Kumail Nanjiani is a Pakistani-American actor, comedian, and writer who has made a name for himself in both film and television. Known for his sharp wit and relatable humor, Nanjiani has appeared in a diverse range of projects, from blockbuster comedies to critically acclaimed dramas.
In this informatical article, we will delve into the filmography of Kumail Nanjiani, exploring the various roles he has played and the impact he has had on the entertainment industry. From his breakout role in "The Big Sick" to his recent turn as Kingo in "Eternals," we will journey through Nanjiani's career, highlighting his most notable performances and the unique perspective he brings to each project.
With his natural comedic timing and knack for delivering heartfelt monologues, Kumail Nanjiani has become one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood. His ability to blend humor and pathos has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. As we delve into his filmography, we will uncover the common threads that run through his work and the ways in which he continues to challenge expectations and push boundaries.
what movies has kumail nanjiani been in
Kumail Nanjiani's filmography includes a diverse range of roles, from comedic to dramatic.
- The Big Sick (2017)
- The Lovebirds (2020)
- Eternals (2021)
- The Five-Year Engagement (2012)
- Fist Fight (2017)
- The Kings of Summer (2013)
- The Dictator (2012)
- Portlandia (TV Series, 2011-2018)
- Franklin & Bash (TV Series, 2010-2011)
- Michael Bolton's Big, Sexy Valentine's Day Special (2017)
These are just a few of the notable projects that Kumail Nanjiani has been a part of throughout his career.
The Big Sick (2017)
Kumail Nanjiani's breakout role came in the 2017 romantic comedy-drama The Big Sick, which he co-wrote with his wife, Emily V. Gordon.
- Semi-autobiographical Story:
The film is loosely based on Nanjiani and Gordon's real-life relationship and courtship.
- Kumail's Cultural Identity:
Nanjiani plays a Pakistani-American comedian who struggles to reconcile his cultural heritage with his desire for a modern relationship.
- Intercultural Romance:
The film explores the challenges and rewards of a relationship between people from different cultural backgrounds.
- Critical Acclaim:
The Big Sick received widespread critical acclaim for its humor, heart, and insightful portrayal of modern relationships.
The Big Sick was a major commercial and critical success, grossing over $50 million worldwide and earning Nanjiani a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. The film's success helped to launch Nanjiani's career into the mainstream and established him as a leading man in Hollywood.
The Lovebirds (2020)
In 2020, Kumail Nanjiani starred alongside Issa Rae in the romantic comedy-mystery film The Lovebirds.
- Quarantine Rom-Com:
The film was one of the first major studio releases to be produced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its story takes place entirely during a single day in quarantine.
- Odd Couple Chemistry:
Nanjiani and Rae play a couple on the verge of a breakup who are forced to work together to clear their names after becoming embroiled in a murder mystery.
- Improvisational Humor:
The film features a lot of improvised dialogue and comedic moments, showcasing Nanjiani's natural comedic timing and chemistry with Rae.
- Unexpected Adventure:
The Lovebirds takes viewers on a wild and unpredictable adventure through the streets of New Orleans, as the couple tries to solve the murder mystery and clear their names.
The Lovebirds received mixed reviews from critics, but it was a commercial success, becoming one of the most-watched films on Netflix during its first week of release. The film's success further solidified Nanjiani's status as a leading man in Hollywood and demonstrated his versatility as an actor.
Eternals (2021)
In 2021, Kumail Nanjiani joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in the superhero film Eternals.
- MCU Debut:
Eternals marked Nanjiani's first appearance in the MCU, and he played the role of Kingo, an Eternal who can shoot cosmic energy blasts from his hands.
- Diverse Cast:
Eternals featured a diverse cast, including Nanjiani, Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Salma Hayek, and Angelina Jolie, and explored themes of family, identity, and the nature of humanity.
- Nanjiani's Physical Transformation:
Nanjiani underwent a rigorous workout regimen and diet to get into superhero shape for the role of Kingo, showing off his impressive physical transformation.
- Comedic Relief:
Despite the film's serious themes, Nanjiani brought his signature comedic style to the role of Kingo, providing some much-needed levity to the story.
