From 'Charlie' to 'Kali': 7 Dulquer Salmaan gems that deserve more love

As pan-Indian superstar Dulquer Salmaan celebrates his 42nd birthday on July 28, 2025, here are 7 excellent films that showcase his range. (Compiled by Ashwin Somanath)

Charlie (2015)

DQ's enigmatic smile and endearing gypsy character takes pride of place in this unconventional tale of hope and self-love, directed by Martin Prakkat.

Karwaan (2018)

Despite this reflective road-trip film's powerhouse cast led by Dulquer Salmaan, Irrfan Khan, and Mithila Palkar, it failed to perform at the box office, but redeemed itself on OTT platforms.

Chup: Revenge of the Artist (2021)

This metafictional psychological thriller offers one of DQ's best negative performances and a wonderful soundtrack, while also making a case for originality in Bollywood.

Parava (2017)

With only 30 minutes of screentime in his extended cameo, DQ still makes his presence felt in this slice-of-life film about teenage friendships, set in Mattancherry.

Kali (2016)

Dulquer Salmaan's attempt at the 'Angry Young Man' subgenre turns out very well in this unique thriller critiquing the consequences of excess anger.

Kammatipaadam (2016)

This 3-hour-long dark gangster drama directed by Rajeev Ravi was not only a critical and commercial hit, but also a case study on bringing raw, marginalised stories to a wider audience, while also keeping them engrossed throughout.

Comrade in America (2017)

A young communist from Kerala resolves to get to the US in two weeks to stop his girlfriend's arranged marriage—with no papers or money—in this “mass” film that is still a decent watch.