Sanya Malhotra’s Cinematic Journey: The Ultimate Top 10 Movies Ranking That Defines Her Career

From her breakthrough debut in ‘Dangal’ (2016) to her critically acclaimed recent release ‘Mrs.’ (2025), Sanya Malhotra has established herself as one of Bollywood’s most versatile actresses. Born on February 25, 1992, in Delhi, this trained dancer turned actress has consistently delivered compelling performances across diverse genres, ranking 3rd in Rediff.com’s “The 10 Best Actresses” list of 2021. Her seamless transition between commercial blockbusters and content-driven films has made her a favorite among critics and audiences alike.

Performance Analysis: Box Office vs Critical Success

Top 10 Movies of Sanya Malhotra: The Complete Ranking

1. Mrs. (2025)

The Hindi remake of the Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen, starring Malhotra as a newlywed dealing with regressive patriarchal traditions, premiered at the 2024 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and released on ZEE5 in 2025.

Recent polls show that Mrs. has emerged as fans’ favorite Sanya Malhotra performance, leading with 54.55% of the votes. This powerful drama showcases her ability to carry a film single-handedly while addressing relevant social issues.

2. Dangal (2016)

Her noteworthy debut as Babita Kumari in this sports biopic film starring alongside Aamir Khan ranks among the highest-grossing Indian films.

The film launched her career and established her as a promising newcomer who could hold her own alongside seasoned actors. Her portrayal of the determined wrestler daughter remains a career-defining performance.

3. Pagglait (2021)

Securing 18.18% of fan votes in recent polls, this Netflix original film demonstrated Malhotra’s ability to lead a narrative-driven story.

Playing a young widow navigating grief and self-discovery, she delivered a nuanced performance that resonated with audiences and critics alike.

4. Badhaai Ho (2018)

Receiving 9.09% of the votes in fan polls, this family comedy-drama featured Malhotra in a supporting role that showcased her comic timing and natural screen presence. The film’s success further established her as a reliable ensemble player who could enhance any narrative.

Genre Diversity: Sanya Malhotra’s Filmography

5. Ludo (2020)

This anthology film on Netflix allowed Malhotra to explore darker themes while working alongside an ensemble cast. Her performance demonstrated her ability to adapt to complex, interconnected narratives while maintaining her character’s distinct arc.

6. Shakuntala Devi (2020)

Working opposite Vidya Balan, Malhotra held her ground as the mathematician’s daughter, delivering an emotionally charged performance that explored the complexities of mother-daughter relationships.

7. Photograph (2019)

This intimate drama showcased her ability to convey deep emotions through subtle expressions, working alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a story about unlikely connections between strangers.

8. Pataakha (2018)

Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, this rural comedy-drama highlighted her versatility as she embodied a completely different persona, proving her range extended beyond urban characters.

9. Love Hostel (2022)

This gritty, violent, and unsettling romantic thriller directed by Shanker Raman immerses Sanya Malhotra in a world where love comes at a deadly cost, showcasing her ability to handle intense, challenging material.

10. Sam Bahadur (2023)

Her supporting role in this biographical film about Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw demonstrated her ability to contribute meaningfully to ensemble pieces while supporting the lead narrative.

Recent Developments and Future Projects

Sanya Malhotra’s upcoming projects include Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari (2025) and Toaster (2025), indicating her continued commitment to diverse storytelling. She also has projects like Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai in production for 2026 and Race 4: Reloaded in pre-production.

Critical Reception Timeline

What Makes Sanya Malhotra’s Performances Stand Out

Malhotra’s success stems from her authentic approach to character development. She consistently chooses roles that challenge conventional Bollywood narratives, often portraying women who are complex, flawed, and real. Her background in dance contributes to her physical expressiveness, while her dedication to method acting ensures each performance feels genuine.

Her filmography reflects a conscious effort to balance commercial viability with artistic integrity. Whether she’s playing a wrestler’s daughter, a grieving widow, or a woman fighting patriarchal oppression, Malhotra brings depth and authenticity to every role.

Industry Impact and Recognition

Critics have praised her natural performance style, with Shilpa Dubey of Femina noting that “her onset in Bollywood was a refreshing game-changer in Dangal”. This recognition speaks to her ability to break away from conventional Bollywood actress stereotypes and create memorable, realistic characters.

The trajectory of her career shows a strategic selection of projects that showcase different aspects of her acting abilities. From big-budget productions to intimate character studies, she has proven her versatility time and again.

Sanya Malhotra’s journey from a trained dancer to one of Bollywood’s most respected actresses represents a new generation of performers who prioritize substance over glamour. Her top 10 movies demonstrate not just her range as an actress, but also her commitment to meaningful cinema that resonates with contemporary audiences.

Read More: Wednesday Season 2 Part 2 Netflix Release Date: Everything You Need to Know

FAQs