Hello once again readers, Today we will talk about no one other than Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
Well, I will start with asking a question..What image of Nawazuddin Siddiqui is portray in your mind?
Simply put, for me he is one of the finest actors India has ever produced. Famous for his intense performances, natural acting style, and ability to disappear into any role, Nawazuddin has carved his place in Bollywood without the backing of a film family or conventional hero looks.
He played small background characters in the late 1990s to delivering unforgettable roles in Gangs of Wasseypur, The Lunchbox, Manto, and Sacred Games now.
His journey is an inspiring story of talent, patience, and resilience and also for me. Today, he is celebrated not just in India but also on the global stage for bringing authenticity and depth to every character he portrays.
So, because of his inspiring journey today I have decided to write the complete details about his career. What I means is. I will complied all the Nawazuddin Siddiqui movies and TV shows in this article today.
So, let’s not stop here and read continue to know the amazing and inspiring journey.
Top Movies and Web Shows in Detail
First, let’s get familiar to his famous roles in movies and TV shows so that you can recall him better. Here’s the top movies and TV shows.
Gangs of Wasseypur (2012)
- Movie Status: Landmark cult crime drama directed by Anurag Kashyap. This film made Nawazuddin a star.
- Role: Faizal Khan, a timid son who rises to become a feared gangster.
- Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Manoj Bajpayee, Richa Chadda, Huma Qureshi, Pankaj Tripathi
- Box Office (Worldwide): ₹40 crore
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Why We Should Watch: To witness Nawazuddin’s career-defining performance as Faizal Khan.
Critics Review: Widely praised for storytelling and Nawazuddin’s transformation. Considered one of the greatest gangster films in Indian cinema.
The Lunchbox (2013)
- Movie Status: A quiet romantic drama that gained international attention.
- Role: Shaikh, a cheerful colleague who befriends Irrfan Khan’s character.
- Cast: Irrfan Khan, Nimrat Kaur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
- Box Office (Worldwide): ₹100 crore+ (big overseas success)
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Why We Should Watch: A heartwarming story about loneliness and connections.
Critics Review: Loved for its simplicity and emotions; Nawazuddin added warmth with his comic timing.
Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)
- Movie Status: Dark psychological thriller. Nawazuddin’s chilling role as a serial killer stunned everyone.
- Role: Ramanna, inspired by real-life serial killer Raman Raghav.
- Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vicky Kaushal
- Box Office (Worldwide): ₹15 crore
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Why We Should Watch: For one of the scariest and most realistic performances by an Indian actor.
Critics Review: Critics praised Nawazuddin’s fearless performance, calling it “career-best.”
Manto (2018)
- Movie Status: Biographical drama on writer Saadat Hasan Manto.
- Role: Saadat Hasan Manto
- Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Rasika Dugal, Tahir Raj Bhasin
- Box Office (Worldwide): ₹12 crore
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Why We Should Watch: To see Nawazuddin transform into the legendary writer.
Critics Review: Hailed at Cannes; Nawazuddin’s performance was called “masterclass in acting.”
Sacred Games (2018–2019, Netflix)
- Status: First big Indian Netflix series, global hit.
- Role: Ganesh Gaitonde, gangster with godlike ambitions.
- Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Saif Ali Khan, Radhika Apte, Pankaj Tripathi
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Why We Should Watch: A gripping series where Nawazuddin is unforgettable.
Critics Review: International Emmy-nominated; Nawazuddin’s Gaitonde became a cultural phenomenon.
Serious Men (2020, Netflix)
- Movie Status: Satirical drama based on a book.
- Role: Ayyan Mani, a poor man who tricks society with his son’s fake genius.
- Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Indira Tiwari
- Box Office: OTT release (no box office, but widely streamed).
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Why We Should Watch: A sharp, funny yet emotional take on ambition and class struggle.
Critics Review: Critics called it one of Nawazuddin’s most relatable roles.
Raat Akeli Hai (2020, Netflix)
- Movie Status: Crime thriller.
- Budget: ₹15 crore
- Role: Jatil Yadav, a small-town cop investigating a murder.
- Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Shweta Tripathi
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Critics Review: Critics praised Nawazuddin for his subtle and restrained performance as a cop torn between duty and personal struggles. The film’s dark tone and layered storytelling drew comparisons with international noir thrillers.
