Summary
Riteish Deshmukh has long been one of Bollywood’s most versatile—and frequently underrated—actors, gliding from broad comedy to intense drama with an ease that few of his contemporaries can match. Yet it is his recent transformation into a formidable antagonist in “Raid 2,” now streaming on Netflix, that has sparked a fresh wave of interest in his filmography. Playing the cunning politician Dada Bhai, Deshmukh trades his trademark grin for glacial menace, standing toe‑to‑toe with Ajay Devgn’s iron‑willed IRS officer Amay Patnaik in a nail‑biting battle against black money. Critics and audiences alike have hailed Deshmukh’s performance as a masterclass in reinvention, proving that a gifted comedian can also command the screen as a villain.
If “Raid 2” left you hungry for more, the good news is that Deshmukh’s career is stacked with memorable turns—many of which are now available on major streaming platforms. From early‑2000s laugh riots that helped define modern Hindi comedy to a Marathi musical drama that showcases his emotional range, the following five titles represent the very best of Riteish Deshmukh on OTT. Each pick includes platform availability, plot highlights, and the unique qualities that make it worth adding to your queue today.
1. “Masti” (Amazon Prime Video)
Released in 2004 and directed by Indra Kumar, “Masti” arrived at a time when Bollywood’s relationship with adult humour was tentative at best. Deshmukh, cast as the meek yet mischievous Amar Saxena, teamed up with Vivek Oberoi and Aftab Shivdasani to portray three newly married men yearning to recapture their carefree bachelor days. What begins as a harmless plan to inject excitement into their staid marriages spirals into chaos involving mistaken identities, blackmail, and one very deadpan police inspector.
Deshmukh’s timing is impeccable throughout. Whether he is bluffing his way out of a marital misadventure or trading rapid‑fire zingers with Oberoi and Shivdasani, he anchors the film’s screwball energy without tipping into caricature. While “Masti” earned its share of box‑office success, its lasting legacy is how it opened doors for mainstream sex comedies in Hindi cinema—a sub‑genre that flourished in later years with titles like “Grand Masti” and “Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum.” Streaming now on Amazon Prime Video, “Masti” remains a breezy antidote to pandemic‑era fatigue and a reminder of Deshmukh’s effortless comic chops.
Why you should watch: “Masti” is emblematic of early‑2000s Bollywood humour, complete with catchy songs and endlessly quotable one‑liners. It’s also the genesis of Deshmukh’s celebrated partnership with director Indra Kumar, making it essential viewing for anyone charting his growth as an entertainer.
2. “Dhamaal” (Disney+ Hotstar)
Three years after “Masti,” Deshmukh reunited with Indra Kumar for “Dhamaal,” a rollicking treasure‑hunt comedy that wears its Hollywood inspiration (“It’s Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World”) on its sleeve yet radiates unmistakably Indian zaniness. Deshmukh’s character Roy is one‑quarter of an ensemble featuring Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, and Javed Jaffrey, all of whom play lovable layabouts chasing a secret jackpot hidden beneath a monumental “W.”
What distinguishes Deshmukh’s performance is his knack for physical humour. In several set pieces—most notoriously the airplane cockpit gag—he contorts his face and voice into a living cartoon. Yet “Dhamaal” also hints at his dramatic prowess: watch how he grounds the film’s most heartfelt moment when the quartet finally question the cost of their greed. Available on Disney+ Hotstar, “Dhamaal” remains a family‑friendly staple during festival weekends and a masterclass in ensemble chemistry.
Why you should watch: Few Hindi comedies have aged as gracefully as “Dhamaal,” thanks to tight pacing, clean slapstick, and a whiff of nostalgia for early‑2000s multiplex culture. Deshmukh’s Roy adds heart to what could have been pure farce.
3. “Double Dhamaal” (ZEE5)
Sequels often stumble under the weight of expectations, but 2011’s “Double Dhamaal” embraces its absurdity with gusto. The original quartet returns, this time squaring off against a slick con man played by Sanjay Dutt. Where “Dhamaal” focused on a single zany caper, the sequel sprawls across Macau casinos, fake business deals, and one uproarious disguise sequence in which Deshmukh impersonates a Gujarati billionaire.
Critics were divided on the film’s narrative excess, yet unanimously praised Deshmukh’s comedic range. He juggles slapstick, verbal repartee, and even a brief dance number without missing a beat. Streaming on ZEE5, “Double Dhamaal” serves as a valuable snapshot of Bollywood’s transition into louder, more colourful masala spectacles of the 2010s.
