Actor Rani Mukerji is known as one of the most versatile actors in the industry, playing the most unconventional and challenging roles. The actor is celebrating her 45th birthday today.
She began her career in 1996 and had many films in her bucket. Here is a look at some of her best films over her Bollywood career of 27 years:
Black
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F6hMlZ2vts
Helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Black was released in the year 2005. Starring Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji, it is a film about a blind and deaf girl who becomes violent and unmanageable.
After years of persistence, she learns how to express herself through sign language with the help of her teacher, who later succumbs to Alzheimer’s disease. The film depicts the beauty of a teacher-student bond and won three national awards. Rani’s excellent acting leaves a mark on the audience.
Mardaani & Mardaani 2
Rani plays the role of a cop Shivani Shivaji Roy in the mystery thriller directed by Pradeep Sarkar. She goes on to solve a kidnapping case of teenage girls in the first film (2014) and to find a serial rapist-killer in the second (2019). Her acting is fierce, vulnerable and powerful.
Based on a true incident from New Delhi, this biographical thriller shows Rani Mukerji as a journalist fighting for justice. Her portrayal of Meera is an unforgettable one that was critically acclaimed. The film was released in 2010.
Hichki
Giving one of her career’s best performances in 2018, Rani Mukerji raised the bar with Hichki. Playing the role of a compassionate and strong-willed teacher Naina, who suffers from a unique speech disorder, Hichki will move you to tears and Rani will make you feel and think like never before.
Saathiya
Rani Mukerji won the ‘Best Actress’ award in 2002 for Mani Ratnam’s Saathiya. The film is still one of the most loved romantic dramas and redefined modern relationships as portrayed in Bollywood. Co-starring Vivek Oberoi, the film is a treat to watch along with some spectacular songs that will never go out of style.
Yuva
Rani plays a housewife, Sashi Biswas, in this Mani Ratnam film. Yuva is a benchmark for narrative, direction and screenplay. Rani’s acting received immense appreciation from the audience as well as critical acclamation. Set in Kolkata, the film was released in 2004.
Hum Tum
This 2004 film was ahead of its time. Starring Rani Mukerji and Saif Ali Khan, Hum Tum broke stereotypes and stigmas around second chances at love and rewrote the traditional Indian romance depicted in Bollywood films. Rani won two Best Actress awards for her role as Riya in this widely loved movie.
Ram Charan’s Peddi opens to mixed reviews despite strong performances and music
Peddi has received mixed reviews, with Ram Charan’s performance and AR Rahman’s music earning praise while criticism has focused on the film’s screenplay and writing.
Ram Charan’s much-awaited Telugu sports drama Peddi hit theatres on June 4 and has generated significant discussion among critics and audiences. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the film marks Charan’s return to the big screen in a rural sports-based story that combines action, emotion and village politics.
Early reviews have highlighted Ram Charan’s committed performance as one of the film’s strongest assets. Critics have particularly appreciated his transformation and screen presence, with many describing the role as one that allows the actor to showcase both emotional depth and mass appeal.
Another aspect receiving widespread praise is the music and background score composed by A. R. Rahman. Several reviewers and audience members have pointed to the soundtrack and score as key elements that elevate important moments throughout the film.
However, reviews have been more divided on the film’s writing. Critics have argued that while the film contains emotionally effective sequences and well-mounted sports moments, the screenplay often follows familiar genre conventions and lacks the consistency needed to fully realise its ambitions.
The film also stars Janhvi Kapoor, Shiva Rajkumar, Jagapathi Babu and Boman Irani in important roles. Audience reactions on social media have generally described the film as an entertaining watch despite its shortcomings, with praise directed at the performances and technical departments.
Despite the mixed critical response, Peddi has opened strongly at the box office, supported by robust advance bookings and enthusiastic fan celebrations across Telugu-speaking regions.
Dhurandhar raw and uncut version set for digital premiere on two major streaming platforms
In a major surprise for action film fans, the raw and uncut version of Dhurandhar is launching tomorrow across both Netflix India and JioHotstar with uncensored footage and multiple audio tracks.
Indian cinema enthusiasts are in for an unexpected treat as the highly anticipated unfiltered version of the blockbuster film Dhurandhar is officially heading to digital platforms. In a surprising double-platform strategy, the raw and uncut cut of the action-packed movie is scheduled to begin streaming on both Netflix India and JioHotstar.
The sudden announcement from the streaming platforms has sparked significant buzz across social media. While much of the recent digital speculation has centered around the streaming schedule for the sequel, media updates have confirmed that this specific raw release applies to the franchise’s first installment. Starting tomorrow, viewers in India will be able to watch the unfiltered version of the movie in multiple regional languages, including Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil, complete with intense gore sequences and raw dialogues that were previously trimmed.
Dual-platform digital release brings uncensored action
The announcement has cleared up initial confusion among fans who were anticipating updates regarding the franchise. While international audiences have seen varied streaming distributions for the franchise, viewers within India will uniquely get access to the first film’s “undekha” (unseen) cut simultaneously on two separate streaming applications.
The standard digital premiere for the second installment, Dhurandhar 2, remains locked for June 4, 2026, on JioHotstar and will mirror the standard censored cut that was showcased during its theatrical run. However, for fans seeking an uncompromising, high-octane cinematic experience, the original film’s extended, raw edition arrives online tomorrow on both competing streaming services.
The upcoming Bollywood film Dhurandhar 2 has reportedly secured a significant OTT deal, underlining its strong market buzz ahead of release. According to media reports, the film’s digital streaming rights have been acquired by JioHotstar for approximately Rs 155 crore.
The makers are expected to follow a strategic release plan, with the film likely to premiere on the platform after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. JioHotstar also holds digital streaming rights for the tournament, and the post-IPL window is seen as an effort to retain audience engagement.
Reports suggest that the film could arrive on OTT in late May or early June 2026, depending on its theatrical release schedule and run. However, there is no official confirmation yet regarding the exact streaming date.
Industry observers note that the reported deal highlights the growing demand for big-ticket Hindi films among streaming platforms, especially those expected to draw strong audience interest.
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