Sushant Singh Rajput may have left us five years ago, but his powerful screen presence and unforgettable performances continue to resonate with fans. From his early days on television to becoming one of Bollywood’s brightest stars, SSR carved a unique space with his charm, talent, and choice of roles. Whether playing a small-town lover or a mysterious detective, he made every character memorable. On the fifth anniversary of his passing, we take a look back at some of his best films, now streaming on OTT platforms.
‘Kedarnath’
Set against the backdrop of the devastating 2013 Uttarakhand floods, ‘Kedarnath’ is a poignant love story between Mansoor (Sushant Singh Rajput), a humble Muslim porter, and Mukku (Sara Ali Khan), a Hindu Brahmin woman from a conservative family. Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, the film addresses not only natural disaster but also religious divides and social pressure. Sushant’s portrayal of Mansoor was deeply moving. His quiet strength, sincerity, and gentle demeanour made audiences instantly connect with the character. It was one of those performances where he let his eyes and silence do most of the talking, leaving a lasting emotional impact.Where to watch: Zee5
‘Shuddh Desi Romance’In this fresh take on love and relationships, Sushant plays Raghu, a commitment-phobic young man who runs away from his own wedding. Soon after, he meets Gayatri (Parineeti Chopra), and they start living together. But things take a surprising turn when Tara (Vaani Kapoor), the bride he left at the altar, re-enters his life. ‘Shuddh Desi Romance’ brings out the fun, chaos, and confusion of modern relationships, and Sushant’s performance as the confused yet charming Raghu makes it a delight to watch. His effortless chemistry with both leading ladies and his natural acting style won him many admirers.Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
‘Sonchiriya’
Sushant features in ‘Sonchiriya’ as Lakhna, a morally ambiguous dacoit in Chambal’s ravines. Starring in the 1970s, this dark drama is about a band of bandits struggling through caste, violence, and guilt. The movie also features Bhumi Pednekar, Manoj Bajpayee, Ranvir Shorey and Ashutosh Rana. Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, the movie uses the Bundeli dialect and gritty cinematography. Even though this is an ensemble movie, Sushant’s performance as Lakhna leaves an indelible mark. His inner conflict and need for redemption are met with understated intensity. Although it did not get a wide audience in theaters, it’s now one of his best performances.Where to watch: Zee5
‘Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!’
In this period mystery-thriller directed by Dibakar Banerjee, Sushant plays the iconic Bengali detective Byomkesh Bakshy. The film follows his investigation into the disappearance of a chemist named Bhuvan. As Byomkesh digs deeper, he uncovers a dangerous plot that could shake Calcutta. The role was a bold choice for Sushant, who had said to NDTV, to get into character, he learned Bengali mannerisms and even changed his eating habits to suit the role. Though it didn’t perform well at the box office, critics praised the film’s atmospheric style and Sushant’s gripping performance.Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
SSR’s movies continue to touch the hearts of people due to their compelling stories and his memorable performances.Watching his films keeps his spirit alive and lets new viewers discover the magic he brought to the screen. As we watch these beautiful stories again, we remember not just the actor, but the warmth and passion he shared with the cinema.
