“Believe you can, and you’re halfway there,” Alia Bhatt once said. The prominent British-Indian actress is renowned for her work in Hindi cinema. Born to filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt and actress Soni Razdan, Bhatt transitioned from child roles to her breakthrough leading role in Karan Johar’s Student of the Year (2012) as Shanaya Singhania, grabbing people’s attention. Since then, she has embraced a diverse array of characters ranging from charming romantic comedies to grand fantasy epics, each with its unique identity, showcasing her adaptability as an actress. Being a recipient of four Filmfare Awards, Bhatt stands as a true multi-hyphenate and witness to her brilliance on the silver screen.
With over 25 awards to her credit, she has also earned a coveted spot in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list of young superachievers. In 2022, two of her films ranked among the top five Indian films at the box office, showcasing her immense popularity and box office prowess. Beyond her cinematic achievements, Bhatt is also recognised as an ardent environmentalist, spearheading Ed-a-Mamma, a conscious clothing line for children.
As an in-house cinephile who has savoured the magic of countless films, take this article as your official guide on navigating the enchanting realm of Alia Bhatt’s movies. Let’s embark on a movie experience full of laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments of her must-watch movies.
Highway (2014)
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Highway marked Alia Bhatt’s memorable debut in Indian cinema. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film captivated audiences with its compelling narrative and stellar performances by Bhatt and Randeep Hooda. Through Veera’s journey, portrayed by Bhatt, and her captor Mahabir, played by Hooda, Highway delves into themes of trauma and connection. Premiering at the 2014 Berlin International Film Festival, the movie garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, grossing MYR27 Million at the box office. Bhatt’s portrayal earned her the Critics Award for Best Actress and Best Popular Actress at the 60th Filmfare Awards, showcasing her talent and exceptional performance.
Watch the trailer here.
2 States (2014)
One day in the mess hall, Ananya Swaminathan (Alia Bhatt) meets Krish Malhotra (Arjun Kapoor), and the rest is history. The dynamic on-screen pairing of Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor in 2 States not only set trends but also ignited rumours of off-screen romance in Indian cinema circles. Their realistic performances and undeniable chemistry breathed life into the characters of Ananya Swaminathan, a Tamilian Brahmin from Chennai, and Krish, a North Indian Punjabi boy from Delhi, as they embark on an interstate love story. What sets 2 States apart is Bhatt’s remarkable portrayal of Ananya despite not being a South Indian herself. She gracefully embodies the lifestyle of a Tamil Brahmin, from adorning bindis to elegantly draping sarees, showcasing authenticity at its finest.
Watch the trailer here.
Udta Punjab (2016)
A little twist on the list, from romcom to black comedy—Udta Punjab (Punjab on High) is a game changer in Bhatt’s acting career. The black comedy crime film co-written and directed by Abhishek Chaubey is based on drug abuse by the youth population of the Indian state of Punjab and the various conspiracies surrounding it. Produced by Balaji Motion Pictures, associated with Anurag Kashyap’s production house Phantom Films, it has a cast consisting of top casts like Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, and Diljit Dosanjh along with Alia Bhatt. Standing out among a large group of well-opulent talents is not easy but Bhatt managed to surpass the folklore of cinema by giving out her best performance in Udta Punjab as Mary Jane, a migrant Bihari girl.
Watch the trailer here.
Kapoor & Sons (2016)
Families can be complicated. In the family drama Kapoor & Sons, starring Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra, directed by Shakun Batra. Amid their family’s dysfunction, two brothers who have been emotionally distant from each other find themselves brought together after their grandfather experiences a cardiac arrest. The film garnered mixed reviews but earned MYR82 million worldwide. Bhatt’s portrayal of Tia Malik, a cheerful girl who lost her parents in an accident, adds depth to the story. Her character serves as a bridge between Malhotra and Fawad Khan’s roles, adding a touch of quirkiness to the trio’s dynamic. Bhatt’s contemporary portrayal complements the film’s strong ensemble cast, where she adeptly plays the roles of friend, companion, and advisor, contributing to the film’s multi-dimensional narrative.
Watch the trailer here.
Dear Zindagi (2016)
Dear Life, directed by Gauri Shinde, introduces Kaira, portrayed by Bhatt, as a refreshingly flawed character who defies the typical Bollywood heroine archetype. The film challenges traditional stereotypes, offering a unique perspective on life. Kaira’s journey through abandonment and trust issues offers a raw portrayal of mental health struggles, connecting deeply with the experiences of women. In her previous roles like Shanaya Singhania in Student Of The Year or Tia Malik in Kapoor & Sons, Bhatt has been portrayed as a cute, affluent, and bubbly young woman dealing with boy problems in their otherwise perfect lives. However, her portrayal of Kaira in Dear Zindagi marked a refreshing departure. Bhatt’s authentic representation of Kaira, flaws and all, made her character deeply relatable and rooted in reality. The film’s minimalistic approach reflects a realistic depiction of women, while Bhatt’s performance showcases a shift towards women-centric narratives. Dear Zindagi celebrates imperfection and self-discovery, marking a significant step towards gender equality in cinema.
