Pankaj Tripathi is one of India’s finest and favorite actors. With his natural approach and strong screen presence, he can portray a villain, a comedy character, or an emotional father with equal ease.
He began with very minor roles but gradually reached one of the strongest and most esteemed names in Bollywood and OTT web series.
Here is a complete look at Pankaj Tripathi’s movies and TV shows that I have compiled.
So, you must read the complete article to get the full details.
Complete Pankaj Tripathi Movie List
Chigurida Kanasu (2003)
- Role: Shankar’s friend (Kannada; uncredited)
- Status: Not tracked (tiny role).
Summary: This was the Kannada drama that follows a man returning to his village with new ideas, only to face challenges of rural life.
Pankaj Tripathi played a very small background role, but it marked his first on-screen appearance.
Run (2004)
- Role: Unnamed (uncredited)
- Status: Average, his role unnoticed.
Summary: It was a romantic action movie starring Abhishek Bachchan and Bhumika Chawla, about a man who falls in love with a gangster’s sister.
Pankaj Tripathi had a blink-and-miss role, but it gave him exposure in big-budget films.
Apaharan (2005)
- Role: Gaya Singh’s Friend
- Status: Hit film.
Summary: This was a gripping drama about the kidnapping industry in Bihar, starring Ajay Devgn and Nana Patekar.
Pankaj Tripathi appeared in a small supporting role, but the movie’s raw theme was close to his real-life Bihar background.
Omkara (2006)
- Role: Kichlu
- Status: Critically acclaimed.
Summary: The movie Omkara was Vishal Bhardwaj’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello, set in Uttar Pradesh. Pankaj Tripathi had a minor role but shared screen space with actors like Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, and Saif Ali Khan.
Dharm (2007)
- Role: Suryaprakash
- Status: Critically appreciated.
Summary: The movie questions faith and humanity through the story of a priest who adopts an orphan boy. Pankaj Tripathi’s role was small but meaningful, and the film was praised at international festivals.
Mithya (2008)
- Role: Tipnis
- Status: Critically praised, average business.
Summary: A dark comedy about an actor who looks like a gangster and accidentally becomes part of the underworld. Pankaj Tripathi’s role added realism to the mafia world depicted in the story.
Shaurya (2008)
- Role: Major Virendra Rathore
- Status: Critically appreciated, average at the box office.
Summary: It is a courtroom thriller about a soldier accused of killing a fellow officer in Kashmir. Tripathi played an army officer, showing early glimpses of his serious acting ability.
Chintu Ji (2009)
- Role: Paplu Yadav
- Status: Flop.
Summary: This was a comedy-drama about a superstar visiting a small town that wants to honor him. Pankaj Tripathi appeared in a supporting role, but the movie was a flop.
Barah Aana (2009)
- Role: Inspector
- Status: Critically praised, niche release.
Summary: A story of three working-class men in Mumbai trying to escape poverty through petty crime. Tripathi played a strict police inspector, adding tension to the film’s theme of survival.
Raavan (2010)
- Role: Gulabiya
- Status: Flop.
Summary: Mani Ratnam’s modern take on Ramayana starring Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai. Tripathi had a small part in this big-budget project, giving him recognition in mainstream cinema.
Aakrosh (2010)
- Role: Kishore
- Status: Average.
Summary: A social thriller about honor killings in rural India, starring Ajay Devgn and Akshaye Khanna. Tripathi played a supporting role in this hard-hitting drama.
Chillar Party (2011)
- Role: Secretary Dubey
- Status: Hit.
Summary: A children’s film about a group of kids who fight to save a stray dog from a politician. Tripathi’s funny but strict character added humor. The movie won the National Award.
Agneepath (2012)
- Role: Surya
- Status: Superhit.
Summary: A popular and superhit movie with Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra as a lead actor. It was a remake of the classic revenge drama starring Hrithik Roshan.
Pankaj Tripathi played one of the villains’ henchmen, making a strong impression despite limited screen time.
Gangs of Wasseypur Part 1 & 2 (2012)
- Role: Sultan Qureshi
- Status: Cult classic, career breakthrough.
Summary: The cult gangster saga is about coal mafia wars in Dhanbad. Tripathi’s role as Sultan Qureshi, a butcher turned gangster, was career-defining and made him a household name.
Dabangg 2 (2012)
- Role: Filawar
- Status: Blockbuster.
Summary: Salman Khan’s cop action drama sequel. Tripathi’s short role as Filawar didn’t give him much screen time but kept him in the big commercial circuit.
ABCD: Any Body Can Dance (2013)
- Role: Vardha Bhai
- Status: Hit.
Summary: India’s first 3D dance film. Tripathi played a gangster who owns a dance studio, balancing comedy and menace.
Fukrey (2013)
- Role: Pandit Ji
- Status: Hit.
Summary: A comedy about four youngsters wanting quick success. Tripathi’s Pandit Ji became a memorable comic character, helping the film become a sleeper hit.
Manjhi: The Mountain Man (2015)
- Role: Ruab
- Status: Critically acclaimed.
Summary: A biopic of Dashrath Manjhi, who carved a mountain path with just a hammer and chisel. Tripathi played an influential figure in the story.
Masaan (2015)
- Role: Sadhya Ji
- Status: Critically acclaimed.
Summary: A sensitive film about caste, love, and grief in Banaras. Tripathi’s gentle role as a suitor showed his versatility in soft emotional parts.
Nil Battey Sannata (2016)
- Role: Principal Srivastava
- Status: Hit (critically loved).
