Emraan Hashmi has carved his niche in the industry with his unconventional roles and magnetic screen presence. From intense thrillers to heart-wrenching dramas, Hashmi has delivered a myriad of memorable performances throughout his career. While he continues to entertain us on the big screen and the digital world, here’s a rewind of some of iconic Emraan Hashmi movies that have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema and deserve a rewatch.
7 Emraan Hashmi movies to watch for his acting and groovy songs, on Disney+Hotstar, Zee5, and more
1. Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai – Disney+Hotstar
Emraan Hashmi shines in the role of Shoaib Khan, a character inspired by real-life gangster Dawood Ibrahim. Set against the backdrop of the 1970s Bombay underworld, the film chronicles the rise of Shoaib from a small-time street thug to a powerful mafia don. Hashmi’s portrayal of Shoaib is mesmerizing, and captures the nuances of his ambition, ruthlessness, and charm. His dynamic chemistry with co-star Ajay Devgn, who plays a powerful criminal Sultan Mirza, adds depth to the narrative, making it a gripping tale of crime, power, and redemption. With its captivating storyline and stellar performances, this remains a standout film in Hashmi’s career.
2. Shanghai – ZEE5
In the political thriller, Hashmi delivers a compelling performance as Joginder Parmar, a street-smart videographer. Set in the fictional town of Bharat Nagar, the movie delves into the murky world of politics and corruption. The plot revolves around a group of youngsters who embark on a deadly mission to reveal the truth behind a renowned social activist’s death, which the government portrays as an accident. Hashmi’s portrayal of Joginder, a character with shades of grey, is nuanced and gritty. His transformation from a cynical opportunist to a man driven by conscience adds depth to the storyline. Hashmi stands out with his portrayal of a character caught in the crossfire of power and morality. The movie showcases Emraan Hashmi’s versatility as an actor and his ability to tackle complex roles with finesse.
3. The Dirty Picture – Amazon Prime Video
Despite Vidya Balan stealing the show with her performance in this biographical drama inspired by actress Silk Smitha’s life, Emraan Hashmi manages to hold his own. He plays Abraham, a struggling filmmaker who becomes enamoured with the enigmatic Reshma (Vidya), who later becomes famous as Silk for her erotic roles. Set in the glitzy and glamorous world of the South Indian film industry during the 1980s and 1990s, the movie explores the rise and fall of Silk, a bold and uninhibited actress who defied societal norms. Hashmi’s portrayal of Abraham is understated yet impactful, providing a stark contrast to Silk’s flamboyant persona. With its bold narrative and powerful performances, the movie is worth a watch at least once.
4. Aashiq Banaya Aapne – Disney+Hotstar
One of the earlier movies in Emraan Hashmi’s filmography, Aashiq Banaya Aapne boasts not only a thrilling plot but also amazing song tracks – they have the power to still make you groove. The plot is quite simple – Karan (Sonu Sood), a college student, is in love with his friend Sneha (Tanushree Dutta) and plans to confess. All’s going well but then arrives his buoyant friend, Vicky (Emraan). Sneha is smitten with Vicky’s personality and falls in love with him. Thus begins an intense love triangle marked by obsession and betrayal, and a mind-blowing plot twist. The movie allows Hashmi to showcase his ability to excel in roles that blend romance and suspense.
5. Aksar – Amazon Prime Video
Emraan Hashmi brings his trademark intensity to the role of Ricky Sharma, a charming fashion photographer hired by Rajveer (Dino Morea), a businessman, to seduce his wife Sheena (Udita Goswami). Rajveer and Sheena are on the verge of a divorce and to avoid a hefty alimony, the former takes Ricky’s help. His plan backfires when Sheena’s friend comes into the picture and learns the truth. Ricky gets entangled in a web of deceit and desire with the story culminating in a surprise twist. The movie is a riveting tale of love, lust, and manipulation, with a gripping storyline and Hashmi’s charismatic screen presence adding to the viewing experience.
6. Ek Thi Daayan – Disney+Hotstar
Bobo is a renowned magician scarred by a childhood incident and is seeking psychiatric help for the same. All is going well for the adult Bobo who is married to Tamara (Huma Qureshi) and their adopted son Zubin (Bhavesh Balchandani). Their lives are turned upside down when the mysterious entity from his childhood comes back to haunt him and threatens to kill Zubin. The movie weaves a chilling tale of suspense and intrigue as Bobo grapples with his fears and confronts the dark secrets of his past. Hashmi’s portrayal of Bobo is both intense and vulnerable, capturing the complexities of his character’s psyche as he navigates through a series of eerie and inexplicable events.
7. Why Cheat India – ZEE5
Emraan Hashmi plays Rakesh Singh, a smooth-talking con artist who exploits the flaws in India’s education system for personal gains. The movie sheds light on the rampant corruption and loopholes prevalent in the country’s educational institutions. Rakesh’s moral ambiguity adds depth to the storyline, raising thought-provoking questions about ethics and integrity. With its gripping narrative and powerful performances, the movie is a compelling critique of India’s education system and showcases Hashmi’s ability to portray complex characters with finesse.
Enjoyed reading this article? To receive more articles like this, sign up for the GQ Newsletter
