Om Puri is remembered as one of the most respected and powerful actors in Indian cinema. Known for his serious acting and strong screen presence, Om Puri delivered unforgettable performances in films like Ardh Satya, Maachis, Mirch Masala, Dhoop, Maqbool, and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. But did you know that this legendary Indian actor also starred in a Hollywood film alongside superstar Tom Hanks?
Yes, Om Puri was part of the 2007 Hollywood movie Charlie Wilson’s War. The film featured a star-studded cast including Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, and was even nominated for an Oscar.
What is Charlie Wilson’s War About?
Charlie Wilson’s War is a political comedy-drama directed by Mike Nichols, who is also known for movies like Working Girl and Wolf. The story is based on real-life events that took place in the 1980s. It follows U.S. Congressman Charlie Wilson (played by Tom Hanks) who secretly works to support Afghan fighters during the Soviet-Afghan War.
He is helped by wealthy Texas socialite Joanne Herring (played by Julia Roberts) and a bold CIA agent named Gust Avrakotos (played by Philip Seymour Hoffman). Together, they find a way to increase U.S. support for Afghan resistance fighters against the Soviet invasion.
In the film, Om Puri plays the role of General Zia-ul-Haq, the sixth President of Pakistan. His character is key to the plot as he represents Pakistan’s strategic role in the conflict. Om Puri’s powerful screen presence added depth and authenticity to the film, even though his role was brief.
How Was the Film Received?
Charlie Wilson’s War received a positive response from both critics and audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has an 82% rating from critics. The site’s summary of the film reads: “Charlie Wilson’s War manages to entertain and inform audiences, thanks to its witty script and talented cast of power players.”
On IMDb, the film has a solid score of 7 out of 10, showing that viewers appreciated its mix of humor, politics, and history.
Where to Watch Charlie Wilson’s War Online?
If you’re curious to watch Charlie Wilson’s War and see Om Puri in action with Tom Hanks, you can stream it on JioCinema (formerly Disney+ Hotstar). The movie is also available to rent on Amazon Prime Video for ₹99.
Om Puri’s Other Hollywood Appearances
Charlie Wilson’s War was not the only Hollywood film that featured Om Puri. He also acted in several international movies over the years. Some of his other well-known Hollywood projects include:
- City of Joy (1992) with Patrick Swayze
- Wolf (1994) starring Jack Nicholson
- The Ghost and the Darkness (1996) with Val Kilmer and Michael Douglas
- The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014) starring Helen Mirren
These roles showed Om Puri’s talent on a global stage and proved that his acting could leave an impact anywhere in the world.
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