Honestly, if you track the South Indian film circuit, you know Payal Rajput didn't just walk into the industry; she basically kicked the door down. Most people remember her for that one role in RX 100 that left everyone speechless, but there’s so much more to her career than just one "bold" debut. From Punjabi blockbusters to dark psychological thrillers, her filmography is actually quite a wild ride.
She’s one of those rare actors who can jump between languages—Telugu, Punjabi, Tamil, and even Kannada—without breaking a sweat. If you’re looking for a full Payal Rajput movie list, you’re in the right place. We’re going to look at the hits, the misses, and the upcoming projects like The Great Punjab Robbery that are already generating buzz for 2026.
The Breakthrough: Where it All Started
Most fans think her journey began in Hyderabad. Wrong. Before she was Indu in RX 100, Payal was already making waves in the Punjabi film industry.
In 2017, she starred in Channa Mereya, a remake of the Marathi classic Sairat. She played Kainaat Dhillon, and she was so good she snagged the Filmfare Award for Best Debut Actress (Punjabi). It’s a heavy, emotional film. If you haven't seen it, you're missing out on the raw talent she displayed before the "glamour" tag took over.
Then came 2018. The year of RX 100.
Look, RX 100 changed the game for Telugu cinema. It wasn't your typical "boy meets girl" story. Payal played Indu, a character with shades that South Indian audiences hadn't really seen in a mainstream female lead. It was risky. It was controversial. And it worked. She won the SIIMA Award for Best Female Debut, and suddenly, everyone wanted a piece of the "Payal Rajput magic."
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After the explosion of RX 100, Payal didn't just stick to one genre. She tried everything. Some worked, some... well, they happened.
- RDX Love (2019): She played Alivelu, a woman taking on village issues. It tried to balance a social message with high-octane glam, which was a bit of a polarizing mix for critics.
- Venky Mama (2019): This was a big one. Sharing the screen with veterans like Venkatesh and Naga Chaitanya, she played Vennela. It showed she could hold her own in a massive commercial "masala" entertainer.
- Disco Raja (2020): A sci-fi action flick where she worked alongside Ravi Teja. She played Helen, and while the movie had a cult following for its vibe, it didn't quite set the box office on fire.
- Anaganaga O Athidhi (2020): This was a direct-to-OTT release on Aha. It’s a gritty period drama. Payal’s performance as Mallika was dark and desperate—definitely a must-watch if you like psychological tension.
The Recent Shift: Mangalavaaram and New Horizons
If you ask me what her best work since her debut is, I’d say Mangalavaaram (2023) without blinking.
She reunited with director Ajay Bhupathi (the guy who directed RX 100), and the result was intense. She played Sailu, a woman caught in a web of mystery and murders in a rural village. It was a demanding role, both physically and emotionally. It proved that when she’s given a complex script, she can deliver something truly haunting.
In 2024, she stayed in the thriller lane with Rakshana, playing a cop named Kiran. It’s a different look for her—tougher, less about the "diva" persona and more about the grit.
Complete Payal Rajput Movie List (So Far)
Here is a look at her filmography across all languages. It's a pretty diverse mix.
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The Early Punjabi & Hindi Days
- Channa Mereya (2017): Her big Punjabi debut.
- Veerey Ki Wedding (2018): A quick foray into Bollywood.
- Mr & Mrs 420 Returns (2018): A comedy sequel where she played Dr. Seerat.
- Marriage Palace (2018): Another Punjabi rom-com.
- Ishqaa (2019): A romantic thriller back in the Punjabi circuit.
The Telugu Blockbusters & Thrillers
- RX 100 (2018): The one that changed everything.
- NTR: Kathanayakudu (2019): A cameo as Jaya Sudha.
- Sita (2019): A special appearance in the song "Bullreddy."
- RDX Love (2019): Lead role as Alivelu.
- Venky Mama (2019): Commercial family entertainer.
- Disco Raja (2020): Sci-fi thriller.
- Anaganaga O Athidhi (2020): Gritty OTT drama.
- Tees Maar Khan (2022): Action drama with Aadi Saikumar.
- Ginna (2022): Action-comedy where she played Swathi.
- Maya Petika (2023): An anthology-style film centered around a mobile phone.
- Mangalavaaram (2023): Psychological horror/thriller.
- Rakshana (2024): Crime thriller.
The Other Languages
- Iruvar Ullam (2021): Her Tamil debut.
- Head Bush (2022): Her Kannada debut, playing Reshma in a Bangalore underworld story.
- Shava Ni Girdhari Lal (2021): A massive Punjabi ensemble cast.
What’s Happening in 2025 and 2026?
Payal isn't slowing down. If you've been checking the trades, there are a few big projects lined up that might redefine her career again.
- Kirathaka: This is a Telugu crime thriller where she’s once again pairing up with Aadi Saikumar. It’s been in the works for a bit, and fans are expecting something fast-paced.
- Golmaal (Tamil): This is expected to be a full-blown comedy. It’ll be interesting to see her handle the Tamil comedy timing alongside actors like Jiiva and Shiva.
- The Great Punjab Robbery (2026): Scheduled for release in April 2026, this is a return to her Punjabi roots but with a high-stakes heist theme.
- Angel (Tamil): Another Tamil project that has been in the "filming" stage for a while; it's rumored to have a fantasy/thriller element.
Why People Keep Watching
There’s a lot of debate about Payal's career. Some critics say she got "typecast" after RX 100. Honestly? Maybe for a minute there. But if you look at Mangalavaaram or Anaganaga O Athidhi, you see an actress who is actively trying to break those chains. She chooses roles that are "unconventional" and often goes topless or does intense scenes if the script demands it—not for shock value, but for the story.
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She’s also huge on television history. Before movies, she was a household name in shows like Sapnon Se Bhare Naina and Maha Kumbh. That TV background gave her a work ethic that's visible in how many films she churns out across different states.
Actionable Tips for Fans
If you're just starting to explore the Payal Rajput movie list, don't just watch the hits. Here is how to actually appreciate her range:
- Watch Channa Mereya first: See where the acting chops came from before the Telugu stardom.
- Skip the fluff: If you aren't into typical masala, maybe skip Ginna and go straight to Mangalavaaram.
- Track the OTT releases: A lot of her best experimental work, like 3 Roses (the web series on Aha), isn't in theaters.
- Check the 2026 dates: Keep an eye out for The Great Punjab Robbery—it’s shaping up to be her biggest Punjabi film in years.
Payal Rajput has a knack for staying relevant. Whether she's playing a village girl with a dark secret or a cop chasing criminals, she brings a certain "boldness" that isn't just about the clothes—it's about the choices she makes on screen. With 2026 looking busy, her filmography is only going to get more interesting.
Current Status of Key Projects:
- Kirathaka: Post-production.
- Golmaal: Delayed but expected late 2025/early 2026.
- The Great Punjab Robbery: Confirmed for April 17, 2026.
Make sure to check local streaming platforms like Aha, Amazon Prime, and Netflix, as many of her Telugu films are dubbed into Hindi (often with titles like Mahalakshmipuram for Mangalavaaram) for a wider audience.