Paresh Rawal is a famous actor in Indian cinema known for his versatility. He has worked for over 40 years and appeared in more than 240 films. Rawal has played many different roles, including a menacing villain, a middle-class father, a skeptical spiritualist, and the beloved comic character Baburao Apte. His performances can make you laugh or give you chills, and they are always memorable and genuine.
Rawal stands out because he excels in lead, supporting, and even negative roles. He has been a key part of many cult classics and acclaimed films, often stealing the scene even with minimal screen time. In this blog, we celebrate his legacy by presenting a list of the 15 best Paresh Rawal movies. These films highlight his impressive range and enduring talent.
Table of Contents
Here’s 15 Best Movies if Paresh Rawal You Must Watch
1. Hera Pheri (2000)
Genre: Comedy
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Role: Baburao Ganpatrao Apte
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Three desperate men—Raju, Shyam, and Baburao—get involved in a funny kidnapping scam after receiving a ransom call meant for someone else because of a wrong number. They try to fix their money problems through crime, which leads to chaos and laughter. Paresh Rawal, who plays Baburao, shines with his innocent and quirky behavior. The film mixes humor with madness and is a classic situational comedy. Despite the chaos, the friendship between the three men grows stronger.
2. Phir Hera Pheri (2006)
Genre: Comedy
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Role: Baburao Ganpatrao Apte
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
After getting rich at the end of the first film, Raju convinces Baburao and Shyam to invest in a risky scheme that claims it will double their money in 25 days. Unfortunately, they lose everything and start chasing con artists. The trio faces even more strange twists as they deal with gangsters, lost guns, and gold. Babu Bhaiya’s confusion and funny dialogues are still great. This sequel is louder, funnier, and crazier than the first one, making it a cult classic filled with memorable quotes.
3. OMG: Oh My God! (2012)
Genre: Satirical Drama
IMDb Rating: 8/10
Role: Kanji Lalji Mehta
Where to watch: JioHotstar
Kanjilal Mehta, an atheist shopkeeper, sues God after an earthquake destroys his shop. He has no insurance, so he challenges religion and its leaders. Paresh Rawal plays Kanjilal, a man questioning blind faith, while Akshay Kumar plays Krishna, who guides him. The film satirizes religion and belief, mixing humor with a strong social message.
4. Andaz Apna Apna ( 1994)
Genre: Comedy
IMDb Rating: 8/0
Role: Teja / Ram Gopal Bajaj (Double Role)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Amar and Prem, two lazy men, compete for the affection of a wealthy heiress to win her fortune. They get entangled with criminals, including Paresh Rawal in dual roles as the villain Teja and the wealthy Ram Gopal Bajaj. The film features slapstick comedy, misunderstandings, and iconic dialogues, with Teja’s exaggerated scenes adding to its cult classic status. Paresh Rawal’s comedic portrayal of villainy is a standout.
5. Sardar (1993)
Genre: Biographical Drama
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Role: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Where to watch: Youtube
This film is about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as India’s Iron Man, and is powerfully acted by Paresh Rawal. It shows how he went from being a lawyer to a freedom fighter and a key leader in India’s fight for independence. The movie focuses on his important role in bringing together over 500 princely states into the Indian Union after 1947. His strong beliefs, negotiation skills, and determination helped shape modern India. The film also discusses his differences in opinion with Nehru and Gandhi. It is a respectful and inspiring political drama.
6. Hungama (2003)
Genre: Comedy
IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Role: Radhe Shyam Tiwari
Where to watch: Youtube
In a busy city, several characters misunderstand each other’s identities, leading to funny situations. Paresh Rawal plays a jealous husband who doubts his wife’s loyalty. The confusion grows as everyone thinks someone else is actually someone they’re not. He tries to catch his wife being unfaithful but ends up embarrassed instead. The story revolves around lies and mix-ups, creating the classic chaos seen in Priyadarshan’s films.
7. Chup Chup Ke (2006)
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
IMDb Rating: 7/10
Role: Gundya
Where to watch: Netflix
Jeetu is a man in deep debt. He fakes his death to help his family collect insurance money. Fishermen Gundya (Paresh Rawal) and Bandya (Rajpal Yadav) find him unconscious and think he is mute and deaf. They plan to make money by selling him to a wealthy family. At this family’s home, Jeetu meets Shruti, a girl who is also mute, and they fall in love. The story includes misunderstandings, funny situations, and emotional moments. In the end, Jeetu’s true identity is revealed. Paresh Rawal brings humor to his role as the greedy but innocent fisherman.
