From 3 Idiots to Guru: R Madhavan’s 5 best Bollywood movies

In the wake of R Madhavan's latest release Shaitaan, here's looking at his 5 best Bollywood movies.

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

March 9, 2024 - 11:20 AM IST

R Madhavan is one of the biggest stars down south. But the actor is a famous name in Bollywood too as he has starred in some of the finest films. Just yesterday, his supernatural thriller Shaitaan arrived in theatres. Directed by Vikas Bahl, the film, which is the remake of the Gujarati movie Vash, also stars Ajay Devgn, Jyotika and Janki Bodiwala.

From 3 Idiots to Guru: R Madhavan’s 5 best Bollywood movies

In the wake of the release of this film, here’s looking at Madhavan’s 5 best Bollywood movies (as per release dates).

Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (2001)

This one is R Madhavan's debut Hindi film, where he played the lead role of Maddy, opposite Dia Mirza's Reena. The film is a romantic drama directed by Gautham Menon and it became a cult classic among young audiences. It also starred Saif Ali Khan in a prominent role. It’s music by Harris Jayaraj not only became a hit but is still remembered.

Rang De Basanti (2006)

In this critically acclaimed film directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Madhavan portrayed Flight Lieutenant Ajay Rathod. The film explores patriotism and the power of youth in contemporary India. The actual story begins when Madhavan’s character dies and his friends – played by Aamir Khan, Atul Kulkarni, Kunaal Kapoor, Siddharth, Sharman Joshi and Soha Ali Khan – battle it out to give him justice.

Guru (2007)

Directed by Mani Ratnam, Madhavan had a supporting role in this biographical drama about the rise of a businessman named Gurukant Desai, portrayed by Abhishek Bachchan while Aishwarya Rai Bachchan played his wife. Madhavan's performance as Shyam Saxena was well-received. Although he wasn’t a main lead, it was his character that brought a conflict both in Guru’s life and the movie.

3 Idiots (2009)

Think about Madhavan’s best Bollywood movies and the first name that comes to our minds is 3 Idiots. He played Farhan Qureshi, one of the three protagonists in this blockbuster comedy-drama directed by Rajkumar Hirani, along with Aamir Khan and Sharman Joshi. The film addresses the pressures of the Indian education system and the pursuit of personal dreams in an entertaining way. It is one of the biggest blockbusters of Bollywood.

Tanu Weds Manu (2011)

Madhavan starred opposite Kangana Ranaut in this romantic comedy directed by Aanand L Rai. He played the role of Manoj ‘Manu’ Sharma, a doctor who falls in love with a free-spirited girl. The film provided him with an opportunity to display an array of emotions and he latched onto the opportunity with both hands. Four years later, he also starred in the sequel of the film titled Tanu Weds Manu Returns, which became an even bigger hit.

Also Read: Madhavan on his character in Shaitaan, “This creature I play is so evil, he is way beyond my comprehension of wickedness”