From Hate Story to Files trilogy: Vivek Agnihotri’s top films

By Entertainment Desk | August 19, 2025

Vivek Agnihotri’s debut, Chocolate, was a stylish crime thriller inspired by The Usual Suspects. The film explored deception, betrayal, and mystery, marking his entry into Bollywood.

Chocolate (2005)

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This sports drama featured John Abraham and Bipasha Basu, with the plot revolving around a South Asian football team in London. The movie merged action on the pitch with issues of unity and belonging.

Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal (2007)

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With Hate Story, Vivek entered the salacious territory of erotic thrillers. Headlined by Paoli Dam, the movie was about revenge, lust, and control.

Hate Story (2012)

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A romantic thriller directed by Vivek Agnihotri intertwines obsession, love, and suspense, introducing a darker tone to love stories on the silver screen.

Zid (2014)

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This political drama addresses corruption, exploitation, and conflict of ideologies. This provocative yet insightful film catches on with intellectual and political circles.

Buddha in a Traffic Jam (2016)

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Vivek then moved towards romance with the Pulkit Samrat and Yami Gautam starrer film. Set amidst an army background, the film combined patriotism with a romantic love saga.

Junooniyat (2016)

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This crime thriller was based on the death of Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri under mysterious circumstances. The movie blended fact and fiction, which piqued public interest.

The Tashkent Files (2019)

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Vivek’s most impactful film narrated the tragic exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. With Anupam Kher’s powerful performance, the film was both a critical and commercial success.

The Kashmir Files (2022)

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Based on real incidents, the movie paid tribute to Indian researchers who created the COVID-19 vaccine. The film focuses on resilience, scientific temperament, and India’s struggle against an international pandemic.

The Vaccine War (2023)

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Vivek Agnihotri’s upcoming film is expected to delve into sensitive historical and political issues in Bengal. The highly anticipated film promises to stir discussions much like his previous works.

The Bengal Files

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Next: South actors and their Bollywood debuts
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