He’s a published poet and writer but Manav Kaul has also carved a niche in the Indian film and web series landscape for the depth he brings to his characters. With his latest show Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper topping the charts on Netflix, we take a look at five of our favourite screen performances by Kaul.
Tribhuvan Mishra in Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper (2024)
As the title character in the Netflix series Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper, Kaul pulls off the tough task of playing a debt-ridden married man who becomes a male escort to earn some extra cash. Kaul’s portrayal nails the quiet desperation of a father of two who’s struggling to fulfil his family responsibilities while battling the guilt of being unfaithful to his wife, as he falls in love with one of his clients, Bindi (Tillotama Shome). Kaul deserves applause for humanising Tribhuvan Mishra, and his dancing to Bollywood numbers to please his clients is simply whistle-worthy.
Watch it on: Netflix
Kabir in Ajeeb Daastaans (2021)
As a deaf-mute photographer, Kabir, Kaul delivered a heart-wrenching performance in the Kayoze Irani-directed segment ‘Ankahi’ in Netflix’s 2021 anthology film Ajeeb Daastaans.
Kaul’s Kabir meets Natasha (Shefali Shah) at a photo gallery and they form an instant connection. The friendship blossoms through unspoken words, silent gestures and a shared sense of melancholy. In the climax, Kabir follows Natasha to her home, ready to confess his love, but what awaits him is a heartbreaking twist. He stands at her doorstep only to discover that Natasha is married with a daughter, and a stunned Natasha shuts the door on him. Kaul’s face goes through a spectrum of emotions — from shock and betrayal to heartbreak — and his anguish leaves the viewer with a lump in the throat.
Watch it on: Netflix
Beni Madhav Singh in Music Teacher (2019)
In Sarthak Dasgupta’s film Music Teacher, Kaul plays Beni Madhav Singh, a small-town music teacher whose life is overshadowed by unfulfilled dreams and lingering regrets. Beni’s music lessons barely suffice to make ends meet. With the added responsibility of arranging his younger sister’s marriage, Beni’s ambitions of making a mark in the music world remain on hold. The situation intensifies when Jyotsna (Amrita Bagchi), a former student-turned-singing sensation, returns to the town to perform at a concert. Kaul’s expressions and body language reflect Beni’s frustration as he confronts his past choices and the consequences they have had on his life and relationships.
Watch it on: Netflix
Ashok in Tumhari Sulu (2017)
Playing husband to Vidya Balan in a film revolving around her is a challenge that many actors would think twice before taking on. Kaul does that with aplomb as the supportive husband of Sulu (Vidya Balan), Ashok Dubey, in Tumhari Sulu, which thrust him into the limelight.
Ashok works at a tailoring shop where his efforts often go unrecognised. Despite the daily grind, he doesn’t lose his zest for life and embraces Sulu’s quirks and ambitions with a mix of encouragement and concern. In Ashok, Kaul captures the essence of a middle-class man caught between his desire to see his wife flourish in her newfound career as a radio jockey and his own insecurities. Kaul’s chemistry with Vidya Balan is spontaneous, which is most evident in the song Ban Ja Rani.
Watch it on: Prime Video
Vishnu in Citylights (2014)
In Hansal Mehta’s film Citylights, Kaul plays Vishnu, a seemingly amiable character with shades of grey. Citylights revolves around a migrant family — Deepak Singh (Rajkummar Rao), Rakhee (Patralekhaa) and their daughter — from Rajasthan who try to adjust to the fast-paced life in Mumbai. Vishnu is introduced as Deepak’s helpful colleague but beneath his jovial surface lies a morally-conflicted man. Vishnu has been hardened by the harsh realities of city life, and his actions reflect a survival instinct that often overrides his compassion. Kaul skillfully brings out this duality, making Vishnu a character that oscillates between a caring mentor and a manipulative figure.
Watch it on: Prime Video