13 Dulquer Salmaan best movies that are a must watch; from Ustad Hotel, Charlie to Sita Ramam

Dulquer Salmaan has explored a wide range of genres throughout the years, delivering some of the most outstanding and enjoyable movies. Check out these top-notch films by Dulquer Salmaan!

Updated on Apr 04, 2024  |  03:56 PM IST |  511K
13 Dulquer Salmaan best movies; from Ustad Hotel to Sita Ramam
13 Dulquer Salmaan best movies; from Ustad Hotel to Sita Ramam (PC: Pinkvilla)

The handsome and stylish actor Dulquer Salmaan is definitely more than just a pretty face. The actor has delivered some of the finest and most memorable movies in the past, ever since his debut in 2012.

Despite being the son of Megastar Mammootty, this talented star has always strived to establish his own identity in the entertainment world by choosing unconventional roles. He has worked in films in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi languages. Explore some of Dulquer Salmaan's finest movies currently streaming on OTT.

13 Best movies of Dulquer Salmaan

1. Ustad Hotel (2012)


Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar

Timeline: 2 hours and 19 minutes

Ustad Hotel, a Malayalam drama film directed by Anwar Rasheed, stars Dulquer Salmaan in the lead role. The story, penned by Anjali Menon, follows Faizal who defies his father's wishes to study in Switzerland and become a chef. However, when his father discovers this, he takes Faizal's passport, preventing him from pursuing a chef's job in the UK. In response, Faizal runs away to live with his grandfather, a renowned local chef, while he figures out his next move.

The film features veteran late actor Thilakan in a leading role, along with actors Nithya Menen, Siddique, Mamukkoya, Lena, and many more playing the supporting characters. The film also had Asif Ali and late actor Jishnu in cameo roles.

2. ABCD: American-Born Confused Desi (2013)


Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar

Timeline: 2 hours and 47 minutes

ABCD is a hilarious Malayalam movie that features Dulquer Salmaan and Jacob Gregory as the main characters. It revolves around two Keralite guys who come from wealthy families and are living in the United States. However, their spoiled behavior becomes too much for their fathers to handle. In an attempt to teach them a lesson, Dulquer Salmaan's father decides to send them to India for a vacation. To make things more interesting, their credit cards are canceled, and they are only given a monthly allowance of ₹5000. This forces them to live a more disciplined life.

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The film directed by Martin Prakkat was both a commercial and critical success and also featured actors like Tovino Thomas and Aparna Gopinath in supporting roles. The film was also remade into Telugu in 2019 starring Allu Sirish in the lead role.

3. Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi (2013)


Where to watch: Manorama MAX, Disney+ Hotstar

Timeline: 2 hours and 23 minutes

Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi, also known as NPCB, is a Malayalam road adventure film that stars Dulquer Salmaan and Sunny Wayne. The story follows Kasi and Suni as they set out on a bike trip from Kerala to Nagaland to find Kasi's girlfriend. The movie delves into various socio-political themes across India, capturing some of their most memorable moments.

With a talented cast including Dhritiman Chatterjee, Surja Bala Hijam, Shaun Romy, and Paloma Monappa, NPCB was directed and co-produced by Sameer Thahir, with the screenplay by Hashir Mohamed. If you're looking for a calming bike journey and a romantic movie that breaks away from clichés, NPCB is definitely worth a watch. 

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4. Vaayai Moodi Pesavum (2014)


Where to watch: Zee5 (Tamil), Disney+ Hotstar (Malayalam)

Timeline: 2 hours and 20 minutes

Vaayai Moodi Pesavum is a Tamil-Malayalam bilingual movie starring Dulquer Salmaan and Nazriya Nazim in the leading roles. The film follows the story of people in Panimalai hill station who are put under a ban on speaking by the government. The ban comes as a result of a ‘dumb flu’ spreading in the area which spread through people speaking, making everyone interact in just actions.

