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Best Ali Abbas Zafar Movies
11th Nov 2025
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Ali Abbas Zafar has swiftly carved a niche as one of contemporary Hindi cinema's most dynamic and successful directors. Known for his grand vision and meticulous execution, Zafar consistently delivers high-octane thrillers and compelling dramas that resonate with a massive audience. His filmography is a testament to his ability to blend intricate plots with breathtaking action sequences and strong emotional cores, often exploring themes of patriotism, social justice, and personal redemption. From adrenaline-pumping espionage thrillers to emotionally charged dramas, Zafar's diverse filmography boasts several movies that have not only achieved immense box office success but also garnered critical acclaim. Now, the time has come to sift through his impressive body of work and determine which film truly stands out as his magnum opus. Whether you're a fan of the raw power of his action sagas or the depth of his character-driven stories, your vote is crucial. Dive into the list below, relive some of Hindi cinema's most defining moments, and cast your vote to help us crown the "Best Ali Abbas Zafar Movie" according to the fans.
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#8.
Gunday (2014)
8/9
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Set against the backdrop of a turbulent 1970s Calcutta, *Gunday* charts the explosive rise of two inseparable childhood friends, Bikram (Ranveer Singh) and Bala (Arjun Kapoor). The film chronicles their dramatic journey as "boys who became refugees, refugees who became gun couriers, and gun couriers who became powerful coal bandits." As their criminal empire expands, they are simultaneously feared and revered, becoming known as Calcutta's "Most Loved, Most Celebrated, Most Reckless, Most Fearless, Most Powerful" outlaws. However, their unwavering loyalty and brotherhood face the ultimate test with the arrival of a captivating cabaret dancer, Nandita (Priyanka Chopra), and a relentless police officer (Irrfan Khan) determined to bring down the city's infamous *Gunday*. *Gunday* earns its place among Ali Abbas Zafar's best films as a quintessential example of his mastery over the modern "masala" entertainer. It's a loud, stylish, and unapologetic homage to the classic Hindi action-dramas of the 70s, showcasing Zafar's flair for large-scale spectacle and heightened emotion. The film is a testament to his ability to extract electrifying chemistry from his leads, with the bromance between Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor forming the powerful, beating heart of the narrative. Zafar skillfully balances high-octane action sequences, a chart-topping soundtrack, and a grand, nostalgic production design, proving his capability to helm ambitious, star-driven projects. It was a foundational film that solidified his directorial signature, demonstrating the blend of style and substance that would define his future blockbusters like *Sultan* and *Tiger Zinda Hai*.
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Sultan (2016)
*Sultan* is a sweeping sports drama that chronicles the fictional life of Sultan Ali Khan (Salman Khan), a wrestler from Haryana with a heart of gold but no direction. When he falls for the fiercely independent state-level wrestler Aarfa (Anushka Sharma), he dedicates himself to the sport to win her respect and love. The film charts his meteoric rise to becoming an Olympic and World Wrestling Champion, followed by a devastating fall from grace brought on by his own pride. Years later, broken and past his prime, he gets a final shot at redemption not in the wrestling ring, but in the brutal, modern world of mixed martial arts. This film earns its place as one of Ali Abbas Zafar's best because it demonstrates his masterful ability to blend high-stakes, authentic sports action with a powerful, emotional human story. Zafar extracts a career-defining performance from Salman Khan, pushing him beyond his superstar persona to portray both the peak physical arrogance of a champion and the vulnerable regret of a broken man. More than just an action film, *Sultan* is a resonant story of love, loss, and second chances, grounded in the rustic heartland of India. It was a massive commercial and critical success that proved Zafar could handle large-scale productions while keeping the emotional core intact, cementing his reputation as a director who delivers blockbusters with both substance and soul.
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Jogi (2022)
Ali Abbas Zafar’s *Jogi* is a harrowing and deeply moving survival thriller set against the backdrop of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi. Anchored by a career-defining performance from Diljit Dosanjh, the film follows an ordinary man forced to become a saviour for his community in a city consumed by violence. Zafar masterfully crafts an atmosphere of unrelenting tension and claustrophobia, focusing less on the political macro-narrative and more on the raw, human-level struggle for survival. By grounding the story in the unwavering bond of friendship that transcends religion, he creates a heart-wrenching yet ultimately hopeful narrative about humanity prevailing in the face of unimaginable hatred. What secures *Jogi*'s place as one of Zafar’s best works is its stark departure from the large-scale commercial entertainers he is known for, like *Sultan* and *Tiger Zinda Hai*. The film demonstrates his remarkable versatility, proving he can strip away the gloss and spectacle to deliver a gritty, character-driven story with immense emotional weight. Instead of choreographed action, Zafar orchestrates scenes of pure, chaotic desperation, showcasing a command over sensitive subject matter and nuanced storytelling. *Jogi* is a testament to his courage as a filmmaker and his ability to craft a powerful, impactful narrative that resonates long after the credits roll, making it an essential and defining entry in his filmography.
