If you’ve spent any time on Indian OTT platforms over the last few years, you’ve definitely seen Vaibhav Raj Gupta. You might not have known his name at first. Most people didn't. To the millions who fell in love with the middle-class bickering of the Mishra family, he was simply "Annu Bhaiya." He was the frustrated, job-hunting, lovable elder brother in Gullak. But honestly? Reducing him to just one role is doing a massive disservice to a guy who has been grinding in the industry for over 16 years.
He didn't just "arrive." He stayed.
Looking back at Vaibhav Raj Gupta movies and tv shows, you see a weird, wonderful, and sometimes dark trajectory. It’s a career built on theatre workshops, short films no one saw, and a sudden, explosive pivot into gritty crime thrillers. If you think he’s just the "relatable neighbor" type, you’re about to be very surprised.
The Gullak Phenomenon: The Role That Changed Everything
It’s impossible to talk about Vaibhav without starting with Gullak. When it first dropped on SonyLIV in 2019, it was a quiet little show. No superstars. No massive marketing budget. Just four people in a house in North India.
Vaibhav played Annu Mishra. He captured that specific Indian elder-brother energy—the one who is constantly pressured to get a government job while trying to maintain some shred of dignity. The chemistry between him and Harsh Mayar (who played the younger brother, Aman) felt so real that people genuinely thought they were related.
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But here’s the kicker: after four successful seasons, 2025 brought some shocking news. Reports started swirling that Vaibhav Raj Gupta was exiting Gullak Season 5. Fans were devastated. Rumors of a replacement—specifically actor Anant V. Joshi—hit the headlines. While it’s hard to imagine anyone else carrying that specific brand of "Annu Bhaiya" angst, Vaibhav had already started moving toward something much darker.
From Small Town Hero to Gritty Noir: The Mandala Murders Era
If Gullak was his "nice guy" era, Mandala Murders (2025) was his "leave the past behind" moment. Dropping on Netflix, this YRF Entertainment series saw him teaming up with Vaani Kapoor.
He played Vikram Singh. Gone was the loose shirt and the boy-next-door vibe. Instead, we got a physically transformed, intense cop dealing with a series of ritualistic, bone-chilling murders. This wasn't just a role; it was a statement. He wanted the industry to see him as a lead who could carry a high-budget crime thriller.
The show itself is a wild ride of mythological symbolism and modern-day detective work. It’s gritty. It’s violent. And Vaibhav holds his own against seasoned actors like Surveen Chawla. It proved that his 16 years of theatre training weren't just for show.
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The Deep Cut: Earlier Movies and TV Shows You Probably Missed
Most people think he started with web series. Nope. He’s been around.
- Ascharyachakit! (2018): This is one of those indie films that flies under the radar. It’s a dark, twisted take on lust and greed inspired by Saadat Hasan Manto’s stories. Vaibhav was daring enough to take this on way before he became a household name.
- Life Sahi Hai: Remember this? From the creators of Pyaar Ka Punchnama. It was a bromance comedy that felt very "early YouTube era," and Vaibhav was right in the thick of that chaotic energy.
- Noor (2017): He had a role in this Sonakshi Sinha starrer. It was a blink-and-miss moment for some, but it was part of his slow climb up the Bollywood ladder.
- Super 30 (2019): Yes, he was in the Hrithik Roshan movie too.
- Mai: A Mother's Rage: In this Netflix series starring Sakshi Tanwar, he played Shankar. It was a supporting role, but it showed his ability to fit into high-stakes, emotional dramas without being the center of attention.
Why People Get Him Wrong
People often mistake "relatability" for a lack of range. Because Vaibhav is so good at playing the "average guy," directors kept offering him the same thing.
He’s talked about this in interviews. He’s mentioned how he was once called a "thanda" (cold/boring) actor by a casting director. That’s wild to think about now. He used that rejection to fuel a short film called Emotions on MXPlayer, where he played an actor struggling with auditions. Basically, he turned his real-life trauma into art.
He’s also a poet. He runs something called "Poetry Session" where he builds a community for artists. That sensitivity is probably why his performances feel so layered. He isn't just saying lines; he’s looking for the rhythm in them.
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What’s Next for Vaibhav Raj Gupta?
The landscape of Vaibhav Raj Gupta movies and tv shows is shifting. With his exit from the "comfort zone" of long-running shows like Gullak, he is clearly betting on himself as a versatile leading man.
There’s a lot of chatter about his upcoming projects in 2026. While he’s been tight-lipped about the specifics, the industry buzz suggests more collaborations with major streaming giants. He’s officially moved out of the "character actor" bracket and into the "bankable lead" category.
Quick Filmography & TV Highlights:
- Gullak (Seasons 1-4): The definitive middle-class drama.
- Mandala Murders (2025): The gritty Netflix breakout.
- Good Bad Girl: A quirky legal drama where he showed off his comic timing.
- Ascharyachakit!: The indie dark horse.
- Shuruaat Ka Interval: An early career anthology film.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators
If you’re a fan of his work, now is the time to go back and watch his short films like White Shirt or Pralhad. They show a side of him that the big-budget shows often overlook.
For aspiring actors, Vaibhav’s career is a masterclass in patience. He didn't get famous at 21. He stayed in the game for over a decade before anyone knew his name. He shows that "overnight success" usually takes about fifteen years of hard work.
Next Steps for You:
- Watch Mandala Murders on Netflix if you want to see him break the "Annu Bhaiya" mold entirely.
- Check out his short films on YouTube to see his early experimental work.
- Follow his poetry initiatives if you want to see the man behind the characters.
Vaibhav Raj Gupta is proof that in the age of viral clips and 15-second fame, craft still matters. Whether he’s playing a cop in a ritualistic murder mystery or a frustrated brother in a cramped house, he makes you believe him. And that’s the rarest thing in acting.