Eternals received mixed reviews from critics, but it was a commercial success, grossing over $400 million worldwide. The film's success further expanded Nanjiani's reach and introduced him to a new audience of fans.
The Five-Year Engagement (2012)
In 2012, Kumail Nanjiani appeared in the romantic comedy The Five-Year Engagement, directed by Nicholas Stoller and starring Jason Segel and Emily Blunt.
Nanjiani plays the role of Vaneeth, the eccentric and unpredictable roommate of Segel's character, Tom. Vaneeth is a PhD student in psychology who is constantly coming up with outlandish theories and experiments. He is also a loyal friend to Tom, and he provides much of the film's comedic relief.
Nanjiani's performance in The Five-Year Engagement is one of his most memorable supporting roles. He brings his signature comedic style to the role of Vaneeth, and he creates a character that is both funny and endearing. Nanjiani's performance also helps to ground the film in reality, as Vaneeth is one of the few characters who seems to have a clear understanding of the challenges that Tom and his fiancé Violet (Blunt) are facing.
The Five-Year Engagement was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $120 million worldwide. The film was praised for its humor, heart, and strong performances from its cast. Nanjiani's performance was particularly noted by critics, and it helped to raise his profile in Hollywood.
The Five-Year Engagement is a fun and heartwarming romantic comedy that features a memorable supporting performance from Kumail Nanjiani. The film is a great choice for fans of Nanjiani's comedic style, and it is also a solid choice for anyone looking for a good laugh.
Fist Fight (2017)
In 2017, Kumail Nanjiani starred alongside Ice Cube in the action comedy Fist Fight, directed by Richie Keen.
Nanjiani plays the role of Andy Campbell, a mild-mannered high school English teacher who is forced to fight his volatile colleague, Ron Strickland (Ice Cube), after a misunderstanding leads to a fist fight between them. The film follows Andy as he tries to navigate the challenges of his job, his personal life, and the looming fight with Ron.
Nanjiani's performance in Fist Fight is a departure from his usual comedic roles. He brings a sense of vulnerability and relatability to the character of Andy, and he also shows off his comedic chops in several scenes. Nanjiani's chemistry with Ice Cube is also a highlight of the film, and the two actors play off each other very well.
Fist Fight is a fun and entertaining action comedy that features strong performances from Kumail Nanjiani and Ice Cube. The film is a good choice for fans of either actor, and it is also a solid choice for anyone looking for a good laugh.
Fist Fight received mixed reviews from critics, but it was a commercial success, grossing over $40 million worldwide. The film's success further solidified Nanjiani's status as a rising star in Hollywood and demonstrated his versatility as an actor.
The Kings of Summer ( Burr )
In Rightarrow 2013, Kumail Nanjiani starred in the coming-of-age comedy-drama The Kings of Summer, directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts. He plays the role of Francis, a teenage boy who runs away from home and joins a group of friends to build a fort in the woods. Nanjiani's performance in The Kings of Summer is a departure from his usual comedic roles. He brings a sense of vulnerability and depth to the character of Francis, and he also shows off his comedic chops in several scenes. Nanjiani's chemistry with the other young actors in the film is also a highlight, and the film as a whole is a touching and funny coming-of-age story. The Kings of Summer was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $2 million worldwide. The film was praised for its performances, direction, and writing. Nanjiani's performance was particularly noted by critics, and it helped to raise his profile in Hollywood. If you're a fan of coming-of-age stories or independent films, The Kings of Summer is definitely worth checking out. It's a funny, heartwarming, and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after you've seen it. Paragraph after details: The Kings of Summer is a great example of Nanjiani's range as an actor. He's able to play a variety of roles, from the comedic to the dramatic, and he always brings a sense of realism and authenticity to his performances. The Kings of Summer is also a testament to Nanjiani's ability to work with other actors and create a cohesive and memorable ensemble. Overall, The Kings of Summer is a great film that is sure to please fans of coming-of-age stories, independent films, and good acting.The Dictator (2012)
In 2012, Kumail Nanjiani appeared in the political satire The Dictator, directed by Larry Charles and starring Sacha Baron Cohen.
