathy with honesty and depth. The film is a poignant reflection on fear, hope, and human connection in urban India.
9. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
- Director: Danny Boyle
- IMDb Rating: 8.0
- Story: While the spotlight is on Dev Patel’s Jamal Malik, Irrfan Khan plays a key role as the police inspector who interrogates Jamal after he unexpectedly starts winning in Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. As the story unfolds through Jamal’s flashbacks, the inspector goes from skeptic to believer. Though his screen time is limited, Irrfan brings gravity to the role, acting as a bridge between the viewer and the protagonist’s journey. The film itself is a whirlwind tour through poverty, crime, love, and destiny in India, and Irrfan’s performance anchors the narrative’s realism.
10. Billu (2009)
- Director: Priyadarshan
- IMDb Rating: 6.4
- Story: Billu is a heartfelt tale of friendship and humility. Irrfan plays Billu, a poor village barber whose life is turned upside down when a Bollywood superstar (played by Shah Rukh Khan) comes to his village for a film shoot. Rumors spread that Billu is the superstar’s childhood friend, and he is suddenly revered by the villagers. But Billu struggles with pride, shame, and disbelief. The climax reveals a deeply emotional bond between the two men. Irrfan delivers a tender performance, capturing the pain of poverty, the weight of pride, and the value of unspoken loyalty.
11. Right Yaaa Wrong (2010)
- Director: Neeraj Pathak
- IMDb Rating: 6.6
- Story: This suspense thriller revolves around a murder investigation that challenges the boundaries of law, morality, and friendship. Irrfan Khan plays ACP Arjun Singh, a dedicated and sharp police officer investigating a high-profile murder case in which his own friend, Ajay Shridhar (played by Sunny Deol), is a suspect. The film begins with a seemingly clear narrative but soon turns into a psychological chess game between the two men. Irrfan’s portrayal of a determined yet emotionally conflicted cop stands out, especially as the truth becomes more ambiguous. It’s a story that explores justice, betrayal, and the gray areas in human relationships.
12. Yeh Saali Zindagi (2011)
- Director: Sudhir Mishra
- IMDb Rating: 7.4
- Story: A dark romantic crime drama, Yeh Saali Zindagi tells a twisted tale of love, sacrifice, and gangster politics. Irrfan plays Arun, a money launderer deeply in love with Priti, a woman who doesn’t reciprocate his feelings the same way. When Priti’s lover is kidnapped, Arun risks everything—including his life and profession—to save her. The film is chaotic, unpredictable, and witty, much like life itself. Irrfan’s performance is layered, combining sarcasm, deep yearning, and calm intensity. His character constantly questions what makes life worth living—and dying—for, all while delivering sharp dialogues with effortless charm.
13. Paan Singh Tomar (2012)
- Director: Tigmanshu Dhulia
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
- Story: Based on the true story of an Indian soldier-turned-athlete-turned-dacoit, Paan Singh Tomar is a biographical drama that showcases one of Irrfan Khan’s finest performances. He plays the title role of Paan Singh, a national steeplechase champion who later takes up arms after a land dispute and systemic injustice. The film traces his journey from a disciplined army man to a feared rebel of the Chambal Valley. Irrfan completely immerses himself in the role, portraying the athlete’s pride, the citizen’s frustration, and the outlaw’s pain with haunting precision. This role earned him a National Award and widespread critical acclaim.
14. Life of Pi (2012)
- Director: Ang Lee
- IMDb Rating: 7.9
- Story: An internationally acclaimed film, Life of Pi is a philosophical and visual masterpiece. Irrfan plays the adult Pi Patel, who recounts the extraordinary story of his survival at sea after a shipwreck. The young Pi is stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. While most of the story is told through flashbacks, it’s Irrfan’s narration and final revelation that give the film its emotional weight. He brings a quiet strength to the adult Pi—a man who has suffered, learned, and come to peace with the complexity of life and faith. His performance makes the story both believable and unforgettable.
15. The Lunchbox (2013)
- Director: Ritesh Batra
- IMDb Rating: 7.8
- Story: The Lunchbox is a delicate love story told through handwritten letters delivered by mistake. Irrfan plays Saajan Fernandes, a lonely widower nearing retirement, who starts receiving lunchboxes intended for someone else. Inside each box is a note from Ila, a housewife seeking connection. As they exchange letters, a bond blossoms—unspoken, unseen, yet deeply intimate. Irrfan’s restrained, nuanced performance brings depth to Saajan’s transformation—from an indifferent, aging clerk to a man rediscovering emotion and hope. The film celebrates life’s small moments and silent companionships in the midst of Mumbai’s chaos.
16. D-Day (2013)
- Director: Nikhil Advani
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Story: A gripping action thriller, D-Day centers on a covert Indian intelligence mission to capture a wanted terrorist from Pakistan. Irrfan plays Wali Khan, an undercover RAW agent who has lived in Karachi for nine years, building a false life and identity. The film explores the cost of patriotism, as Wali’s personal and professional worlds collide. Torn between his duty and his love for his family, Irrfan brings a deeply human side to the action-packed narrative. His performance reflects the emotional strain of being a ghost for one’s country, making the film more than just a spy thriller.