Watch the trailer here.
Raazi (2018)
Raazi isn’t your typical Bollywood spy flick—it’s something special. Picture this: it’s the 1970s and tensions between India and Pakistan are at an all-time high. Enter Sehmat Syed, a young Kashmiri woman who finds herself thrust into the world of espionage after marrying a Pakistani man. Yeah, intense stuff. But what sets Raazi apart is how it ditches the flashy action scenes for quiet tension and moral dilemmas. And let’s talk about Bhatt as Sehmat—she’s incredible. Watching her transformation from a naive college student to a determined spy is something else. Plus, Sehmat turns the damsel in distress on its head because she’s the one calling the shots here. Raazi isn’t just a spy thriller; it’s a thought-provoking journey that makes you question the true cost of patriotism and duty.
Watch the trailer here.
Gully Boy (2019)
Just when you hear the name Gully Boy, you will probably think the movie is going to seem as ordinary as it sounds but not this one. This particular storyline is about essaying the role of a rapper in the film, casting Ranveer Singh as Murad Ahmad and Alia Bhatt as Safeena Firdausi. Bhatt in Gully Boy breaks stereotypes of a typical love interest, unfolding as a bold and ambitious character challenging societal norms. Her ambition to become a surgeon clashes with her family’s conservatism, reflecting the struggle of many women against cultural constraints. Safeena’s rebellion resonates with those denied the right to dream, inspiring defiance against patriarchal norms. She symbolises resilience and empowerment, urging others to embrace daring to pursue their aspirations. Best of all, this film is based on a true story.
Watch the trailer here.
Darlings (2022)
Overlooked but not forgotten—Alia Bhatt as Badrunissa in Darlings stole the show with one of her top-notch performances even though the movie is not a crowd favourite. Darlings dive deep into a woman’s journey for payback against her abusive husband. Badru’s husband, Hamza Sheikh, played by Vijay Varma, is an unapologetic alcoholic who puts her through hell every single night. Her mother, played by Shefali Shah, tries to warn her about the risks, but Badru, coming from a modest background, stays hopeful. Yet, as the story progresses, Badru’s optimism about her marriage and husband faces challenges, forcing her to confront the harsh truths of her relationship. But get this—the film takes a darkly funny turn on the whole situation, thanks to director Jasmeet K. Reen’s vision. And with Shah and Varma in the mix, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions. Darlings doesn’t shy away from tackling the normalisation of abuse, making it both thought-provoking and entertaining.
Watch the trailer here.
Brahmanastra Part 1: Shiva (2022)
Boy meets girl, girl falls for boy. But this love story takes a sharp turn when the boy discovers he possesses a dangerous superpower and is summoned to protect the world from an emerging threat. Unlike the classic arc, Brahmāstra Part One: Shiva defies the typical romantic comedy formula by adding an unconventional twist. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the film stands out in Indian cinema by blending Western cinematic influences with Bollywood spectacle and mythological fantasy. While the story can be occasionally over complicated and the spectacle both exhilarating and exhausting, it serves as a wildly entertaining introduction to the planned trilogy, marking Bollywood’s venture into its first original cinematic universe, the “Astraverse”. Bhatt, portrayed as Isha, plays an important role in this movie as the romantic partner of Shiva, played by Ranbir Kapoor. As fates entwine, Shiva’s boundless love for Isha becomes the very essence fueling his extraordinary powers, weaving a tale of supernatural devotion and boundless strength.
Watch the trailer here.
Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)
One shot, 10 trophies. You have probably seen snippets from Gangubai Kathiawadi going viral on TikTok after its OTT release on Netflix. This solid biopic is worth the hype—pumping up the adrenaline and putting you through an emotional rollercoaster simultaneously. Gangubai Kathiawadi follows the story of Kathiawadi played by Alia Bhatt, a naive girl coerced into prostitution by her fiance. Despite the challenges, she rises to power in the brothel after striking a deal with a local crime boss. Bhatt’s nuanced portrayal successfully captures Gangubai’s transformation from victim to advocate for women’s rights in 1950s Bombay. Her performance especially shines, showcasing her ability to represent the character’s evolution. While the overall plot may not resonate strongly, Bhatt’s acting stands out the most, making her the shining star of the movie.
Watch the trailer here.