- Supporting Role:
Nanjiani plays the supporting role of Nadal, a goat herder from Wadiya, the fictional country ruled by the film's protagonist, Admiral General Aladeen (Sacha Baron Cohen).
- Comic Relief:
Nanjiani provides much of the film's comic relief with his portrayal of Nadal, a simple and naive character who is often the butt of jokes.
- Cultural Commentary:
Despite its comedic tone, The Dictator offers a sharp critique of dictatorships and the cult of personality that often surrounds them.
- Ensemble Cast:
The film features an ensemble cast of talented actors, including Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris, Jason Mantzoukas, and Megan Fox.
The Dictator was a commercial success, grossing over $179 million worldwide. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its humor and political satire, while others criticized its crude and offensive content.
Portlandia (TV Series, 2011-2018)
From 2011 to 2018, Kumail Nanjiani made regular appearances on the sketch comedy series Portlandia, created by and starring Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein. The show is set in Portland, Oregon, and satirizes the city's culture, politics, and people.
Nanjiani played a variety of characters on Portlandia, including a hipster barista, a Pakistani-American businessman, and a reality TV star. He also appeared in several recurring sketches, such as the "Dream of the 90s" sketch, in which he played a man who is obsessed with the 1990s.
Nanjiani's performances on Portlandia were often hilarious and always memorable. He brought his unique brand of humor to the show, and he was always able to find the funny in even the most mundane situations.
Portlandia was a critical and commercial success, running for eight seasons and winning numerous awards, including two Peabody Awards and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Sketch Series. The show's success helped to raise Nanjiani's profile in Hollywood and paved the way for his subsequent success in film and television.
Kumail Nanjiani's work on Portlandia is a great example of his comedic range and versatility. He is able to play a wide variety of characters, and he always brings a sense of authenticity and realism to his performances. Nanjiani's work on Portlandia is also a testament to his ability to work well with other actors and create memorable and hilarious sketches.
Franklin & Bash (TV Series, 2010-2011)
In 2010, Kumail Nanji appeared in the legal drama series Franklin & Bash, created by Ryan Murphy, David Tethington, and Bill Lawrence. The show aired on TBS and ran for five seasons, with Nanji appearing in the first two seasons.
Nanji played the role of Pindar Singh, an eccentric and often unpredictable private investigator who works for the firm of Franklin & Bash. Singh is known for his offbeat methods and his knack for getting to the heart of the case, often coming up with creative solutions that the lawyers miss.
Nanji's performance as Singh was praised by critics and audiences alike, with many noting his charisma and comedic timing. Singh was a breakout character in the show, and his popularity led to Nanji receiving more prominent roles in future projects.
Franklin & Bash was a successful show, running for four additional seasons after Nanji's departure. The show's success helped to raise Nanji's profile in Hollywood and paved the way for his subsequent success in film and television.
Kumail Nanji's work on Franklin & Bash is a great example of his comedic range and his ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters. Singh is a complex and multifaceted character, and Nanji's performance captures all of his strengths and weaknesses. Nanji's work on Franklin & Bash is also a testament to his ability to work well with other actors and create memorable and engaging performances.
Michael Bolton's Big, Sexy Valentine's Day Special (2017)
In 2017, Kumail Nanjiani starred in the Netflix comedy special Michael Bolton's Big, Sexy Valentine's Day Special, directed by Scott Aukerman and starring Michael Bolton. The special is a parody of variety specials from the 1970s and 1980s, and it features Bolton performing his greatest hits, as well as a number of sketches and comedy bits.
Nanjiani plays the role of a fictionalized version of himself, who is a huge fan of Michael Bolton. He is constantly trying to get Bolton's attention and approval, and he eventually gets his chance when he is invited to perform in the special.
Nanjiani's performance in the special is hilarious and endearing. He perfectly captures the character of a superfan who is both awkward and enthusiastic. Nanjiani also shows off his musical and comedic talents, as he performs several songs and sketches in the special.
Michael Bolton's Big, Sexy Valentine's Day Special was a critical and commercial success. The special was praised for its humor, heart, and catchy songs. Nanjiani's performance was particularly noted by critics, and it helped to raise his profile in Hollywood.