17. Haider (2014)
- Director: Vishal Bhardwaj
- IMDb Rating: 8.0
- Story: A haunting adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Haider is set in conflict-ridden Kashmir. While Shahid Kapoor plays the lead, Irrfan Khan’s cameo as Roohdaar—an eerie, ghost-like messenger of truth—is unforgettable. Roohdaar’s entry changes the trajectory of the story, revealing painful secrets and setting off a tragic chain of events. In just a few scenes, Irrfan leaves a lasting impression. His character represents both the soul of Kashmir and the moral reckoning of the protagonist. With poetic intensity and piercing dialogue delivery, Irrfan once again proves that even limited screen time is enough to create magic.
18. Piku (2015)
- Director: Shoojit Sircar
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Story: A slice-of-life dramedy, Piku is about the everyday complexities of familial relationships. Irrfan plays Rana Chaudhary, a cab company owner who gets roped into a road trip with Piku (Deepika Padukone) and her hypochondriac father (Amitabh Bachchan). Throughout the journey from Delhi to Kolkata, Rana becomes a quiet observer and subtle mediator in the father-daughter dynamic. His calm demeanor, understated humor, and patience provide the perfect counterbalance to the family’s chaos. Irrfan’s natural charm and gentle chemistry with Deepika bring authenticity to a film filled with warmth, wit, and emotional honesty.
19. Talvar (2015)
- Director: Meghna Gulzar
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Story: Based on the real-life 2008 Noida double murder case, Talvar is a gripping investigative drama. Irrfan plays Ashwin Kumar, a top CBI officer assigned to untangle the web of misleading evidence and departmental politics surrounding the case. His portrayal is fierce, methodical, and deeply invested. The film presents multiple versions of the crime, leaving viewers to question truth and justice. Irrfan dominates every frame with his sharp dialogue delivery, deadpan sarcasm, and growing frustration with the system. His performance is not only convincing—it’s unsettlingly real.
20. Madaari (2016)
- Director: Nishikant Kamat
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Story: Madari is a socially charged thriller about a common man’s fight against systemic corruption. Irrfan plays Nirmal, a father whose son dies due to a government infrastructure failure. In a desperate act of protest and grief, he kidnaps the Home Minister’s son to force the system to acknowledge its accountability. The film is part emotional journey, part cat-and-mouse chase. Irrfan carries the entire narrative on his shoulders, making the viewer feel every ounce of his anguish and moral resolve. His monologues, filled with raw emotion and righteous fury, resonate long after the credits roll.
21. Hindi Medium (2017)
- Director: Saket Chaudhary
- IMDb Rating: 7.8
- Story: Hindi Medium is a satirical and emotional drama that explores the absurdities of India’s education system and the social obsession with English. Irrfan plays Raj Batra, a successful yet uneducated businessman from Chandni Chowk who wants his daughter admitted into an elite English-medium school. To achieve this, he and his wife go to extreme lengths, including pretending to be poor to benefit from a quota. Irrfan brings immense charm, wit, and relatability to Raj’s character. His performance makes you laugh and feel deeply, as he wrestles between ambition and integrity. This role highlighted his ability to combine humor with heart, and won him the Filmfare Best Actor award.
22. Qarib Qarib Singlle (2017)
- Director: Tanuja Chandra
- IMDb Rating: 7.1
- Story: This romantic comedy is a refreshing take on mid-life romance and second chances. Irrfan plays Yogi, a quirky, poetic, and somewhat eccentric man who meets Jaya (Parvathy Thiruvothu) on a dating app. Together, they embark on a cross-country journey to meet his exes, and in the process, unravel their emotional pasts. Yogi is unlike any typical romantic hero—awkward, unpredictable, and deeply human. Irrfan breathes life into this unusual character with natural humor and vulnerability. His chemistry with Parvathy is subtle and sweet, making this travel-romance a charming watch filled with soul.
23. Blackmail (2018)
- Director: Abhinay Deo
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Story: Blackmail is a dark comedy about a bored husband who finds out his wife is having an affair—and instead of confronting her, he starts blackmailing her lover. Irrfan plays Dev Kaushal, a toilet-paper company executive stuck in a dead-end job and a loveless marriage. The twisty narrative spirals into chaos as more people start blackmailing each other, leading to hilarious and darkly ironic outcomes. Irrfan’s deadpan expressions, dry humor, and effortless comic timing elevate the film. He captures the frustration of a man stuck in a morally grey spiral, making us laugh while also questioning what we’d do in his place.
