If there’s one thing the internet is buzzing about right now, it’s Dulquer Salmaan’s knockout performance in Kaantha. The praise has been pouring in from all corners. The internet has already declared it a National Award-winning performance. And over the years, it’s exactly what we’ve come to expect from him. DQ has always been that actor who doesn’t just play a character; he becomes the character. So, if Kaantha has awakened the Dulquer fan within you (again), here are the best Dulquer Salmaan movies that truly prove his acting prowess.

1. Karwaan

This one really showcases Dulquer’s gift for understated acting. A road trip triggered by a mix-up of dead bodies sounds absurd, but Dulquer grounds the entire film as Avinash, a man quietly grieving and stuck in a life he never wanted. He plays the character with such internal restraint that you feel every unspoken emotion. The dry humour, the awkwardness, the slow healing, he makes it all feel incredibly real.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

2. Chup: Revenge of the Artist

This is a psychological thriller about a serial killer targeting dishonest film critics. Dulquer’s Danny/Sebastian is unsettling precisely because he plays the character with such calm control. He shifts between warmth and menace so effortlessly that you’re constantly on edge, constantly guessing what’s next. This is one of the best yet underrated Dulquer Salmaan movies.

Where to watch: Zee5

3. Bangalore Days

Bangalore Days is a coming-of-age story centred around three cousins starting fresh in the city. Dulquer’s Arjun is the broody biker dealing with abandonment issues, but instead of leaning into clichés, he plays him with beautiful understatement. His vulnerability comes through in the smallest gestures, making Arjun’s emotional arc one of the strongest in the film. What stands out is how he conveys a whole childhood’s worth of hurt with just a look.

Where to watch: JioHotstar or Amazon Prime Video

4. King of Kotha

This film is a massy gangster drama about a feared don returning home to reclaim his past. Here, Dulquer plays Raju with a simmering intensity that never spills into excess. It’s a performance full of restraint, where his eyes and silences communicate far more than words. He elevates what could’ve been a typical mass role into something far more emotional and grounded.

Where to watch: JioHotstar

5. Kurup

Based on a true story, the film revolves around the alluring mystery of one of India’s most wanted fugitives. As Sukumara Kurup, Dulquer is suave, cold, and dangerously charismatic. Dulquer embodies that mystery perfectly. He’s charming one moment, and unsettling the next. He plays Kurup with calculated restraint, keeping the audience guessing while maintaining an enigmatic aura that suits the story’s tone.

Where to watch: Netflix

6. Kammati Paadam

This is one of Dulquer’s most mature and layered performances. The movie deals with the theme of friendship and the brutal realities of urbanisation. As Krishnan, he completely sheds his star aura and steps into the skin of a man fighting for his friend. Krishnan is torn between love and loyalty, and DQ portrays it quite powerfully. He rarely relies on emotional outbursts. Instead, he conveys his pain through looks and silence, making the film feel incredibly authentic. It’s a role that proves Dulquer Salmaan can handle raw, realistic storytelling with finesse.

Where to watch: JioHotstar

7. OK Kanmani

This is a modern love story about two people who aren’t ready for labels. Dulquer Salmaan’s Adi fits perfectly into this breezy world. He’s playful, flirtatious, and emotionally honest when it counts. He balances playfulness with sincerity, making the character feel like someone you could actually know. There’s an ease to his performance that makes the romance feel relatable, and he nails the quieter moments where Adi’s fear of commitment slips through.

Where to watch: JioHotstar

8. Sita Ramam

This is DQ’s most loved and widely popular role. As Lieutenant Ram, Dulquer is tenderness personified. His body language, his smile, even the way he pauses before delivering a line — everything adds to the film’s emotional core. He brings such sincerity to the role that you genuinely feel invested in Ram’s journey.

Where to watch: JioHotstar

9. Guns & Gulaabs

A quirky, retro crime series where absurdity meets violence. Dulquer Salmaan’s Arjun Varma, the straight-laced, no-nonsense cop, becomes the anchor in a world full of eccentric chaos. What’s brilliant is how he plays the role with a perfect blend of seriousness and deadpan humour. His controlled expressions, sharp timing, and understated swagger make Arjun both hilarious and unexpectedly cool, proving once again that Dulquer can elevate even the quirkiest of stories with sheer presence.

Where to watch: Netflix

10. Lucky Baskhar

A middle-class bank clerk’s life changes overnight when he finds himself pulled into a world of easy money and impossible risks. This film is a testament to Dulquer’s range. As Baskhar, he smoothly transitions from an ordinary bank clerk to a man caught in the whirlwind of ambition and greed. What stands out is how naturally he portrays the character’s transformation. He never rushes it, never oversells it.

Where to watch: Netflix

With Kaantha now joining the list of his most acclaimed roles, it’s clear Dulquer Salmaan is not just choosing good films; he’s choosing roles that challenge him. And that’s exactly why watching him on screen is always such a treat.

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