A look at 5 underrated Rajkummar Rao films that deserve more love

Citylights tells the story of a small-town couple struggling to survive in the harsh realities of Mumbai. Rajkummar’s portrayal of a helpless yet hopeful migrant is heart-wrenching. The film didn’t get the commercial success it deserved, but his emotionally layered performance made it unforgettable for those who watched it.

In Trapped, Rajkummar Rao plays a man accidentally locked inside a high-rise apartment without food, water, or electricity. The film is almost a one-man show, and Rao’s performance is absolutely gripping. Despite its brilliance, the movie didn’t make much noise at the box office but has since gained cult status for its intense storytelling and Rao’s raw, physically demanding portrayal.

In Omerta, Rao takes on one of his darkest roles as terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh. The film’s gritty, documentary-style treatment made it a niche watch, but Rao’s chilling transformation was nothing short of phenomenal. His ability to make the audience both despise and understand his character is what made this performance so remarkable, yet the film went largely unnoticed by the masses.

Shahid is a powerful biographical drama based on the life of human rights lawyer Shahid Azmi. Rao’s restrained and deeply moving performance earned him a National Award, but the film remains criminally underrated among mainstream audiences. It’s one of his finest performances, packed with nuance, courage, and honesty.

Though Hamari Adhuri Kahani was not centered around him, Rajkummar Rao delivered a deeply empathetic performance as the abusive yet vulnerable husband. His role was complex, and despite limited screen time, he left a lasting impact, showing that he can shine even in a supporting role.