5. Do Patti (2024)
4. Crew (2024)
Rajesh Krishnan’s heist comedy is a typical ‘Bollywood’ masala movie that features three air hostesses caught up in a gold smuggling plot while working for a struggling airline. Kriti Sanon stars as Divya Rana, a determined junior flight attendant with aspirations of becoming an airline pilot. Despite her ambition, she faces sexism and various career obstacles. Known as the “golden child” of her family, Divya excels in many areas except her professional dreams.
Sanon delivers a lively and engaging performance that aligns well with the film’s comedic and adventurous tone. Although the screenplay can feel slow-paced at times, her chemistry with co-stars Kareena Kapoor Khan and Tabu, enhances the film’s charm.
Upon its release, Crew received accolades for its fresh take on the heist genre and the compelling dynamics among its leading women. It tackles themes of worker exploitation and corporate greed while incorporating slapstick humor. The movie achieved commercial success, grossing over ₹157 crore globally, making it one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of the year.
3. Mimi (2021)
Inspired by the National Award-winning Marathi movie Mala Aai Vhhaychy! (2011), Laxman Utekar’s film follows the story of Mimi (Kriti Sanon), a young woman aspiring to become a Bollywood actress. When an American couple seeks a surrogate mother in India, they approach Mimi for her looks and lively personality. Attracted by the financial incentive, Mimi agrees to the arrangement; however, her journey quickly becomes complex as she faces the emotional challenges of surrogacy, societal judgments, and personal sacrifices.
Sanon’s portrayal of Mimi has garnered widespread acclaim for its depth and emotional range. She convincingly transforms from a carefree young woman to a dedicated surrogate, navigating the trials of pregnancy with vulnerability and resilience. Mimi received positive reviews for its strong performances and heartfelt storytelling. Sanon’s performance earned her multiple accolades, including the prestigious National Award.
2. Bhediya (2022)
Amar Kaushik skillfully combines supernatural elements with humor in Bhediya (2022), which is set against the stunning backdrop of Arunachal Pradesh’s lush forests. The film follows Bhaskar (Varun Dhawan), a road contractor whose life takes a wild turn after being bitten by a mysterious wolf while working on a development project. He begins to transform into a werewolf during full moons, leading to a chaotic exploration of the consequences of human encroachment on nature.
Kriti Sanon portrays Dr. Anika Mittal, a veterinarian and friend of Bhaskar, who plays a crucial role in his journey. Anika is intelligent and composed, providing a calm presence amid the film’s high-energy chaos. Sanon brings subtle humor to her character, balancing the comedic and serious elements effectively, despite her limited screen time.
Bhediya received mixed to positive reviews, with audiences praising its visual effects, humor, and originality for bringing a creature feature to Bollywood. While some critics felt Anika’s character could have been further developed, Sanon’s performance stood out for its restraint, showcasing her chemistry with Dhawan. The film’s unique concept, impressive transformation scenes, and environmental themes contributed to its overall appeal.
1. Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017)
Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari’s Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) is one of those charming Bollywood romantic comedies set in the small town of Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Kriti Sanon plays a spirited young woman, Bitti Mishra, who feels stifled by societal expectations. Working at the local electricity board, Bitti enjoys breakdancing, occasionally smokes, and embraces her individuality— a rare depiction for women in small-town Bollywood narratives. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon a novel, Bareilly Ki Barfi, whose protagonist resonates with her. This connection spurs her search for the book’s writer.
Sanon shines as Bitti, delivering a relatable performance filled with warmth, wit, and authenticity, capturing the complexities of a woman torn between her roots and her dreams. Her chemistry with Ayushmann Khurrana, who plays Chirag, the book’s actual author, and Rajkummar Rao, as Pritam Vidrohi, a meek man caught up in Chirag’s scheme, adds to the film’s appeal.
The story addresses women’s constraints in conservative societies with humor and subtlety. It has a refreshing storyline and strong performances, with Sanon’s lively portrayal of Bitti establishing her as a promising talent, breaking stereotypes about small-town female leads in Bollywood.
