The 10 Best Sanya Malhotra Movies, Biography & Quick Facts

Sanya Malhotra: Biography & Quick Facts

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The 10 Best Sanya Malhotra Movies, Ranked

Sanya Malhotra made her Bollywood debut with Dangal (2016), playing Babita Phogat alongside Aamir Khan. The film’s massive success established her as a promising newcomer, but Malhotra didn’t stick to conventional roles. She has since built a diverse filmography, often portraying strong, independent women in both mainstream and indie films. Her recent performance in Mrs. (2024) further cemented her reputation as one of the most versatile actors of her generation. Here’s a ranked list of her top 10 performances:

10. HIT: The First Case (2022) – Prime Video – IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

In this gripping crime thriller, Sanya Malhotra portrays Neha, a forensic expert and the supportive girlfriend of Vikram, a troubled police officer played by Rajkummar Rao. Despite her limited screen time, Malhotra’s performance brings emotional depth to the narrative, highlighting the personal stakes involved in Vikram’s high-pressure investigation. Her portrayal of Neha adds a humanizing element to the intense storyline, making her character’s presence felt throughout the film.​

9. Meenakshi Sundareshwar (2021) – Netflix – IMDb Rating: 6.9/10

In this Netflix romantic comedy, Malhotra takes on the role of Meenakshi, a newlywed navigating the complexities of a long-distance marriage with her husband, Sundareshwar, played by Abhimanyu Dassani. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Madurai, the film explores themes of love, separation, and personal growth. Malhotra’s charming and relatable performance captures the nuances of maintaining a relationship across distances, making the film both heartwarming and engaging.

8. Love Hostel (2022) – ZEE5 – IMDb Rating: 6.3/10

In this intense thriller, Malhotra plays Jyoti, a woman on the run with her husband Ashu (Vikrant Massey) from a ruthless mercenary (Bobby Deol) hired to kill them due to their interfaith marriage. Her portrayal of Jyoti is fearless and compelling, adding significant intensity to the film’s gripping narrative. Malhotra effectively conveys the desperation and resilience of a woman fighting against societal oppression, making her performance a standout in this dark and thought-provoking film.

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7. Kathal (2023) – Netflix – IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

In this satirical comedy, Malhotra takes on the role of Mahima, a determined police officer tasked with solving the bizarre case of stolen jackfruits. The film cleverly uses humor to address deeper societal issues, such as gender bias and caste discrimination. Malhotra’s performance balances comedic timing with emotional depth, effectively portraying Mahima’s perseverance and wit as she navigates the challenges posed by both the case and the societal structures around her.​

6. Badhaai Ho (2018) – JioHotstar – IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

In this family comedy-drama, Malhotra plays Renee Sharma, the supportive girlfriend of Nakul Kaushik (Ayushmann Khurrana). The film revolves around the unexpected pregnancy of Nakul’s middle-aged mother, leading to comedic and heartfelt situations. While Malhotra’s role is not the central focus, her portrayal of Renee adds a fresh perspective on modern relationships and family dynamics. Her chemistry with Khurrana and her nuanced performance contribute to the film’s overall charm and relatability.​

5. Dangal (2016) – Prime Video – IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Malhotra’s breakout role came as Babita Kumari Phogat in this biographical sports drama. The film tells the inspiring story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat (Aamir Khan) and his daughters’ journey to success in the male-dominated sport of wrestling. Malhotra underwent rigorous wrestling training to authentically portray Babita, showcasing her dedication to the role. Her performance contributed to the film’s critical and commercial success, solidifying her place in the industry.​

4. Mrs. (2024) – ZEE5 – IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

In this Hindi adaptation of The Great Indian Kitchen, Malhotra plays a woman grappling with the oppressive expectations of domestic life. The film utilizes silence and repetition to highlight the pervasive nature of patriarchy within the household. Malhotra’s subtle and powerful performance captures the protagonist’s journey from subjugation to self-realization, making it one of her most impactful roles to date.​

3. Pagglait (2021) – Netflix – IMDb Rating: 6.9/10

In this black comedy about grief and self-discovery, Malhotra portrays Sandhya Giri, a young widow who challenges societal expectations surrounding mourning and widowhood. As Sandhya embarks on a journey to rediscover herself amidst familial pressures and hidden secrets, Malhotra delivers a nuanced performance that balances humor and pathos. Her portrayal resonates with audiences, making the film a standout in her career.​

2. Pataakha (2018) – Prime Video – IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, this film features Malhotra as Genda ‘Chhutki’ Kumari, one of two sisters engaged in a tumultuous and fiery rivalry. Set in rural India, the story serves as a metaphor for the India-Pakistan conflict, with the sisters’ constant bickering reflecting larger geopolitical tensions. Malhotra’s raw and intense portrayal of Chhutki showcases her versatility as an actor, capturing the complexities of sibling relationships with authenticity and depth.​

1. Photograph (2019) – Prime Video – IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

In this beautifully subtle film directed by Ritesh Batra, Malhotra plays Miloni Shah, a shy and introverted woman who forms an unexpected connection with Rafi (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), a struggling street photographer. Set against the bustling backdrop of Mumbai, the film explores themes of loneliness, connection, and the human condition. Malhotra’s understated and delicate performance as Miloni adds depth to the narrative, making it one of her most memorable and critically acclaimed roles.​

Sanya Malhotra’s diverse filmography showcases her ability to embody a wide range of characters, from comedic to dramatic roles. Her dedication to her craft and her choice of unconventional and challenging roles have established her as one of the most versatile and promising actors in contemporary Indian cinema.

Sanya Malhotra’s career continues to flourish with upcoming projects like Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, Thug Life, and an Anurag Kashyap film. With her ability to balance commercial and indie films, she remains one of Bollywood’s most exciting actors to watch.