24. Karwaan (2018)
- Director: Akarsh Khurana
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Story: Karwaan is a gentle road trip film that explores grief, relationships, and self-discovery. Irrfan plays Shaukat, a street-smart, brash, and funny van driver who joins Avinash (Dulquer Salmaan) on a journey to retrieve his father’s body after a mix-up at the morgue. Along the way, they are joined by a rebellious teenager, and what begins as a funeral errand turns into a soul-searching expedition. Irrfan is hilarious, delivering laugh-out-loud dialogues with impeccable comic timing, while also giving space for deeper emotional moments. His character’s blend of wisdom and wit adds heart to this breezy yet poignant film.
25. Angrezi Medium (2020)
- Director: Homi Adajania
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Story: Angrezi Medium is not just a sequel to Hindi Medium but also a powerful swan song for Irrfan Khan. He plays Champak Bansal, a sweet, small-town mithaiwala from Udaipur who is determined to fulfill his daughter’s dream of studying in London. As Champak fumbles through the English-speaking world, visa troubles, and cultural chaos, Irrfan makes the audience laugh and cry in equal measure. The film is about the lengths a father will go to for his child, and Irrfan’s performance is nothing short of beautiful. With tenderness, humor, and warmth, he leaves a final mark on our hearts in what would become his last film before his untimely passing.
Conclusion
Irrfan Khan: 25 Films That Keep a Legend Alive
There are actors who entertain you, and then there are those who change how you see—life, love, pain, even the ordinary. Irrfan Khan belonged to that rare breed. He didn’t just perform; he existed in his roles so completely that you forgot you were watching a film. His characters stayed with you—not because they were heroic or dramatic, but because they felt real. A father’s quiet worry, a lover’s unspoken longing, a broken man’s weary sigh—he made the smallest moments monumental.
In an industry that often mistook loudness for talent, Irrfan was a revelation. He proved that true acting isn’t about delivering dialogues—it’s about listening, reacting, being. Whether in Bollywood, Hollywood, or indie cinema, he brought the same quiet intensity, the same effortless depth. And the world noticed. From Spielberg to Ang Lee, from Indian arthouse audiences to global critics, everyone agreed: Irrfan wasn’t just an actor; he was art.
Today, his films are more than just a legacy—they’re a gift. A reminder of how deeply cinema can move us when it’s in the hands of a master. Below, we revisit 25 of his greatest works, each a testament to his genius. Some will break your heart. Some will make you smile. All will leave you in awe of a man who didn’t just play characters—he gave them souls.
For those who miss him, and for those discovering him anew—here’s Irrfan Khan at his finest.
(List follows with carefully curated selections, blending popular hits with underrated gems, each accompanied by a heartfelt note on why the role mattered.)
Because great actors never really leave. They just live on in the stories they told.
Thank You Note
A Final Bow for the Master Storyteller
As we reach the end of this tribute, one truth remains: Irrfan Khan’s brilliance wasn’t confined to the screen—it lives in every viewer he ever moved. Whether he made you laugh through Hindi Medium, broke your heart in The Lunchbox, or left you breathless in Paan Singh Tomar, his gift was making us feel seen.
This isn’t goodbye. Great artists never truly fade. They live on in:
- The quiet moments we replay in our minds
- The dialogues we quote without thinking
- The stories that feel richer because he was in them
So keep sharing his films. Keep discussing his craft. Keep letting new audiences discover that rare actor who could say more with a glance than others could with a monologue.
“I’m not on the journey—I am the journey.” — Irrfan Khan
Which of his performances stays with you? Drop your favorite Irrfan moment in the comments—let’s keep the conversation alive.
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Thank you for keeping his art breathing. 🎬
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Special Note
The selection of movies listed as the Top 25 movies is not a ranking or hierarchical order. Each movie mentioned has its unique charm and appeal, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. The order in which the movies are listed is purely random and does not imply any form of superiority or inferiority. You are free to start watching any movie based on your interests.
This list is curated to highlight 25 movies from each platform, giving you the flexibility to explore and enjoy them in any order you prefer. Happy watching!
Note for Readers
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Disclaimer
This tribute is a labor of love created by fans, for fans. All film analyses, commentary, and recommendations are based on publicly available information and personal appreciation of Irrfan Khan’s extraordinary body of work.
Key Notes:
1️⃣ Ratings & Data: IMDb ratings and release years reflect information available at publication (June 2024) and may change.
2️⃣ Fair Use: Film stills, posters, and references are used under fair use principles for commentary and educational purposes. All rights belong to respective copyright holders (studios, distributors, photographers).
3️⃣ Non-Affiliation: This is an independent fan project, not endorsed by Irrfan Khan’s estate or any production company.
4️⃣ Corrections: We strive for accuracy. If you spot any errors in facts or attribution, please contact us respectfully.
Why This Matters:
We believe art thrives through remembrance and discussion. By celebrating Irrfan’s legacy, we honor his timeless contribution to global cinema.
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“An actor is just a vessel. The real magic belongs to the audience.” — Irrfan Khan
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