The satirical rom-com film is a much-watch flick for cinephiles, especially for those who love experimental cinema. The latter half of the movie simply doesn’t use any dialogue for the majority of scenes, making actors perform in their most creative manner. The film also has actors Madhoo, Arjunan, Dev Ramnath, and many more in key roles. 

5. Bangalore Days (2014)


Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar

Timeline: 2 hours and 52 minutes

Bangalore Days is a Malayalam film written and directed by Anjali Menon. It follows the lives of three cousins - Krishnan, Arjun, and Divya - who are all unique in their own ways. The story unfolds as one of them relocates from Kerala to Bengaluru after marriage, showcasing the intricate dynamics of family relationships. This movie is hailed as one of the best in Malayalam cinema's New-Gen era, with its focus on the special bond between cousins that forms the core of the narrative.

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The film features an ensemble cast of actors like Dulquer Salmaan, Nivin Pauly, Nazriya Nazim, Fahadh Faasil, Parvathy Thiruvothu, and Isha Talwar with Nithya Menen playing a cameo role.

6. O Kadhal Kanmani (2015)


Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar

Timeline: 2 hours and 19 minutes

OK Kanmani, also known as O Kadhal Kanmani, is a Tamil movie that showcases the love story of a young couple in Mumbai. Starring Dulquer Salmaan and Nithya Menen, this romantic drama explores the complexities of modern relationships and the different perspectives on marriage and commitment. Whether you're planning a date night or simply want to spend a cozy evening with your partner, this film is a perfect choice to relax and enjoy together.

The film also has Prakash Raj, Leela Samson, Vinodhini Vaidyanathan, Ramya S, and many more in key roles. The film was also remade in Hindi in the name OK Jaanu starring Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor in the lead roles.

7. Charlie (2015)


Where to watch: SunNXT

Timeline: 2 hours and 10 minutes

Charlie is an adventure drama film in Malayalam that features Dulquer Salmaan and Parvathy Thiruvothu as the main characters. The story revolves around Tessa, a graphic designer who escapes from her home to avoid an arranged marriage. She finds herself in a new place and rents a room that is filled with art and sketches left behind by the previous occupant. Intrigued by the characters in the drawings and the artist behind them, Tessa unknowingly falls in love with him and sets out on a quest to find him.

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DQ fans shouldn't miss this film, as they get to see him in a completely different and unpredictable way compared to his usual style. Moreover, the movie is like a warm embrace for adventure enthusiasts and those seeking personal freedom. It boasts a talented ensemble cast including Aparna Gopinath, Nedumudi Venu, Chemban Vinod Jose, Kalpana, Soubin Shahir, and Neeraj Madhav in pivotal roles. Additionally, Tovino Thomas and Nassar make special appearances in the film.

8. Kammatipaadam (2016)


Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar

Timeline: 2 hours and 57 minutes

Kammatipaadam tells the story of Krishnan, a security guard in Mumbai, whose life takes a turn when his childhood friend Ganga reaches out to him for help. The film delves into their past through flashbacks, highlighting the struggles faced by the Dalit community in the slum locality of Kammatipaadam, Kochi. It also sheds light on the impact of urbanization in the Kochi metro area and how it has affected the lives of the people. The powerful performances by DQ and Vinayakan will leave a lasting impression on you.

The movie is directed by Rajeev Ravi and written by the late P Balachandran also featured an ensemble cast of actors like Dulquer Salmaan, Vinayakan, Shaun Romy, and many more in key roles.

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9. Mahanati (2018)


Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Timeline: 2 hours and 57 minutes

Mahanati is a biographical film in Telugu that stars Keerthy Suresh and Dulquer Salmaan as the main characters. It tells the story of Savitri, a renowned actress from the past, portrayed by Keerthy, while Dulquer plays the role of Savitri's husband, Gemini Ganesan, who was also an actor.

The movie takes us through the ups and downs of Savitri's life, from being the highest-paid actress in the industry to facing challenges in her later years. The narrative is presented from the perspective of a journalist and a photographer. Additionally, Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Vijay Deverakonda have supporting roles in the film.