Why We Should Watch: If you love whodunit mysteries with great acting, this is a perfect pick. Nawazuddin’s grounded cop feels real, and his chemistry with Radhika Apte adds emotional depth to the murder mystery.
Badlapur (2015)
- Movie Status: Revenge thriller.
- Role: Liak, a criminal with surprising depth.
- Cast: Varun Dhawan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Huma Qureshi
- Box Office (Worldwide): ₹78 crore
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Critics Review: Nawazuddin stole the show with his layered villain role, often overshadowing the hero. Many reviewers called him the “soul of the film,” as he brought charm, humor, and humanity to an otherwise grey character.
Why We Should Watch: For Nawazuddin’s brilliant grey-shaded performance that makes you question good vs. evil. His banter, vulnerability, and unapologetic attitude make Liak one of his most memorable roles.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)
- Movie Status: Blockbuster family drama.
- Role: Chand Nawab, a Pakistani journalist who helps Salman’s character.
- Cast: Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Harshaali Malhotra, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
- Box Office (Worldwide): ₹910 crore
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Critics Review: Critics highlighted Nawazuddin as the film’s emotional heartbeat. His Chand Nawab added humor, sensitivity, and humanity, making his scenes as memorable as Salman Khan’s heroism.
Why We Should Watch: Nawazuddin’s Chand Nawab is unforgettable — a character that balances humor and tears. His heartfelt performance brings freshness to this blockbuster entertainer.
Manjhi- The Mountain Man (2015)
- Movie Status: Biopic of Dashrath Manjhi, who carved a mountain alone.
- Role: Dashrath Manjhi
- Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte
- Box Office (Worldwide): ₹20 crore
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Critics Review: Critics praised Nawazuddin for carrying the entire film on his shoulders, making Manjhi’s extraordinary struggle believable. His transformation from a grieving husband to a determined “mountain man” earned universal applause.
Why We Should Watch: A motivational real-life story brought alive by Nawazuddin’s sincerity. The film is a reminder that determination can literally move mountains.
Kick (2014)
- Movie Status: Salman Khan blockbuster.
- Role: Shiv Gajra, stylish villain.
- Cast: Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
- Box Office (Worldwide): ₹402 crore
- IMDb Rating: 6.0/10
Critics Review: Nawazuddin made a strong impact despite limited screen time. Critics called him a scene stealer for bringing a quirky, dangerous, and unpredictable vibe that stood out in a star-heavy film.
Why We Should Watch: To watch Nawazuddin stand tall against Salman Khan. His unique villain role added a fresh punch to the commercial masala setup.
Thackeray (2019)
- Movie Status: Biopic of Bal Thackeray.
- Role: Bal Thackeray
- Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Amrita Rao
- Box Office (Worldwide): ₹40 crore
- IMDb Rating: 5.1/10
Critics Review: Nawazuddin was praised for his uncanny resemblance and intense portrayal of Bal Thackeray. While the film was criticized for being one-sided, Nawazuddin’s commanding performance kept audiences engaged.
Why We Should Watch: For Nawazuddin’s bold and intense performance, where he convincingly brings a controversial political figure to life.
Haraamkhor (2017)
- Movie Status: Indie drama about a teacher-student relationship.
- Role: Shyam, a small-town teacher
- Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Shweta Tripathi
- Box Office: Small release, moderate success.
- IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
Critics Review: Called disturbing yet powerful, the film showcased Nawazuddin’s ability to portray flawed, uncomfortable characters with authenticity. Critics admired his raw performance for making an uneasy story so watchable.
Why We Should Watch: For raw, realistic storytelling that challenges social boundaries. Nawazuddin brings shocking honesty to a controversial subject.
Photograph (2019)
- Movie Status: Offbeat romance.
- Role: Rafi, a street photographer in Mumbai.
- Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sanya Malhotra
- Box Office: Art-house release, limited earnings.
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Critics Review: Praised for its simplicity, poetic visuals, and the tender chemistry between Nawazuddin and Sanya Malhotra. Nawazuddin’s quiet performance was called gentle and heartfelt.
Why We Should Watch: For Nawazuddin’s tender performance in an unusual love story. It’s a slow, soulful watch for fans of meaningful cinema.
McMafia (2018, BBC)
- Status: International crime drama.
- Role: Dilly Mahmood
- Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, James Norton
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/
Critics Review: Nawazuddin received global recognition for his gritty role in this BBC production. Reviewers noted that his screen presence added authenticity to the show’s exploration of the global crime underworld.
