Kareena Kapoor Khan has often stepped outside her glamorous comfort zone throughout her acting career to deliver powerful performances in unconventional roles. Whether playing a sex worker caught in socio-political turmoil or a devoted wife fighting for her husband in a courtroom drama, she has consistently proven her acting range. For fans looking to explore her lesser-known cinematic gems, these five underrated films available on various OTT platforms are absolute must-watches.
Dev (2004)
Released in 2004, Dev is a gripping political drama directed by Govind Nihalani. In this film, Kareena Kapoor plays a character named Aaliyah who gets caught in the dangerous crossfire of communal riots and police politics. Her role in the movie went far beyond standard glamour, allowing her to display deep emotional layers as an actor. Her remarkable performance earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress in the critics category. Viewers can watch this movie on Amazon Prime Video.
Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012)
The 2012 psychological mystery Talaash: The Answer Lies Within follows a grieving police officer tasked with investigating a mysterious death resulting from a road accident. During his investigation, he crosses paths with a sex worker named Rosie, played by Kareena Kapoor. While the film performed moderately at the commercial box office, her portrayal of Rosie remains deeply memorable. This compelling mystery can be streamed on Netflix.
Chameli (2003)
In the 2003 film Chameli, Kareena Kapoor took on the role of a sex worker, a bold choice that shattered her mainstream commercial image. The plot revolves around an investment banker who gets stranded for a night and encounters Chameli, a woman cynical about the world yet possessing a remarkably pure and kind heart. This powerful performance gave a completely new direction to her career and earned her a special Filmfare Award. This acclaimed drama is also available to watch on Netflix.
Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (2012)
The 2012 romantic comedy Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu presents the love story of an architect and a carefree hairstylist who accidentally get married in Las Vegas while intoxicated. They subsequently spend time trying to figure out their lives and unexpected relationship. This film stands apart from typical Bollywood romantic comedies with its modern take on romance crafted by director Shakun Batra. Viewers can stream this engaging movie on Netflix.
Aitraaz (2004)
Released in 2004, Aitraaz is a suspenseful romantic thriller about a man who encounters his former girlfriend after she becomes his corporate boss and subsequently slaps him with false sexual harassment charges. His loyal and steadfast wife, played by Kareena Kapoor, stands by his side and fights fiercely for him in court. While Priyanka Chopra garnered attention for her negative role, Kareena Kapoor's grounded performance as a supportive wife anchors the emotional depth of the entire courtroom drama. It is available for viewing on ZEE5.