Summary: A mother works as a maid to pay for her daughter’s education. Tripathi, as the school principal, added comic timing and support.
Anaarkali of Aarah (2017)
- Role: Rangeela
- Status: Critically acclaimed.
Summary: A bold drama about a folk singer who stands against exploitation. Tripathi’s role as the antagonist was powerful and chilling.
Newton (2017)
- Role: Atma Singh
- Status: Hit.
Summary: An honest election officer tries to conduct voting in a Naxal-hit area. Tripathi, as the cynical army officer, balanced humor and realism. The film was India’s Oscar entry.
Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017)
- Role: Narottam Mishra
- Status: Hit.
Summary: It was a sweet rom-com set in Bareilly. Where Panjak Tripathi played Kriti Sanon’s quirky father, giving lighthearted and lovable moments.
Stree (2018)
- Role: Rudra
- Status: Superhit.
Summary: A horror-comedy about a ghost who abducts men at night. Tripathi’s character provided mysterious and comic relief, making him unforgettable.
Luka Chuppi (2019)
- Role: Babulal
- Status: Superhit.
Summary: Comedy about a couple in a live-in relationship trying to hide from conservative families. Tripathi as a nosy relative was hilarious.
Super 30 (2019)
- Role: Shriram Singh
- Status: Hit.
Summary: A biopic of math teacher Anand Kumar, who trained underprivileged students for IIT. Tripathi played a politician-businessman type.
Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020)
- Role: Anup Saxena
- Status: Critically acclaimed.
Summary: The inspiring journey of IAF pilot Gunjan Saxena. Tripathi’s role as her supportive father won huge praise.
Ludo (2020)
- Role: Satyendra Tripathi
- Status: Hit on OTT.
Summary: A quirky anthology connecting four different stories like the game Ludo. Tripathi added humor and emotion as part of the ensemble.
Mimi (2021)
- Role: Bhanu
- Status: Superhit (OTT).
Summary: A woman agrees to be a surrogate mother for money. Tripathi’s role as her friend and supporter was loved by audiences, making it a heartwarming hit.
Roohi (2021)
- Role: Guniya Bhai (Supporting Role)
- Status: Average at the box office; received mixed reviews but gained attention for its unique mix of comedy and supernatural elements.
Summary: Roohi is a horror-comedy set in a small town where two men (played by Rajkummar Rao and Varun Sharma) are tasked with kidnapping a bride. Things take a spooky turn when they discover that the bride (Janhvi Kapoor) is possessed by a spirit.
Pankaj Tripathi, although not in the lead, played a quirky role that added to the humor and chaos of the film. It was marketed as part of the “Maddock Horror Universe” after Stree.
83 (2021)
- Role: PR Man Singh
- Status: Critically praised, but average at box office.
Summary: The story of India’s first cricket World Cup win in 1983. Tripathi played the team manager, a strong supporting role.
OMG 2 (2023)
- Role: Kanti Sharan Mudgal
- Status: Superhit.
Summary: A father fights to bring sex education to schools after his son faces bullying. Tripathi carried the film with deep emotion.
Kadak Singh (2023)
- Role: Kadak Singh
- Status: Critically acclaimed.
Summary: A suspense thriller about a government officer caught in corruption while balancing family troubles. Tripathi delivered a gripping performance.
Main Atal Hoon (2024)
- Role: Atal Bihari Vajpayee
- Status: Awaiting box office verdict.
Summary: Biopic on India’s former prime minister. Tripathi transformed himself for the role, showcasing his range.
Murder Mubarak (2024)
- Role: ACP Bhavani Singh
- Status: Average.
Summary: A murder mystery set in Delhi’s elite social clubs. Tripathi played the witty ACP leading the investigation.
Stree 2 (2024)
- Role: Rudra
- Status: Superhit.
Summary: The much-awaited sequel to Stree. Tripathi returned as the mysterious Rudra, adding comic timing and eerie hints.
Metro… In Dino (2025)
- Role: Monty
- Status: Flop
Summary: An upcoming anthology film exploring modern love stories in Indian cities. Tripathi plays one of the central characters.
Television and Web Series
Time Bomb 9/11 (2006): RAW Officer Tripathi: Action drama (TV).
Powder (2010): Naved Ansari: Police vs. drug mafia (TV).
Gulaal (2010–2011): Giga Kaka: Family drama (TV).
Sarojini: Ek Nayi Pehal (2015–2016): Dushyant Singh (TV).
Sacred Games (2018–2019); Khanna Guruji (Netflix): Hit web series.
Mirzapur (2018–present): Kaleen Bhaiya (Prime Video): Superhit, cult favorite.
Criminal Justice (2019–2025): Madhav Mishra (Disney+ Hotstar/Jio) – Hit franchise, he is the lead lawyer.
Awards and Recognition
National Film Award (Special Mention)
- Numerous Filmfare, IIFA, and Screen Awards.
- Admired for his natural acting and varied roles.
Upcoming Projects
- Parivarik ManuRanjan (TBA): Announced with Aditi Rao Hydari.
- Mirzapur Season 4 (2026): In development.
In wrap up
Pankaj Tripathi’s career shows how a talented actor can rise from tiny uncredited roles to become one of the most respected stars in the country.
Whether in movies, television, or web series, he has always infused life and authenticity into his roles. From Gangs of Wasseypur and Mirzapur to Mimi and OMG 2, his path is testimony to the fact that good acting always prevails.
Today, he is the face of meaningful cinema and OTT storytelling in India.
