If we talk about some of the most versatile actors Bollywood has produced over the years, Manoj Bajpayee’s name has to be there without fail. Ever since setting his foot in showbiz, the talented actor has time and again proved his exceptional acting prowess by delivering performances that have gone to etch in audiences’ minds forever.
Be it comedy, drama or action thriller, Bajpayee has mastered the art of giving nothing but his best to every genre. While an award does not really define an actor’s calibre, but winning three National Film Awards does speak volumes about the kind of outstanding performer that he is.
In a career spanning over 24 years, Bajpayee has portrayed a variety of roles. However, his performances as a Police Officer have always left a lasting impression on audiences on audience’s minds. The award-winning actor can be currently seen in Dial 100 on ZEE5, wherein he once again gets into the police uniform. As he wins rave reviews for his performance in the film, let us have a look at 5 films where Manoj Bajpayee stole the show as a Police Officer.
Dial 100 on ZEE5
The Mumbai Police Emergency Control Room receives a cryptic phone call from a distraught woman who wishes to speak with Senior Police Officer Nikhil Sood (Manoj Bajpayee) before committing suicide. Nikhil, on the other hand, has no idea that his efforts to save her, will jeopardise his own family, as dark secrets from his past threaten to destroy his present. Will he be able to put the puzzle pieces together and identify the caller, thus solving the mystery? Find out as the movie is streaming now on ZEE5.
‘Silence… Can You Hear It?’ on ZEE5
A team of special cops are investigating the mysterious murder of a high-profile victim, who is the daughter of a retired justice. The team is led by ACP Avinash Verma (Manoj Bajpayee) who now works in the narcotics division but has been brought on with a special team of serious crime officers to solve this case. The movie is streaming now on ZEE5.
Shool
In Shool, Inspector Samar (Manoj Bajpayee) is transferred to Motihari due to his honesty. He soon earns the wrath of a corrupt politician, Bachchu Yadav, who gradually becomes a threat to him and his family. The movie won a National Award in 1999 for the ‘Best Feature Film in Hindi’ category.
Special 26
Based on real-life incidents that occurred in India in 1987-88, a group of cons pose as CBI officers and conduct bogus raids to loot politicians and businessmen. When the real CBI officers, including Waseem Khan (Manoj Bajpayee) - an honest CBI officer, learn about this gang, they come up with a plan to catch them red-handed.
Satyamev Jayate
Written and directed by Milap Milan Zaveri, the movie follows a vigilante Virendra Rathod (John Abraham) who kills corrupt police officers and an honest officer (Manoj Bajpayee) is called to hunt Virendra down after the body count begins to rise.
Forum brings UK and Chinese film professionals together to explore collaborations.
Emerging British-Asian talent gain mentorship and international exposure.
Small-scale dramas, kids’ shows, and adapting popular formats were the projects everyone was talking about.
Telling stories that feel real to their culture, yet can connect with anyone, is what makes them work worldwide.
Meeting three times a year keeps the UK and China talking, creating opportunities that last beyond one event.
The theatre was packed for the Third Shanghai–London Screen Industry Forum. Between panels and workshops, filmmakers, producers and executives discussed ideas and business cards and it felt more than just a summit. British-Asian filmmakers were meeting and greeting the Chinese industry in an attempt to explore genuine possibilities of working in China’s film market.
UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios Instagram/ukchinafilm
What makes the forum important for British-Asian filmmakers?
For filmmakers whose films explore identity and belonging, this is a chance to show their work on an international stage, meet Chinese directors, talk co-productions and break cultural walls that normally feel unscalable. “It’s invaluable,” Abid Khan said after a panel, “because you can’t create globally if you don’t talk globally.”
And it’s not just established names. Young filmmakers were all around, pitching ideas and learning on the go. The forum gave them a chance to get noticed with mentoring, workshops, and live pitch sessions.
Which projects are catching international attention?
Micro-dramas are trending. Roy Lu of Linmon International says vertical content for apps is “where it’s at.” They’ve done US, Canada, Australia and next stop, Europe. YouTube is back in focus too, thanks to Rosemary Reed of POW TV Studios. Short attention spans and three-minute hits, she’s ready.
Children’s and sports shows are another hotspot. Jiella Esmat of 8Lions is developing Touch Grass, a football-themed children’s show. The logic is simple: sports and kids content unite families, like global glue.
Then there’s format adaptation. Lu also talked about Nothing But 30, a Chinese series with 7 billion streams. The plan is for an english version in London. Not a straight translation, but a cultural transformation. “‘30’ in London isn’t just words,” Lu says. “It’s a new story.”
Jason Zhang of Stellar Pictures says international audiences respond when culture isn’t just a background prop. Lanterns, flowers, rituals, they’re part of the plot. Cedric Behrel from Trinity CineAsia adds: you need context. Western audiences don’t know Journey to the West, so co-production helps them understand without diluting the story.
Economic sense matters too. Roy Lu stresses: pick your market, make it financially viable. Esmat likens ideal co-productions to a marriage: “Multicultural teams naturally think about what works globally and what doesn’t.”
The UK-China Film Collab’s Future Talent Programme is taking on eight students or recent grads this year. They’re getting the backstage access to international filmmaking that few ever see, including mentorship, festival organising and hands-on experience. Alumni are landing real jobs: accredited festival journalists, Beijing producers, curators at The National Gallery.
Adrian Wootton OBE reminded everyone: “We exist through partnerships, networks, and collaboration.” Yin Xin from Shanghai Media Group noted that tri-annual gathering: London, Shanghai, Hong Kong create an “intensive concentration” of ideas.
Actor-director Zhang Luyi said it best: cultural exchange isn’t telling your story to someone, it’s creating stories together.
The Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum is no longer just a talking shop. It’s a launchpad, a bridge. And for British-Asian filmmakers and emerging talent, it’s a chance to turn ideas into reality.
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