Sushant Singh Rajput was one of Hindi cinema’s most interesting modern actors—smart, curious, and fearless in the roles he chose. For New Zealand viewers exploring Indian films, his work offers an easy entry point: a mix of heartfelt dramas, sharp thrillers, and crowd-pleasing hits, most with English subtitles. This guide explains who he was, why his films still matter, and practical ways to find and enjoy his movies in New Zealand.
What is
Sushant Singh Rajput (21 January 1986 – 14 June 2020) was an Indian actor who rose from television fame to become a bankable Bollywood lead. Born in Patna and raised partly in Delhi, he studied mechanical engineering at Delhi College of Engineering (now DTU) before leaving to pursue performing arts. He trained in dance, acted in theatre, and broke out on Indian television with the long-running series Pavitra Rishta.
His film career began with Kai Po Che! (2013) and quickly included high-profile titles like PK (2014), Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! (2015), M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016), Kedarnath (2018), Sonchiriya (2019), Chhichhore (2019), and the posthumous Dil Bechara (2020). He earned multiple nominations at major Indian award shows and was praised for preparation-heavy performances, especially in the Dhoni biopic.
On 14 June 2020, Sushant Singh Rajput died in Mumbai. Initial police findings reported death by suicide. A forensic panel associated with AIIMS later ruled out homicide. India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was assigned the case; publicly, the agency has not announced a final closure report. His passing sparked global conversations about mental health, media ethics, and pressures within the entertainment industry.
How it works
Understanding Sushant Singh Rajput’s career helps you understand how Hindi cinema works across TV, films, and streaming:
- From TV to film: He moved from prime-time television to prestige films—an uncommon leap that set him apart from many contemporaries.
- Research-led acting: For M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, he trained extensively in cricket technique and body language to mirror the cricketer’s style. This research-first approach shaped several roles.
- Genre agility: He picked projects across romance, mystery, historical noir, sports biopic, and social drama. This range makes his filmography friendly to different tastes.
- Distribution today: In New Zealand, his titles surface on mainstream platforms (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime Video) and digital rentals (Google Play Movies, Apple TV). Availability rotates, so searching by film title is often faster than browsing a category.
For New Zealanders, access usually follows one of three paths: subscription streaming, individual rentals/purchases, or festival/special screenings. Subtitles are common; dubs are less so for Hindi films, but you’ll find English subs on most platforms.
Types / examples
Sushant Singh Rajput’s films fall into clear clusters. Here are representative picks and why they stand out:
Biopic and inspirational drama
- M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016) — A detailed, crowd-pleasing biopic of India’s cricket captain. Features rigorous sports choreography and an emotionally steady lead turn.
- Chhichhore (2019) — A campus-to-adulthood dramedy about resilience and failure. Balanced humor with a serious core; strong ensemble energy.
Mystery and period noir
- Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! (2015) — Stylish 1940s Kolkata noir adapted from classic Bengali detective stories. Meticulous period detail and a cool, brooding performance.
Romance and survival
- Kedarnath (2018) — A cross-class romance set against the 2013 Uttarakhand floods. Mixes social commentary with disaster-movie tension.
- Dil Bechara (2020) — Adaptation of John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. Gentle, bittersweet, and anchored by a warm, playful lead.
Ensemble and mainstream hits
- Kai Po Che! (2013) — Friendship and ambition set in Gujarat, with cricket and politics in the background. Confident debut with layered emotions.
- PK (2014) — A blockbuster satire featuring Aamir Khan; Sushant appears in a significant supporting role.
Quick comparison of popular films
| Film | Genre / Tone | Approx. Runtime | Good for | Why watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016) | Biopic, Inspirational | 190 min (approx., versions vary) | Cricket fans, biopic lovers | Detailed sports portrayal, career-defining role |
| Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! (2015) | Mystery, Period Noir | 145 min | Thriller and noir fans | Stylish 1940s setting, cerebral pacing |
| Kedarnath (2018) | Romance, Disaster Drama | 116 min | Romance with stakes | Strong chemistry, dramatic flood sequence |
| Chhichhore (2019) | Comedy-Drama | 143 min | Families, students | Uplifting message about failure and grit |
| Kai Po Che! (2013) | Drama, Friendship | 130 min | First-time viewers | Strong debut, tight storytelling |
| Dil Bechara (2020) | Romance, Tearjerker | 102 min | Short, emotional watch | Poignant farewell performance |
Pros and cons
Thinking of starting with Sushant Singh Rajput’s films? Here are practical upsides and trade-offs.
Pros
- Range: You can pick from sports, romance, mystery, and ensemble dramas without leaving his filmography.
- Accessible themes: Friendship, ambition, love, and resilience are easy to connect with, even if you’re new to Hindi cinema.
