Honestly, if you haven't been paying attention to Kunal Kapoor lately, you’re missing out on one of the most fascinating career pivots in Indian cinema. We all remember him as the tall, brooding guy from Rang De Basanti, right? But in 2026, the conversation around Kunal Kapoor movies and tv shows has shifted from "that guy who looks like a younger Amitabh Bachchan" to a legitimate powerhouse across streaming and regional epics.
He doesn't just act anymore. He writes. He produces. He’s even a trained pilot and a rally car driver in his spare time.
The industry is different now. It's not just about Bollywood. Kunal knows this. He’s been quietly building a filmography that spans languages and formats, making him a fixture in both high-budget spectacles and gritty, experimental digital content. If you're looking for a watchlist, you've got to look beyond the surface.
The Breakthrough: More Than Just Rang De Basanti
Most people start their Kunal Kapoor journey with Aslam in Rang De Basanti (2006). It was a cultural reset. But look closer at his early years. His debut in M.F. Husain’s Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities (2004) was bold, even if the box office didn't reflect it.
He didn't take the easy road. Instead of doing ten romantic comedies, he signed a three-film deal with Yash Raj Films that resulted in some really interesting, if flawed, projects like Aaja Nachle and Laaga Chunari Mein Daag.
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Then there’s Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana (2012). It’s basically the gold standard for Indian "foodie" movies. Kunal played Omi, a guy returning to his roots under less-than-ideal circumstances. It was subtle. It was funny. It proved he could carry a film without a massive ensemble behind him.
Kunal Kapoor Movies and TV Shows: The Digital Renaissance
Streaming changed the game for him. If you haven't seen The Empire (2021) on Disney+ Hotstar, you’re genuinely missing his best work. Playing Babur was a massive risk. It’s a role that requires a weird mix of vulnerability and absolute ruthlessness. Critics like Vibha Maru noted that he "breathed life" into the character, and honestly, the scale of that production was something else.
Then 2025 happened.
Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins dropped on Netflix in April 2025, and it became a global monster. Produced by Siddharth Anand, it featured Kunal as Vikram Patel, an agent chasing down Saif Ali Khan’s master thief. It wasn't just a "supporting role." It was a high-stakes, sleek performance that reminded everyone why he’s one of the few actors who looks natural in a big-budget action thriller. It actually hit the No. 3 spot on Netflix's Global Top 10 for Non-English films.
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- The Empire (2021): A sprawling historical epic where he plays the founder of the Mughal Empire.
- Ankahi Kahaniya (2021): A Netflix anthology where he shows off a more charming, quiet side.
- Jewel Thief (2025): The heist film that proved he's a global streaming draw.
Breaking Borders: The South Indian Pivot
Kunal is currently doing what most Hindi film actors are afraid to do: he’s actually putting in the work in regional cinema.
He’s currently filming Vishwambhara (2026), a massive Telugu fantasy adventure starring Chiranjeevi. This isn't just a cameo. It's one of the most expensive films in the history of Telugu cinema. He also previously did Veeram (2016), a Malayalam adaptation of Macbeth, where he played a 16th-century warrior. He went through a brutal physical transformation for that one—think 12 kilograms of muscle and intense Kalaripayattu training.
He's not just "appearing" in these movies; he's becoming part of the fabric of those industries.
What’s Coming Next in 2026?
If you think he's slowing down, you’re wrong. Kunal is currently working on an action series set in Lucknow, which he actually co-wrote. This is the new era of his career: the writer-actor. He’s started his own writers' room to develop scripts that don't fit the traditional "hero" mold.
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There’s also the American production Such Is Life, which is slated to begin filming in the US this spring. And let’s not forget his role in the magnum opus Ramayan, where he’s reportedly portraying Indra Dev alongside Ranbir Kapoor.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Watchlist
If you want to understand why Kunal Kapoor is a big deal in 2026, don't just watch the hits. Look at the range.
- Start with The Empire: It's the best entry point for his modern "serious actor" era.
- Watch Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana: If you want something soulful and grounded.
- Check out Jewel Thief on Netflix: For the pure "star power" experience.
- Don't skip Veeram: Even if you need subtitles, his performance as a tragic warrior is his most physically demanding work.
Kunal Kapoor’s career is a lesson in patience. He didn't burn out by doing everything; he waited for the right stuff. Whether it’s a Telugu fantasy epic or a Netflix heist, he’s consistently the most interesting person on the screen. Keep an eye on the Lucknow action series—word is it’s going to be a game-changer for Indian crime dramas.