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Bloody Daddy (2023)
With *Bloody Daddy*, Ali Abbas Zafar showcases his remarkable versatility, trading the sprawling canvases of his blockbuster epics for a contained, brutally efficient action-thriller. The film plunges viewers into a single, chaotic night as a morally ambiguous cop, played with swaggering intensity by Shahid Kapoor, navigates a high-stakes game of survival inside a luxury hotel to save his kidnapped son. Zafar masterfully builds a relentless, ticking-clock narrative, punctuating the tension with sleek, visceral, and expertly choreographed fight sequences that feel both stylish and raw. It’s a testament to his directorial craft that he can create such a high-octane experience within a confined setting, focusing on kinetic energy and character-driven stakes over sheer scale. What solidifies *Bloody Daddy*'s place among Zafar's best is its demonstration of his command over the pure mechanics of the action genre. While films like *Sultan* and *Tiger Zinda Hai* are defined by their grandeur, *Bloody Daddy* is a lean, mean, and uncompromised vision that proves Zafar can deliver a world-class, "John Wick-esque" experience. The film is a masterclass in pacing, grit, and visual flair, stripping away subplots to focus on a propulsive and gripping central conflict. By successfully executing this bold, genre-focused experiment, Zafar not only adds a completely different texture to his filmography but also proves his prowess extends beyond spectacle, cementing his status as one of India's most dynamic and skilled commercial directors.
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Tiger Zinda Hai (2017)
*Tiger Zinda Hai* stands as a monumental achievement in Ali Abbas Zafar’s filmography, cementing his reputation as a master of the large-scale action entertainer. Taking the reins from the original, Zafar didn't just create a sequel; he re-engineered the franchise into a high-octane, war-zone spectacle. He brilliantly blended gritty realism, inspired by a true story of rescuing Indian nurses, with breathtaking, Hollywood-level action set-pieces. From the thrilling wolf chase in the Austrian Alps to the explosive climax in an oil refinery, Zafar’s direction is confident and ambitious, orchestrating every frame for maximum impact. The film showcases his unique ability to mount a production of immense scale without ever losing control of the narrative's blistering pace. Beyond the explosive action, the film earns its place on this list for Zafar’s masterful balance of spectacle with substance and star power. He expertly harnesses Salman Khan's larger-than-life persona, crafting a hero who is both an unstoppable force and a man driven by duty and love. Crucially, Zafar also empowers the character of Zoya, giving Katrina Kaif a substantial and commanding role with her own standout action sequences, making her an equal partner in the mission. By grounding the patriotic fervor in a message of India-Pakistan unity and a compelling humanitarian cause, Zafar gives the film an emotional core that resonates powerfully. *Tiger Zinda Hai* is the quintessential Ali Abbas Zafar blockbuster: visually grand, emotionally engaging, and a perfectly executed commercial powerhouse.
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Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011)
In this vibrant romantic comedy, Kush Agnihotri (Imran Khan), an assistant film director, is tasked with the ultimate mission: finding the perfect Indian bride for his London-based brother, Luv (Ali Zafar). After a series of comically disastrous interviews, Kush finally finds the ideal match in the vivacious and free-spirited Dimple Dixit (Katrina Kaif), a woman he happens to have known from his past. Luv and Dimple connect online and the families happily arrange their engagement. However, the perfectly laid plans go haywire when Dimple realizes she has fallen for the man who found her, not the man she's supposed to marry, and insists that Kush must elope with her, leading to a chaotic and hilarious series of events. As Ali Abbas Zafar's directorial debut, *Mere Brother Ki Dulhan* is a crucial entry on any list of his best films because it established the energetic, commercially savvy, and youth-oriented style that would become his trademark. The film is a masterclass in breezy, feel-good entertainment, showcasing Zafar's natural flair for blending quirky comedy, heartfelt romance, and a chart-topping musical score. It demonstrated his ability to extract charismatic and memorable performances from his actors, particularly highlighting a new, uninhibited side of Katrina Kaif that he would later utilize in their blockbuster collaborations. While his subsequent films like *Sultan* and *Tiger Zinda Hai* would be defined by their massive scale and action, this charming and successful debut laid the essential groundwork, proving he was a filmmaker with a confident grasp of the "masala" formula and a direct line to the audience's pulse.
