BIRHTDAY SPECIAL: R. Madhavan’s most underrated Hindi films

Madhavan Balaji Ranganathan, rechristened as R. Madhavan, turns 48 years today, although his recent bathroom selfie suggests he’s aging backwards, just like Benjamin Button. As far as his cinematic career is concerned, the actor won quite a few hearts with his innocent charm and arresting screen persona. But his choices weren’t only limited to celluloid romantic liaisons in films like Alaipayuthey and Minnale, but also extended to the exploration of the dark and rustic side of his demeanor in Aaytha Ezhuthu.

But we are here to talk about his Hindi film career, which may not have boasted off too many blockbusters, but does include some really underrated and unfairly overlooked names. Let’s find out what they are:-

1. Rehnaa Hai Tere Dil Mein (2001)

This marked the actor’s debut in Bollywood, and immediately made him the heart-throb of the 2001’s gen-next. Unlike the original film, Minnale, this remake didn’t find many takers back then, but 17 years later, in 2018, this is one of the most loved love stories of all time!

2. Ramji Londonwaley (2005)

This too was made in Tamil first, with the same leading man, and was a runaway hit. Madhavan’s act as a small-town chef was a concoction of simplicity and hilarity. But if you see the Hindi version, it had the same essence and the same flavor. All it needed was a few more customers.

3. 13 B (2009)

Possibly one of the most absorbing psychological thrillers of recent times, 13 B didn’t exactly scare you with gaudy special effects and unpredictable appearances of badly dressed ghosts. The narrative had the power to send a chill down your spine without depending upon the cliched tropes Hindi filmmakers are often used to showcasing in their films. Give it a chance!

4. Saala Khadoos (2016)

Unlike most of the sports films, the title of this one didn’t really justify itself as the female protagonist was the real Khadoos. Anyway, Madhavan’s transformation to a beast was both admirable and astonishing. And given some thundering conversations and niftily choreographed boxing sequences, Saala Khadoos did give us some moments of Goosebumps!

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