8. Welcome (2000)
Genre: Comedy
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Role: Dr. Ghunghroo
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Dr. Ghunghroo is a respectable man who wants to marry off his nephew. However, he unintentionally gets involved with a family of dangerous but funny gangsters. Paresh Rawal plays the careful and honest uncle caught in a mix of crime, love, and confusion. His great sense of humor helps balance the chaos. He tries hard to end the marriage proposal, but in the end, love wins.
9. Bhool Bhulaiya (2007)
Genre: Psychological Thriller
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Role: Murari
Where to watch: Netflix, JioHotstar, Amazon Prime Video
An NRI couple moves into their ancestral palace despite warnings about a ghost. Mysterious occurrences create fear and suspicion within the family. A psychiatrist, played by Akshay Kumar, is brought in to investigate. Paresh Rawal’s character, Chhote Pandit, adds comic relief with his superstitions. Ultimately, the disturbances are linked to a psychological disorder, blending horror, psychology, and comedy effectively.
10. Awaara Paagal Deewana (2002)
Genre: Action Comedy
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
Role: Manilal
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
A big diamond heist creates chaos between mafia families in India and the U.S. Guru Gulab Khatri (Akshay Kumar) is on the run with the diamonds. A goofy dentist (Aftab Shivdasani) and others get caught in the chase. Paresh Rawal plays Manilal, a timid and funny family member caught between good and bad guys. The movie has a lot of action, surprises, and slapstick comedy. Everyone wants the diamonds, but nothing goes as planned. It’s a fun action comedy.
11. Malamaal Weekly (2006)
Genre: Comedy
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Role: Lilaram
Where to watch: Youtube
In a poor village, Lilaram (Paresh Rawal) works as a lottery ticket agent. He finds out that one of his customers has won the jackpot. When he goes to see the winner, he discovers that the man is dead. Instead of telling anyone, Lilaram tries to claim the prize for himself. As more villagers learn about the situation, they get involved in a series of lies and cover-ups. The entire village comes up with funny schemes to get the money. The film turns into a chaotic mix of secrets, blackmail, and greed, with Rawal leading the chaos through his great comic timing.
12. Golmaal: Fun Unlimited (2006)
Genre: Comedy
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Role: Somnath Bhardwaj
Where to watch: Netflix, JioHotstar, Amazon Prime Video
Four jobless friends—Gopal, Lucky, Madhav, and Laxman—are on the run. They seek shelter in the home of a blind elderly couple. To hide from trouble, they pretend to be one person named “Siddharth.” This leads to many funny and confusing situations. Paresh Rawal plays Somnath Bhardwaj, the blind man who unknowingly gets caught up in their lies. The friends deal with disguises, romantic mix-ups, and borrowed identities. The situation becomes more chaotic with gangsters and a treasure involved. Rawal’s innocent character adds charm amidst the craziness.
13. Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? (2010)
Genre: Comedy / Family
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Role: Lambodar Chacha
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
A modern middle-class couple’s life changes when a distant relative, Lambodar Chacha (played by Paresh Rawal), shows up at their home without warning. What starts as a short visit turns into a long stay because his loud habits and old-fashioned ideas clash with their urban lifestyle. Despite their efforts to make him leave, they cannot get rid of him. The film shows the conflict between traditional hospitality and modern life. Paresh Rawal’s performance is both annoying and charming, and in the end, the couple learns to appreciate having family around.
14. Nayak: The Real Hero (2001)
Genre: Action/ Drama
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Role: Home Minister Balraj Chauhan
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Shivaji is a TV reporter who publicly criticizes the corrupt Chief Minister. He is challenged to take the Chief Minister’s place for one day, and he surprisingly agrees. In just 24 hours, he turns the state around. The public is impressed by his leadership and encourages him to stay in the role. Paresh Rawal plays Balraj Chauhan, the corrupt Home Minister, who tries to sabotage Shivaji’s reforms. The film mixes politics, action, and social awareness. Shivaji fights against a broken system, while Rawal’s character adds tension and conflict to the story.
15. Table No. 21 (2013)
Genre: Psychological Thriller
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Role: Mr. Khan
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Youtube
A struggling couple wins a luxury trip to Fiji and has the chance to win a large cash prize by playing a live reality game. The host, Mr. Khan (Paresh Rawal), seems friendly at first but soon shows his darker side. As the game goes on, the couple must face their troubled past. Each question reveals a hidden truth, and the game becomes a form of psychological revenge. Rawal plays the calm but menacing host, creating a chilling atmosphere. The film sends a strong anti-bullying message with an unexpected twist.
Paresh Rawal’s films are a perfect mix of laughter, emotion, and brilliance. Whether it’s comedy or drama, his performances always stand out. If you haven’t watched these gems yet, now’s the time to binge!