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Bharat (2019)
*Bharat* stands as Ali Abbas Zafar's most ambitious and emotionally sweeping directorial venture, securing its place on his list of best works. The film chronicles the life of its titular character, played by Salman Khan, in a journey that parallels the history of modern India from the Partition of 1947 to the present day. Zafar masterfully weaves a grand, decades-spanning tapestry that connects one man's personal promise to his family with the larger story of a nation's evolution. Unlike a straightforward action blockbuster, *Bharat* is an epic in the truest sense, demanding a delicate balance between grand-scale spectacle—like the thrilling circus sequences or the recreation of the Gulf War—and the intimate, emotional core of a man waiting for his family to be reunited. What cements *Bharat*'s place among Zafar's best is its demonstration of his versatility and maturity as a filmmaker. While *Sultan* and *Tiger Zinda Hai* proved his command over action and drama, *Bharat* showcases his ability to handle a complex, episodic narrative with a consistent emotional throughline. He successfully guides Salman Khan through one of his most varied performances, capturing the character's journey from a hopeful youth to a resilient old man with nuance and gravitas. The film is a testament to Zafar's skill in creating a heartfelt, character-driven story on a massive canvas, proving he can deliver not just a commercial juggernaut, but a poignant and memorable cinematic saga.
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Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024)
*Bade Miyan Chote Miyan* stands as a quintessential Ali Abbas Zafar film, solidifying his reputation as a master of grand-scale, star-driven spectacle. The movie is a testament to his directorial signature: mounting a project of immense ambition and delivering a high-octane cinematic event. By pairing two of Bollywood's biggest action heroes, Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff, Zafar creates an explosive buddy-action dynamic that serves as the film's core. His direction is evident in every meticulously choreographed fight sequence and globe-trotting set piece, showcasing his unique ability to blend Hollywood-style production values with a distinctly Indian patriotic fervor, making it a prime example of the larger-than-life entertainment he is celebrated for. What cements the film's place among Zafar's best is how it represents an evolution of his filmmaking while staying true to his core themes. While earlier hits like *Sultan* and *Tiger Zinda Hai* were rooted in more grounded emotional and action-based realities, *Bade Miyan Chote Miyan* pushes the envelope into a stylized, science-fiction-infused territory with its focus on AI and futuristic warfare. This demonstrates Zafar's versatility and his ambition to elevate Indian action cinema to a global stage. The film is a culmination of his directorial strengths—slick visuals, charismatic heroes, and a narrative of brotherhood and sacrifice—all packaged into his most technically ambitious and visually spectacular project to date, making it an essential entry in his filmography.
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Gunday (2014)
Set against the backdrop of a turbulent 1970s Calcutta, *Gunday* charts the explosive rise of two inseparable childhood friends, Bikram (Ranveer Singh) and Bala (Arjun Kapoor). The film chronicles their dramatic journey as "boys who became refugees, refugees who became gun couriers, and gun couriers who became powerful coal bandits." As their criminal empire expands, they are simultaneously feared and revered, becoming known as Calcutta's "Most Loved, Most Celebrated, Most Reckless, Most Fearless, Most Powerful" outlaws. However, their unwavering loyalty and brotherhood face the ultimate test with the arrival of a captivating cabaret dancer, Nandita (Priyanka Chopra), and a relentless police officer (Irrfan Khan) determined to bring down the city's infamous *Gunday*. *Gunday* earns its place among Ali Abbas Zafar's best films as a quintessential example of his mastery over the modern "masala" entertainer. It's a loud, stylish, and unapologetic homage to the classic Hindi action-dramas of the 70s, showcasing Zafar's flair for large-scale spectacle and heightened emotion. The film is a testament to his ability to extract electrifying chemistry from his leads, with the bromance between Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor forming the powerful, beating heart of the narrative. Zafar skillfully balances high-octane action sequences, a chart-topping soundtrack, and a grand, nostalgic production design, proving his capability to helm ambitious, star-driven projects. It was a foundational film that solidified his directorial signature, demonstrating the blend of style and substance that would define his future blockbusters like *Sultan* and *Tiger Zinda Hai*.
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The Raid
While "The Raid" is a landmark in modern action cinema, it's important to clarify a common point of confusion: it was not directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. The film is the creation of Welsh director Gareth Evans and is celebrated for its groundbreaking Indonesian Pencak Silat fight choreography. "The Raid" is renowned for its visceral, non-stop intensity and a raw, brutal aesthetic that redefined what was possible in hand-to-hand combat sequences, making it an icon of the genre entirely on its own merit. However, if you're seeking a film from Ali Abbas Zafar's filmography that channels a similar spirit of gritty, contained, and relentless action, the best example would be **Bloody Daddy**. This film sees Zafar moving away from his usual large-scale spectacles to deliver a raw, claustrophobic thriller set over a single night. The action is brutal and grounded, focusing on desperate, close-quarters combat that feels more personal and impactful, much like the corridor fights of "The Raid." While stylistically different, *Bloody Daddy* represents Zafar's exploration of the high-impact, character-driven violence that fans of "The Raid" would appreciate, making it his most relevant entry in that specific subgenre of action.
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