With the brooding anti-heroes and dark thrillers dominating Bollywood these days, there used to exist an age when love was gawky, friendships were supreme, and vulnerability was lovable. There used to be a lovable face to that age, and that was Imran Khan. From his debut appearance in Jaane Tu. Ya Jaane Na to Delhi Belly’s cult vibe, Imran’s filmography is short but indelible on millennials who grew up during the late 2000s and early 2010s. His boy-next-door charm and everyman quality provided a refreshing respite from the larger-than-life heroes of the era. As news of his much-awaited return comes up, let’s go down the memory lane of six Imran Khan movies that we still fondly remember.
1. Jaane Tu. Ya Jaane Na (2008)
Why we still love it: Because nobody made love-from-friendship stories seem so true. This was the movie that brought us Imran Khan, and he couldn’t have debuted any better. Portraying the non-violent, peace-loving college student Jai Singh Rathore, Imran portrayed a character many young adults could relate to. Set against the backdrop of Mumbai’s campus life and featuring a memorable ensemble cast, Jaane Tu. It wasn’t just a rom-com — it was a story about growing up, learning what love means, and finding your voice. Add to that A.R. Rahman’s timeless soundtrack, and you’ve got a classic that still makes your heart swell.
2. Delhi Belly (2011)
Why it excels: It was raw, unapologetic, and full-on broke the mould. Whereas Jaane Tu. Introduced us to Imran as the nice guy, Delhi Belly turned that on its head. In this foul-mouthed, unhinged black comedy, Imran was Tashi — a down-and-out journalist who finds himself in the middle of a maelstrom of gangsters, mixed-up deliveries, and explosive consequences (literally). Directed by Abhinay Deo and made by Aamir Khan, this movie was a breakthrough. It was the language of the urban Indian youth — raw, irreverent, and funny. Imran’s deadpan stares and dry wit anchored the craziness, and this was one of his most memorable and daring performances.
3. I Hate Luv Storys (2010)
Why it clicked: It was a rom-com about loathing rom-coms — but still being one. Imran starred as Jay, a fellow who couldn’t abide anything even slightly romantic—ironic, since he was employed by a Bollywood director famous for melodramatic love sagas. The movie paired him with Sonam Kapoor’s hopeless romantic lead and was a witty exploration of genre convention. The chemistry was effortless, the visuals were breathtaking, and the music remains on repeat. Imran’s effortless facility in front of the camera made Jay both infuriating and lovable — a portrait of real-life commitment-phobes across the world.
4. Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011)
Why we keep rewatching: Because it’s sheer fun madness with heart. In this offbeat rom-com, Imran enacted Kush, who falls for his brother’s fiancĂ©e. Katrina Kaif as the firecracker Dimple provided fireworks, but Imran brought the story down to earth with his candour and vulnerability. The movie, embracing its insanity without sacrificing emotional resonance, Imran lent comic sensibility and earnestness to the character. And let’s not forget that catchy song “Dhunki”. It remains a great Sunday rewatch even today.
Also Read…
5. Gori Tere Pyaar Mein (2013)
Why it needs a revisit: For its city-meets-rural soul and new take. Joining forces with Kareena Kapoor, Imran acted Sriram, an egocentric architect who has to face more fundamental values when he attempts to win back his socially aware ex-girlfriend. Although the movie didn’t create a splash at the box office, it was endearing. With its colourful imagery, tapping music, and gentle jabs at contemporary callousness, the film brought something new to the table. Imran’s transformation from superficial to introspective was subtle but convincing — a reminder of his capability to portray complex characters.
6. Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (2012)
It was ahead of its time because not every love story requires a traditional ending. Directed in Las Vegas, this romantic comedy-drama had Imran play Rahul, an uptight architect who gets drunk-married to Kareena’s free-spirited Riana. Less romance and more self-discovery followed. The movie turned around Bollywood conventions — the two do not end up together as a couple, and that is just fine. Imran’s interpretation of a man who gradually comes apart and then gets together was understated and pleasant. It demonstrated that love is not possession at times — it is development.
Last Words:
Imran Khan’s movies weren’t all about gorgeous hair and smooth charm — they were portraits of a generation in transition. His protagonists struggled with identity, love, and growing up with an authenticity that left an indelible mark. As audiences change and Bollywood reinvents itself anew, there’s room for the type of authentic, slice-of-life filmmaking Imran popularised. Whether or not his return happens, these six movies are eternal testaments to an actor who made the simple appear cinematic. Go ahead. Watch these classics again. Let nostalgia take its course.
Writer – Subham Choudhary