Why you should watch: While the plot may be preposterous, Deshmukh’s comedic commitment is total. For fans of larger‑than‑life farce—think Rohit Shetty meets classic Priyadarshan—this sequel hits the sweet spot.
4. “Kakuda” (Disney+ Hotstar)
Jump forward to 2023 and you will find Deshmukh venturing into horror‑comedy with “Kakuda.” Set in a small Rajasthani town plagued by a vengeful dwarf ghost, the film stars Sonakshi Sinha and Saqib Saleem as a newly married couple who inadvertently invite supernatural trouble by violating a local ritual. Deshmukh enters as Victor DSouza, a tongue‑in‑cheek exorcist whose unorthodox methods provide the comic relief that offsets the film’s eerie visuals.
“Kakuda” is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, a Marathi filmmaker known for genre experimentation. Under his watchful eye, Deshmukh delivers a performance that balances whimsy and sincerity. He nails every punchline while never mocking the emotional stakes of paranormal fear—a delicate tightrope act rarely achieved in Indian horror comedies. Currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, “Kakuda” is perfect for viewers seeking light scares without gore.
Why you should watch: Horror‑comedy is a notoriously tricky genre, yet “Kakuda” manages a satisfying blend of suspense and laughter. Deshmukh’s ghost‑hunter avatar demonstrates that he can liven up a genre piece without overshadowing co‑stars.
5. “Banjo” (JioCinema)
For audiences who know Deshmukh primarily as a comedian, “Banjo” offers a refreshing palate cleanser. Directed by acclaimed Marathi filmmaker Ravi Jadhav, this 2016 musical drama casts Deshmukh as Taraat Bhansode, a rugged banjo player from the slums of Mumbai. When an NRI DJ (Nargis Fakhri) hears a recording of his street band, she persuades them to collaborate on an international music project—a journey that forces Taraat to confront bigger dreams and deeper insecurities.
While the film received mixed reviews for its formulaic underdog arc, critics singled out Deshmukh’s heartfelt performance. He learned actual banjo techniques, adapted colloquial Marathi diction, and shed comic reflexes to inhabit a character driven by raw ambition and vulnerability. Available free on JioCinema, “Banjo” underscores how Deshmukh can pivot from crowd‑pleasing slapstick to soulful drama.
Why you should watch: “Banjo” is an ode to Mumbai’s street culture and the universal language of music. Deshmukh’s earnest portrayal anchors the film, elevating it above standard underdog cliches.
Understanding Riteish Deshmukh’s Range
Taken together, these five OTT titles highlight Deshmukh’s artistic evolution. They chart a trajectory from ensemble comedies that lean on his natural humour to genre experiments and character‑driven dramas. For viewers who discovered him only through his chilling performance in “Raid 2,” this curated lineup demonstrates why he remains a cherished figure in Indian cinema.
Versatility quotient: Whether he is delivering deadpan punchlines, dancing in a casino, battling ghosts, or strumming an earthy riff, Deshmukh immerses himself completely. That commitment is precisely what made his turn as Dada Bhai in “Raid 2” so compelling—a villain painted with the calculated precision of a method actor.
OTT accessibility: Thanks to India’s rapidly expanding streaming ecosystem, older gems and recent releases sit side by side. A single weekend binge can transport you from the slapstick lanes of “Masti” to the rain‑soaked chawls of “Banjo,” all while charting the arc of a performer who refuses to be boxed in.
Riteish Deshmukh Best: 5 Must-Watch OTT Movies, How to Stream These Movies in High Quality
- Ensure a stable internet connection (at least 10 Mbps for HD).
- Subscribe to the relevant platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, ZEE5, JioCinema.
- Use official apps on smart TVs, tablets, or smartphones to avoid buffering.
- Check for updated subtitles if you prefer bilingual viewing, especially for “Banjo,” which mixes Hindi and Marathi.
- Enable parental controls on shared accounts if you plan to watch “Masti” due to its adult humour.
Riteish Deshmukh Best: 5 Must-Watch OTT Movies: Final Verdict
If “Raid 2” has piqued your interest in Riteish Deshmukh beyond his comedic image, the films highlighted above are perfect entry points into his diverse body of work. They span two decades and multiple genres, proving that Deshmukh’s appeal is not restricted to one cinematic lane. Whether he is cracking jokes, chasing treasure, battling curses, or fighting social prejudice via music, his performances carry an authenticity that resonates with audiences of all ages.