- Subtitles: English subs are widely available on major platforms.
- Rewatch value: Performances hold up—especially in Dhoni, Byomkesh, and Chhichhore.
Cons
- Emotional intensity: Several films deal with loss, disaster, or high-stakes pressure.
- Inconsistent titles: A few releases are uneven; critical reception varies across his career.
- Availability shifts: In New Zealand, rights rotate; a title on one service today may move or disappear later.
How to use or choose
Quick picks by mood
- Want uplifting and inspiring? Start with Chhichhore or M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story.
- Craving a stylish mystery? Try Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!.
- Short, emotional watch? Dil Bechara.
- Debut and friendships? Kai Po Che!.
- Romance against big odds? Kedarnath.
Where New Zealanders can find his films
Availability changes, but these options are reliable search points:
- Subscription: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video (NZ libraries vary over time)
- Rent/Buy: Google Play Movies, Apple TV, YouTube Movies
- Festivals/Specials: Indian High Commission events, local film societies, and regional festivals
- Libraries: Some NZ public libraries carry Indian DVDs or can interloan
Step-by-step: the fastest way to watch in NZ
- Go to JustWatch New Zealand (justwatch.com/nz).
- Search the exact film title (e.g., “M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story”).
- Filter by “Streaming,” “Rent,” or “Buy” to see current platforms and prices.
- Click through to the listed service and confirm subtitle options (English is typical).
- If it’s unavailable, set a JustWatch alert or check weekly—rights often rotate.
Choosing a viewing method
| Method | Typical Cost (NZD) | Availability | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subscription Streaming | $10–$23/month | Rotates by region and season | Best value if several titles are available; easy subtitles | Catalog changes; titles may vanish without notice |
| Digital Rent | $4–$8 per title | Usually reliable for popular films | Instant access; 48-hour viewing window | Costs add up if you watch many films |
| Digital Buy | $10–$25 per title | Common for big titles | Permanent library; higher-quality streams | Upfront cost; platform lock-in |
| Festivals/Screenings | Varies; often $10–$20 | Occasional | Community vibe; big-screen experience | Limited schedule; fewer titles |
| Physical Media (DVD) | $10–$30 | Specialist stores, library loans | Ownership; extras on some discs | Availability can be patchy; requires player |
Language, ratings, and accessibility
- Language: Most films are in Hindi; English subtitles are common. Some may include regional languages in scenes.
- Ratings: Check platform guidance and New Zealand classification notes where available, especially for younger viewers.
- Accessibility: Look for closed captions on major platforms; quality varies by title.
FAQ
Who was Sushant Singh Rajput?
An Indian actor known for television success and a swift rise in Bollywood. He is remembered for roles in films like M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Chhichhore, and Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!.
What are the best films to start with?
Begin with Kai Po Che! for his debut, M.S. Dhoni for an inspirational biopic, Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! for a classy mystery, and Chhichhore for a feel-good yet thoughtful drama.
Where can New Zealanders watch his movies?
Check Netflix and Amazon Prime Video first, then search Google Play Movies, Apple TV, and YouTube Movies for rentals and purchases. Use JustWatch New Zealand to see up-to-date availability.
Are English subtitles available?
Yes. Major platforms usually carry English subtitles for Hindi films. Confirm on the title page before renting or pressing play.
Did Sushant Singh Rajput win major awards?
He received several nominations at top Indian award shows. His performance in M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story drew widespread praise and multiple best-actor nods.
What happened in 2020?
He died on 14 June 2020 in Mumbai. Police reported death by suicide. A forensic panel associated with AIIMS ruled out homicide. The CBI continues to be the central agency associated with the case; a final public closure has not been widely announced.
Is Dil Bechara his last film?
Yes, Dil Bechara (2020) released posthumously and is widely seen as his final on-screen performance.
Is he suitable for family viewing?
Many titles are fine for teens and above, but themes vary. Chhichhore and M.S. Dhoni tend to be family-friendly; Kedarnath and Kai Po Che! include intense moments; Detective Byomkesh Bakshy! has darker tones. Always check the rating and content notes.
Why is he still widely discussed?
Because his film choices aged well, his on-screen versatility connected with diverse audiences, and his passing raised conversations about mental health and media accountability. His fans remain active worldwide, including in New Zealand.
Final thoughts
Sushant Singh Rajput’s body of work is compact yet surprisingly broad. If you’re in New Zealand and curious about Hindi cinema, his films are a strong starting map: a sports icon’s rise, a 1940s mystery, friendships tested by time, and romances with heart. Search title by title, lean on JustWatch to navigate availability, and pick the mood that fits your evening. You’ll find at least one performance that stays with you.