10. Karwaan (2018)


Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Timeline: 1 hour and 54 minutes

Karwaan is a fun Hindi movie about a road trip starring Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, and Mithila Palkar. The story follows Avinash Rajpurohit, an IT guy from Bengaluru. When his father passes away during a bus journey, there's a mix-up with the body and his dad ends up in Kochi.

Avinash and his friend Shaukat, who drives a van, decide to head to Kochi to sort things out. Along the way, they face various challenges. The film is not just a road trip movie for a weekend watch, but also offers some light-hearted comedy. The focus on the father-son relationship is touching, and Irrfan Khan's performance will definitely leave you wanting more.

11. Varane Avashyamund (2020)


Where to watch: Netflix

Timeline: 2 hours and 25 minutes

Varane Avashyamund is a romantic comedy film in the Malayalam language. It stars Suresh Gopi, Dulquer Salmaan, Shobana, and Kalyani Priyadarshan in the lead roles. The movie is written and directed by Anoop Sathyan, who is the son of renowned Malayalam director Sathyan Anthikad.

The story revolves around Neena and Nikki, a mother and daughter residing in Chennai. Nikki, who has a negative view of romantic relationships due to her parent's divorce, decides to find a suitable partner for herself through a matrimonial portal. However, she is extremely selective in her search. Their lives take an interesting turn when Neena meets Major Unnikrishnan, a retired Indian Army officer who struggles with speaking to women and managing his anger. Meanwhile, Nikki befriends Bibeesh, also known as Fraud.

12. Kurup (2021)


Where to watch: Netflix

Timeline: 2 hours and 37 minutes

Kurup, a biographical crime thriller in Malayalam, stars Dulquer Salmaan as the lead character. Directed by Srinath Rajendran, the film is based on the true story of Sukumara Kurup, a notorious fugitive who has been missing since 1984 and is wanted by the authorities in Kerala. It delves into Kurup's life and his intricate web of deceit involving fake deaths and identity theft for financial gain.

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If you enjoy well-executed crime dramas, this film is definitely worth adding to your watchlist. Alongside Dulquer Salmaan, the movie also features a talented ensemble cast including Indrajith Sukumaran, Shine Tom Chacko, Sunny Wayne, Sobhita Dhulipala, Bharath, Tovino Thomas, and Anupama Parameswaran in pivotal roles.

13. Sita Ramam (2022)


Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Timeline: 2 hours and 43 minutes

Sita Ramam is a romantic period film in Telugu, featuring Dulquer Salmaan and Mrunal Thakur in the main roles. Directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, the movie follows the story of Lieutenant Ram, an army officer stationed in Kashmir who is an orphan. Upon revealing his orphan status, Ram starts receiving mysterious love letters from someone named Sita Mahalakshmi. This prompts Ram to search for her and express his love. The film also includes actors like Rashmika Mandanna, Sumanth, Sachin Khedekar, Jisshu Sengupta, Murali Sharma, and more in significant roles.

Dulquer Salmaan has acted in several films over the years in various languages and the above-mentioned ones are just some of the best Dulquer movies to watch. The actor is currently also working on several movies like Lucky Bhaskar, Kaantha, and so on, possibly making the list of best DQ films go even longer.

ALSO READ: Top 10 Best South Indian Horror Movies On Hotstar, Prime Video and more: From Bhoothakaalam to Vijay Sethupathi’s Pizza

FAQ

1. Which is Dulquer Salmaan’s highest-grossing film in Malayalam?
Kurup starring Dulquer Salmaan in the lead role is considered to be the highest-grossing film of the actor in Malayalam.

2. How many musical tracks has Dulquer Salmaan sung to date?
Dulquer Salmaan has sung for 13 different tracks to date including 11 movies and two ad films. His latest song was Achamillai Achamillai from the 2022 film Hey Sinamika.

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About The Author

Goutham S is a native of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. A writer for a few years now, particularly following Indian

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