Small Roles That Had A Huge Impact In Films

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OCTOBER 04,2023

There are two kinds of cameos and small roles in films. One where a known actor just comes for a short duration to play a character and changes the dynamics of the film with their presence. The other kind involves lesser-known actors who are talented enough to make their presence known to the audience among an ensemble cast of other famous actors. Both of these categories leave a lasting impact on the film's overall appeal. There have been times when a cameo has been more appreciated and remembered than the film itself. A recent example was Shah Rukh Khan's cameo in Brahmastra, which caused a revolt in theaters when people saw the king in a superhero avatar.

Here are four such small roles in films made throughout the years that had a huge impact on audiences:

Girish Kulkarni in Ugly (2013)

This is possibly the best example of acting in general and is going to be remembered for years to come. Marathi actor, screenwriter, and director Girish Kulkarni is absolutely brilliant as the reluctant police inspector in this dark thriller directed by Anurag Kashyap. A masterclass in improvised scenes, the film's strength was the unpredictable nature of its characters and how they reacted to different situations. Kulkarni's menacing and realistic portrayal of a cop is at once scary and funny. The entire interrogation scene in the police station involving actors Rahul Bhat and Vineet Singh is always engaging and fun to watch.

Irrfan Khan in Haider (2014)

Right at some moments before the interval, we happen to see a defocused frame in the snow-clad Kashmir. We can barely make out a figure moving somewhere in the frame, and slowly the figure comes into focus. As he does, the music in the background starts to change, with an ever-engaging and thrilling tune designed by Vishal Bhardwaj. In time for the final reveal, we spot Irrfan wearing black glasses as he clears away the mist from them. The film breaks for an interval.

This small scene is one of the major highlights of the 2014 film, which was already dense with strong performances by Shahid Kapoor, Tabu, and Kay Kay Menon. Irfan's stunning and mysterious portrayal of Roohdar won hearts, and a role that barely had five scenes was remembered greatly after the film's release. Even Irrfan was shocked to see himself on the screen in the final cut, and right after seeing it, he ran into director Vishal Bhardwaj to thank him.

Gulshan Devaiah in Badhaai Do (2022)

Gulshan Devaiah comes in the very last act of the film, which had Rajkumar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar in the titular roles. However, when he comes, it is difficult to put our eyes away from his charming presence on the screen. The way he embodies his character and fills it up with spellbound simplicity makes it a memorable cameo. It is a delight to see him and Rajkumar Rao cozy up and develop chemistry by the end of the film. If anything, all one can ask for is an altogether separate film to further showcase their romance.

Vijay Varma in Pink (2016)

Before establishing himself as someone who can master any role in any film and becoming the talk of the town, Vijay Varma starred in this social drama in a role that barely demanded any screen presence from him. However, like a diamond that shines all the time, Vijay Varma is just spectacular in the film. Playing the role of one of the perpetrators who sexually abuses the protagonists, Varma brings in a lot of intimidation through his personality.

His scene involving a fake accident, which he stages and then goes on to help the old man who has fallen down only to later threaten him, is memorable. He does absolutely the bare minimum and yet manages to make it memorable enough for people to notice him. Later, with full-fledged roles in many big and small films, Vijay Varma would prove why he is one of the best talents in the industry right now.

Also read: Naseeruddin Shah Movies: 5 Cameos Of The Veteran Actor That Prove No Role Is Small For Him