For streaming enthusiasts eager to maximise their entertainment ROI, these titles also mirror broader trends in Indian OTT consumption: nostalgia for early multiplex comedies, a renewed appetite for genre‑blending cinema, and the rising popularity of regional stories with universal themes. In short, exploring Riteish Deshmukh’s filmography on OTT is not just about appreciating a single actor—it is about tapping into the evolving narrative of contemporary Indian cinema.
Riteish Deshmukh Best: 5 Must-Watch OTT Movies, Where to Go Next
For more thriller dramas in the vein of “Raid 2,” explore titles like “Despatch” and “Attack: Part 1,” both of which emphasise high‑stakes storytelling and morally complex protagonists. OTTplay Premium curates tailored recommendations so you can watch without endless scrolling.
Stay tuned to this page for updates on the next wave of Riteish Deshmukh releases, box‑office insights, and in‑depth OTT analysis. Your gateway to smarter, richer streaming starts here.
Riteish Deshmukh Must-Watch Movies on OTT – Streaming Platforms, Genres & Highlights
| Movie Title | Genre | Release Year | Streaming Platform | Riteish’s Role | Why Watch It |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masti | Comedy, Drama | 2004 | Amazon Prime Video, Zee5 | Amar, a married man craving thrill | Iconic adult comedy; Riteish’s perfect comic timing stands out |
| Dhamaal | Comedy, Adventure | 2007 | Disney+ Hotstar | Roy, part of a hilarious treasure hunt | Cult favorite; great for family binge-watching |
| Double Dhamaal | Comedy, Action | 2011 | JioCinema, MX Player | Roy, now in a scheming avatar | Sequel with high entertainment quotient; showcases Riteish’s evolving humor |
| Kakuda | Horror, Comedy | 2024 | Zee5 | Victor, a quirky ghost hunter | Unique blend of horror and comedy; Riteish in a refreshing supernatural role |
| Banjo | Musical, Drama | 2016 | Amazon Prime Video | Taraat, a street musician | Emotional journey with powerful social commentary and soul-stirring music |
Riteish Deshmukh Best: 5 Must-Watch OTT Movies: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Which Riteish Deshmukh movie should I watch after Raid 2?
Answer: If you enjoyed Riteish Deshmukh in Raid 2, you should definitely watch Banjo for his powerful performance in a musical drama. For comedy lovers, Masti and Dhamaal are excellent choices showcasing his comedic timing.
Q2: Where can I watch Riteish Deshmukh’s Masti and Dhamaal online?
Answer: Masti is available on Amazon Prime Video and Zee5, while Dhamaal can be streamed on Disney+ Hotstar. Both movies are popular for their humor and ensemble casts.
Q3: Is Kakuda a good horror-comedy movie to watch?
Answer: Yes, Kakuda is a unique horror-comedy that blends supernatural elements with humor. Riteish Deshmukh plays a ghost hunter, and the film is available for streaming on Zee5.
Q4: Which OTT platforms offer the best collection of Riteish Deshmukh movies?
Answer: Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Zee5, and JioCinema have some of the best collections of Riteish Deshmukh films. These include popular titles across genres such as comedy, drama, thriller, and horror.
Q5: Has Riteish Deshmukh played serious or negative roles apart from comedy?
Answer: Yes, Riteish Deshmukh received critical acclaim for his negative role in Raid 2 and previously in Ek Villain. These roles demonstrate his versatility beyond comedic acting.
Q6: Are Riteish Deshmukh’s movies family-friendly?
Answer: Many of his comedy films like Dhamaal and Double Dhamaal are family-friendly. However, movies like Masti are best suited for mature audiences due to adult themes.
Q7: What makes Banjo a must-watch for Riteish Deshmukh fans?
Answer: Banjo features Riteish Deshmukh as a struggling musician from Mumbai’s slums. The film explores music, ambition, and cultural identity, making it a standout performance in his filmography.
Q8: Is Double Dhamaal a sequel to Dhamaal?
Answer: Yes, Double Dhamaal is the sequel to Dhamaal and continues the journey of the same four friends as they chase wealth in a humorous adventure. The film is available on JioCinema and MX Player.