5 underrated movies of Saif Ali Khan that deserve a rewatch

Directed by Sriram Raghavan, this modern thriller introduced Bollywood to one of its most chilling villains. As the story unfolds, Saif starts as the charming boyfriend, only to reveal his manipulative, sinister self. His smooth portrayal of lover-boy who turns into a cold-blooded conman was unexpected. With this movie, Saif broke his image and proved he could pull off grey characters with utmost ease. Today, the movie is considered a cult classic, but back then it didn’t get the deserved success.

In the directorial debut of Homi Adajania, Saif played Cyrus, a wanderer trapped in the twisted lives of a Parsi family. A movie entirely ahead of its time showcased the darker side of cinematic expression. Made fully in English, Saif’s subtle, eerie performance anchored the movie, showcasing a side of him audiences rarely saw. It didn’t set the box office on fire, but it remains one of his boldest choices as an actor.

A Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s classic novel adaptation, 'Parineeta' was a period romance that introduced Vidya Balan to Bollywood. While her performance stole the spotlight, Saif’s portrayal of Shekhar was deeply delicate. Torn between love for Lalita (Vidya) and his own insecurities, Saif gave us a complex performance mounded with vulnerability, anger, and passion. Many still see this as one of his most heartfelt performances.

Not a typical Bollywood film, 'Kaalakaandi' was wild, bizarre, and full of dark humor. Saif portrayed a man who, after a shocking medical diagnosis, goes on a chaotic, profound night in Mumbai. His unconventional performance was both hilarious and tragic, showing his inclination to take up offbeat cinema even when it might cut off mainstream audiences. The film didn’t click at the box office but has since found appreciation for its unpredictability.

Prakash Jha’s drama on the controversial issue of caste-based reservations saw Saif in a more trivialized role as a student leader. While Amitabh Bachchan carried the weight of the film, Saif’s sober and balanced performance lent authenticity to the narrative. It wasn’t his flashiest role, but it exemplified his ability to blend into ensemble-driven, socially relevant stories.

Saif Ali Khan definitely deserves a special mention for his career-best performance. Though technically a web series, 'Sacred Games' should to be mentioned. As Sartaj Singh, a troubled Mumbai cop caught between morality and corruption, Saif delivered one of his best performances. Saif’s subtle intensity and shattered humanity gave the show its emotional weight.