Famous as the loud angry young man of Bollywood, Sunny Deol is one of the most revered action actors of the Indian film industry. In a career spanning over 40 years, Deol has starred in numerous superhit films, the majority of which deliver a commentary on flawed social systems.
Deol has played an eclectic range of characters from an amateur boxer in Ghayal to an idealistic priest in Mohalla Assi. If you have a taste for natural acting, you’re going to love these entries from Sunny Deol’s extensive filmography. As usual, you can drop your thoughts in the comments below:
Betaab (1983)
Deol’s debut film is one of the most celebrated romantic films of Bollywood. He plays a hard-working man who puts his life on the line to achieve his childhood love.
The film was shot in the charming valleys of Kashmir, and its hills and vast green fields play a major role in bringing the message of love into the spotlight. One of the valleys in the region was renamed Betaab due to the impact the film had in promoting its enigmatic beauty nationally.
Chup: Revenge of the Artist (2022)
A sadistic serial killer is on the loose in Mumbai. But it’s not a regular serial killer, he is after film critics who give dishonest reviews. He takes joy in giving bloody stars to those who are professional star-givers. Deol is in the role of Inspector General Aravind Mathur who is assigned to investigate the case.
The situations are all flawed with twists and there aren’t enough clues to go about. In the end, the officer is forced to put a critic’s life at risk in order to save the film-review community.
Arjun (1985)
Arjun is a thought-provoking film that shows you the rough realities of society through the eyes of unemployed, distraught young people.
A young man named Arjun who has had a tough life eventually decides to take control and lead a revolt against oppression and corruption in a rogue yet thoughtful manner. However, he finds the company of people who have a sweet mouth and a bitter disposition. Will he be able to give his life a way eventually?
Border (1987)
Border is an emotionally-stirring war film inspired by the 1971 Battle of Longewala. The multi-starrer has Deol in the role of Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, a brave and intelligent squad leader.
The way the film details the life of soldiers and the sacrifices they make in order to protect their homeland makes us question why we need to resort to war. The film features dozens of highly energetic and emotional scenes that have led to its cult following among Indian fans.
Damini (1993)
The film by Rajkumar Santoshi is meant to underscore the strength of a determined woman in the face of obstacles. Damini, an idealistic married woman, witnesses her housemaid being raped by her brother-in-law and his friends. Despite pressure from her family to keep quiet, Damini sets out to achieve justice for her housemaid.
She gets help from Govind, a lawyer with a tragic history. The film features many memorable dialogues that have become synonymous with Sunny Deol’s style over time. His words, “Yeh dhai kilo ka haanth jab kisi pe padta hai na, to aadmi uthta nahi uth jata hai” (When this two-and-a-half kilo hand hits a man, he doesn’t get up, he goes up) is arguably the most popular dialogue of Hindi cinema.
Mohalla Assi (2018)
One of Sunny’s many underrated films, Mohalla Assi is a satirical drama that discusses the offbeat subject of exploitation in tourism.
It’s a bare film that doesn’t hold back on its commentaries in any way but at the same time, it’s entertaining too. Some of the dialogues are funny, and the characters are highly memorable.
Darr: A Violent Love Story (1993)
Darr is the story of a lover gone mad, and the insane extent he’s willing to go to claim his love. The psychological thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end and allows you to peep into a disturbed mind.
Darr was one of the most successful films of 1993 receiving both huge critical and commercial acclaim. The film has inspired a remake and scenes of several movies of other languages.
Ghayal (1990)
Ajay, an amateur boxer, is framed for the murder of his brother by a resourceful mafia boss. While in prison, he makes three friends who assist him in plotting an act of revenge. But his path is not without obstacles.
Ghayal was highly praised by audiences and critics for maintaining a pure action-film atmosphere through and through. As a result, Ghayal was the highest Bollywood grosser in 1990.
Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001)
Set against the backdrop of the Indo-Pak partition, Gadar tells the story of a simpleton truck driver who has to put his all on the line to save his love. The film provides an indirect commentary on social evils that fuel tension among communities.
Gadar is considered to be a cinematic masterpiece featuring memorable scenes and melodic songs that have stood the test of time. Gadar 2, the official sequel of Gadar, is set to release on August 11. The upcoming film is enjoying great buzz thanks to the platform set by its predecessor.
Ghatak: Lethal (1996)
An absolute action classic, Ghatak provides viewers with everything we love about Bollywood. The film explores themes of rebellion for justice, self-respect, and humanity.
Kashi, a simple family man, has to use fists to put an end to the torturous regime of a deadly mafia boss. But the fight has a great familial cost!
There we have it, our list of 10 best Sunny Deol movies. What do you think about our picks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below:
Sunny Deol might repeat the history with Gadar 2.
That’s a good one, you’re right. Thank you Denzel!
Dacait deserves a place here. Good read overall)
Love Ghatak, can’t wait for Gadar 2.