Happy Birthday Kartik Aaryan: 5 movies where the actor scored high with his performance

Largely known for portraying lover boy or comic roles, actor Kartik Aaryan has been venturing into other genres as well, on and off in his decade long career. As the Gwalior boy turns 32 today, here's a look at some underrated performances of the actor, notwithstanding the commercial success of the mentioned movies.

Surprisingly, Kartik put in one of his most mature and restrained performances in the beginning of his career in this Luv Ranjan directed movie. Co-starring Nushrratt Bharuccha, the story is about madly in love college sweethearts Akaash and Vani, who are forced to break up after Vani is married off to a toxic man. How she breaks free from the abusive marriage with supportive Akaash by her side forms the crux of the story.

This short film, that many are unaware of is the story of a Bombay based middle-class Muslim housewife who lives a life of loneliness as her husband works and stays in the Gulf. A young, neighbourhood tailor starts coming to her house for work and the two soon start bonding, even as the society views this as immoral and wrong. Directed by Tanuja Chandra, this 45 minute movie co-stars Meher Mistry and is available on ZEE5.

Somewhat reminiscent of Pyaar Ka Punchnama, this Luv Ranjan film primarily worked because of the bond of the two lead characters, who play childhood friends Sonu (Kartik) and Titu (Sunny Singh). Co-starring Nushrratt Bharuccha as the stereotypical gold digger, this one finds mention on our list because of the friendship angle, where Sonu goes to extreme lengths to save his best friend from falling into the trap of a girl completely unsuited for him.

A far cry from the other commercial pot boilers of Kartik, this one is an edge of the seat thriller directed by Ram Madhvani. Co-starring Mrunal Thakur and Amruta Subhash, the movie is the story of an ex-news anchor, who heartbroken over the failure of his marriage, gets a call that can potentially alter his life. Unwittingly, he jumps into something he has no idea of, as the clock keeps ticking for what seems like a potential end to many human lives.

One of the few films that landed on its feet in the sequel too, this one was lapped up by the audience for being funny and scary at the same time. Co-starring Kiara Advani and Tabu, this one is the story of Ruhan who agrees to escort Reet back home to her ancestral house. Once there, he pretends to be a ghostbuster in front of her family since they all believe that Reet is dead. Meanwhile, the spirit of Manjulika is back to haunt one and all. Directed by Anees Bazmee, this one was lauded for Kartik's comic timing.