[3][better source needed] He has since established himself as a leading actor in Indian cinema with several critically and commercially successful films including Ustad Hotel (2012), ABCD (2013), Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi (2013), Vaayai Moodi Pesavum (2014), Bangalore Days (2014), Vikramadithyan (2014), O Kadhal Kanmani (2015), Charlie (2015), Kali (2016), Kammatti Paadam (2016), Jomonte Suvisheshangal (2017), Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal (2020) and Kurup (2021).

[20] In 2011, Salmaan signed on for debutante Srinath Rajendran's crime film Second Show (2012) in which he played the role of Harilal, a gangster.

When asked in an interview about his "unconventional entry with a bunch of newcomers", Salmaan stated that it was his conscious decision as he felt that " ... when an actor debuts, he has to earn the right to be a hero and not get it through a shortcut route.

Sify stated: "It is Dulquer Salmaan's show all the way and in all fairness the young actor has given his heart and soul into his character.

[31] Salmaan then collaborated with Sameer Thahir in Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi (2013), a road film.

[32][33] Salmaan starred in his "first love story", cinematographer Alagappan's romantic drama Pattam Pole (2013), which was a commercial failure.

[35][36] IANS said Salmaan is "a treat to watch" and added, "he earns extra brownie points for dubbing in his own voice and speaking flawless Tamil.

[39] In Anjali Menon's ensemble romantic comedy drama Bangalore Days (2014), Salmaan played Arjun with Nivin Pauly and Nazriya Nazim as his cousins.

[41] His performance received favourable reviews and earned him several accolades, including his second Best Actor – Malayalam nomination at Filmfare.

[47] He then starred in Rajeev Ravi's action drama Kammatipaadam (2016), which garnered critical acclaim; Salmaan's performance was praised.

His Telugu debut, the film opened to highly positive reviews from critics and emerged as a commercial success at the box office.

[56] Later that year, Salmaan made his Hindi film debut with Karwaan, co-starring alongside Irrfan Khan and Mithila Palkar.

[57] In 2019, he starred in Oru Yamandan Premakadha a Malayalam romantic comedy film directed by B. C. Noufal.

[60][61] The Times of India stated: "From being playful to intense, Dulquer steals the show as he is absolutely brilliant in his portrayal".

[66] His first released project as a producer and actor was the family drama Varane Avashyamund where he co-starred alongside Suresh Gopi, Shobana and Kalyani Priyadarshan.

Janani K of India Today noted, "Dulquer Salmaan and Mrunal Thakur hit it out of the park with their performance.

"[75] Salmaan's Hindi psychological crime thriller Chup: Revenge of the Artist hit theatres in September 2022.

[94] Dulquer has acted in a short film as part of the Kerala motor vehicle department's safe riding campaign.

[96] In addition, he used to run a web portal for trading cars, and a dental business chain in Chennai.