Kumail Nanjiani's work on Michael Bolton's Big, Sexy Valentine's Day Special is a great example of his comedic range and his ability to bring humor to even the most mundane situations. Nanjiani's performance is both funny and heartwarming, and he is able to connect with the audience on a personal level. Nanjiani's work on the special is also a testament to his ability to work well with other actors and create memorable and engaging performances.
FAQ
Have more questions about Kumail Nanjiani's filmography? Check out our frequently asked questions (FAQ) section below:
Question 1: What is Kumail Nanjiani's most famous role?
Answer 1: Kumail Nanjiani is best known for his roles in the films The Big Sick (2017), The Lovebirds (2020), and Eternals (2021).
Question 2: What other notable films has Kumail Nanjiani appeared in?
Answer 2: Nanjiani has also appeared in a number of other notable films, including The Five-Year Engagement (2012), Fist Fight (2017), The Kings of Summer (2013), and The Dictator (2012).
Question 3: Has Kumail Nanjiani appeared in any TV shows?
Answer 3: Yes, Nanjiani has appeared in a number of TV shows, including Portlandia (2011-2018), Franklin & Bash (2010-2011), and Michael Bolton's Big, Sexy Valentine's Day Special (2017).
Question 4: What awards has Kumail Nanjiani won?
Answer 4: Nanjiani has won a number of awards for his work, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for The Big Sick (2017).
Question 5: What upcoming projects does Kumail Nanjiani have?
Answer 5: Nanjiani has a number of upcoming projects, including the films The Lovebirds 2 (2023) and Barbie (2023).
Question 6: Where can I find more information about Kumail Nanjiani?
Answer 6: You can find more information about Kumail Nanjiani on his official website, social media pages, and IMDb page.
We hope this FAQ section has answered some of your questions about Kumail Nanjiani. If you have any further questions, please feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to us on our social media pages.
In addition to the FAQ section above, here are a few bonus tips for finding more information about Kumail Nanjiani's filmography:
Tips
Here are a few tips for finding more information about Kumail Nanjiani's filmography:
Tip 1: Check out his official website and social media pages.
Kumail Nanjiani has an official website and social media pages where he often posts updates about his upcoming projects and shares behind-the-scenes photos and videos.
Tip 2: Read interviews and articles about him.
There are many interviews and articles about Kumail Nanjiani available online. These interviews and articles can provide insights into his acting process, his inspirations, and his upcoming projects.
Tip 3: Watch his films and TV shows.
The best way to learn more about Kumail Nanjiani's filmography is to watch his films and TV shows. This will allow you to see his range as an actor and get a sense of his unique comedic style.
Tip 4: Follow fan pages and discussion forums.
There are a number of fan pages and discussion forums dedicated to Kumail Nanjiani. These pages and forums can be a great way to connect with other fans and learn more about his work.
We hope these tips have helped you find more information about Kumail Nanjiani's filmography. If you have any further questions, please feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to us on our social media pages.
Now that you know more about Kumail Nanjiani's filmography, we encourage you to check out his films and TV shows. He is a talented actor with a unique comedic style that is sure to entertain you.
Conclusion
Kumail Nanjiani is a Pakistani-American actor, comedian, and writer who has made a name for himself in both film and television. Known for his sharp wit and relatable humor, Nanjiani has appeared in a diverse range of projects, from blockbuster comedies to critically acclaimed dramas.
In this informatical article, we explored Kumail Nanjiani's filmography, highlighting his most notable performances and the impact he has had on the entertainment industry. From his breakout role in The Big Sick to his recent turn as Kingo in Eternals, we have seen how Nanjiani has consistently challenged expectations and pushed boundaries.
With his natural comedic timing and knack for delivering heartfelt monologues, Kumail Nanjiani has become one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood. His ability to blend humor and pathos has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. As he continues to take on new and challenging roles, we can expect to see even more great things from Kumail Nanjiani in the years to come.
We hope you have enjoyed this journey through Kumail Nanjiani's filmography. If you are a fan of his work, we encourage you to check out his upcoming projects and follow him on social media to stay up-to-date on his latest news and activities.