Why We Should Watch: To see Nawazuddin in an international setting where he holds his ground alongside top global actors.
Thamma (2025)
- Status: Romantic supernatural / myth-horror comedy.
- Role: Yakshasan, a powerful and ancient vampire (betaal) who has been imprisoned for 1,000 years and now returns as the film’s antagonist.
- Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Paresh Rawal, with cameo appearances (Varun Dhawan) and others.
- IMDb Rating: Not yet available. (Since it is an upcoming movie)
Critics Review: From teaser and trailer reactions, critics are intrigued by Nawazuddin’s portrayal of Yakshasan, noting that his screen presence seems to add genuine menace and folklore-weight to the story.
There are also early comments that the horror-comedy tone with vampires and mythological elements could either elevate the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe or risk feeling repetitive if not balanced well.
Why We Should Watch: To see Nawazuddin in a villainous supernatural avatar, which is different from many of his recent roles. This movie has big expectations; watching it will tell whether it brings something fresh or follows tried formulas.
Complete Nawazuddin Siddiqui Filmography
| Year | Movie | Role | Cast | Status |
| 1999 | Sarfarosh | Terrorist/informer | Aamir Khan, Sonali Bendre | Average |
| 1999 | School | Waiter | Manoj Bajpayee, Raveena Tandon | Hit |
| 2000 | Jungle | Khabri | Fardeen Khan, Urmila Matondkar | Average |
| 2003 | Munna Bhai M.B.B.S | Pickpocket | Sunjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi | Superhit |
| 2007 | Black Friday | Asgar Mukadam | Kay Kay Menon, Aditya Sricastava | Hit |
| 2009 | New York | Zilgai | John braham, katrina Kaif | Hit |
| 2010 | Peepli Live | Rakesh Kapoor | Omkar Das Manikpuri | Hit |
| 2012 | Kahaani | A. Khan | Vidya Balan | Blockbuster |
| 2012 | Gangs of Wasseypur | Faizal Khan | Manoj Bajpayee, Richa Chadda Cult | Hit |
| 2013 | The Lunchbox | Shaikh | Irrfan Khan, Nimrat Kaur | Hit |
| 2014 | Kick | Shiv Gajra | Salman Khan, Jacqueline | Blockbuster |
| 2015 | Badlapur | Liak | Varun Dhawan, Huma Qureshi | Hit |
| 2015 | Bajrangi Bhaijaan | Chand Nawab | Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor | Blockbuster |
| 2015 | Manjhi Dashrath | Manhji | Radhika Apte | Hit |
| 2016 | Raman Raghav 2.0 | Ramanna | Vicky Kaushal | Cult |
| 2017 | Haraamkhor | Shyam | Shweta Tripathi | Moderate |
| 2017 | Mom | DK | Sridevi, Akshaye Khanna | Hit |
| 2018 | Manto | Saadat Hasan Manto | Rashika Dugal | Critically Acclaimed |
| 2018 | Sacred Games | Ganes Gaitonde | Saif Ali Khan, Radhika Apte | Blockbuster |
TV Show
| 2019 | Thackeray | Bal Thackeray | Amrita Rao | Average |
| 2019 | Photograph | Rafi | Sanya Malhotra | Niche |
| 2020 | Raat Akeli Hai | Jatil Yadav | Radhika Apte | Ott Hit |
| 2020 | Serious Men | Ayyan Mani | Indira Tiwari | OTT hit |
| 2023 | Haddi | Haddi | Nawazuddin | Mixed |
| 2024 | Saindhav | Vikas Malik | Venkatesh Daggubati | |
| 2024 | Section 108 | DCP Vijay Khanna | Regina Cassandra | Average |
To Wrap up
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s journey from a background actor in films like Sarfarosh to a global name through Sacred Games and Manto is nothing short of inspirational.
What sets him apart is his ability to slip into any role, whether it’s a gangster (Gangs of Wasseypur), a struggling father (Serious Men), a journalist (Bajrangi Bhaijaan), or a legendary writer (Manto).
He has proved that success in cinema doesn’t come only from glamour but also from talent, perseverance, and honesty in performance. With upcoming films like Section 108 and Thamma, Nawazuddin continues to push boundaries and surprise audiences.
Let me know your thoughts on Nawazuddin Siddiqui movies and TV shows. Write down them in the comment section.
