Is Kartik Aaryan the Next Superstars? Analyzing His Best and Worst Work

From his viral monologues to his recent foray into gritty biopics, Kartik Aaryan’s career has been a fascinatng case study in Bollywood stardom. As of April 2026, he remains one of the industry’s most bankable stars, though his filmography is a mix of high-stakes transformations and repetitive misfires.

Here is an analysis of Kartik Aaryan’s best and worst performances to date.

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🏆 The Best: Career-Defining Peaks

1. Chandu Champion (2024)

This remains the definitive turning point in Kartik’s career. Portraying Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, Kartik silenced critics who dismissed him as a one-note “monologue actor.”

• Why it worked: His physical transformation was incredible, but it was his emotional restraint that surprised audiences. Director Kabir Khan famously noted that Kartik deserved a National Award for the role, as he successfully balanced the vulnerability of an injured soldier with the grit of a champion.

2. Dhamaka (2021)

Released on Netflix, this thriller saw Kartik as Arjun Pathak, a cynical and morally compromised news anchor.

• Why it worked: For the first time, Kartik shed his “boy next door” charm for a character that was frantic, ambitious, and unlikable. Trapped mostly in one room, his performance relied on intense close-ups and internal conflict, proving he could carry a serious drama without his usual comedic tropes.

3. Freddy (2022)

In this dark psychological thriller, Kartik played a socially awkward dentist with a terrifying double life.

• Why it worked: Kartik’s portrayal of Freddy Ginwala was a masterclass in “creepy-yet-pitiful.” He abandoned his signature toothy grin for a stuttering, introverted persona that made the film’s violent shifts genuinely unsettling.

4. Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018)

While Pyaar Ka Punchnama gave him his start, Sonu made him a superstar.

• Why it worked: Kartik mastered the “manipulative but loyal friend” archetype. His chemistry with Sunny Singh and his impeccable comic timing established the “mass pull” that defines his career today.

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📉 The Worst: Missed Opportunities

1. Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (2025)

His most recent holiday release (December 2025) underwhelmed both critics and the box office.

• The Flaw: Critics labeled the film a “yawn-fest,” noting that it forced Kartik back into the stereotypical “mama’s boy” persona he had already outgrown. Despite his chemistry with Ananya Panday, the performance felt like a “greatest hits” compilation of his previous work rather than something new.

2. Love Aaj Kal 2 (2020)

Attempting to play two characters in Imtiaz Ali’s modern romance, Kartik struggled to find the right pitch.

• The Flaw: His performance was often criticized for being over-the-top, specifically in emotional scenes that became viral memes for the wrong reasons. The vulnerability felt manufactured compared to the organic charm of the original 2009 film.

3. Shehzada (2023)

A remake of the Telugu hit Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, this was Kartik’s attempt at becoming a “Mass Action Hero.”

• The Flaw: Most critics agreed that Kartik couldn’t quite salvage the “pointless banter” of the script. While he has natural charisma, the film felt like the “wrong vehicle” for him, as he tried too hard to mimic a style of heroism that didn’t suit his natural strengths.

Future Outlook: The “Naagzilla” Era

Kartik is currently in a transitional phase. While his recent rom-com stumbles have led some critics—like Prashant Narayanan—to question his longevity, his upcoming slate is bold. Fans are currently waiting for Naagzilla, a high-budget fantasy comedy where he plays a shape-shifting snake-man. Originally slated for 2026, the film has been pushed to February 12, 2027 (Valentine’s Day weekend) to perfect its VFX.

Whether he returns to the heights of Chandu Champion or remains in the safety of formulaic comedies will likely depend on how he handles these experimental roles.