Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s 9 most underrated performances you must watch

Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s 9 most underrated performances you must watch

By Entertainment Desk May 19, 2025 

Hidden gems

Beyond Gangs of Wasseypur and Sacred Games, here are 9 hidden gems where Nawazuddin Siddiqui truly shines as an artist.

Image Credit: Instagram

Haraamkhor (2017)

Nawaz plays a morally ambiguous schoolteacher in a rural setting. His unsettling yet deeply human portrayal earned critical praise.

Image Credit: Instagram

Photograph (2019)

In this quiet romance with Sanya Malhotra, Nawaz plays a shy street photographer. His subdued, restrained performance tugs at the heart.

Image Credit: Instagram

Manto (2018)

As writer Saadat Hasan Manto, Nawaz delivers one of his most honest, soul-baring acts. He captures Manto’s fire, vulnerability, and rebellion. 

Image Credit: Instagram

Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)

This Anurag Kashyap thriller features Nawaz as a psychotic killer. It’s chilling, intense, and disturbingly convincing. Another unforgettable performance that flew under the radar.

Image Credit: Instagram

Miss Lovely (2012)

Set in the sleazy C-grade film world of the 80s, Nawaz plays a shy, repressed brother. It’s a haunting look at a dark, forgotten side of cinema. A festival favourite that needs more mainstream love.

Image Credit: Instagram

Babumoshai  Bandookbaaz (2017)

Nawaz turns contract killer with dark humour and charm in this gritty film. His magnetic screen presence holds the narrative together.

Image Credit: Instagram

Monsoon Shootout (2017)

A taut thriller where Nawaz plays a mysterious criminal. The film explores morality through multiple outcomes. His performance adds depth to the philosophical edge.

Image Credit: Instagram

Serious Men (2020)

Nawaz plays a Dalit father pretending to raise a genius son to escape poverty. Smart, satirical, and emotionally layered, this is an underrated Netflix gem with a brilliant central act.

Image Credit: Instagram

The Lunchbox (2013)

Though a supporting role, Nawaz’s character adds warmth and comic relief. His presence balances the emotional tone beautifully. Another gentle reminder of his versatility.

Image Credit: Instagram

Next: Happy Birthday Shivangi Joshi: 10 prominent roles of the actress
Thanks For Reading !
Find out More