India is an agricultural country, most of its GDP depends on agriculture and farming. The farmer suicide rate is at an all-time high in India.
So, the farmers are the country’s soul, and if something is affecting these farmers, the whole country will feel the blow.
Let’s look at the Hindi movies about Indian farmers and their problems. Indian farmers live in the worst situations, and these films share some of their problems.
Best Hindi Movies on Farmers
Mother India (1957)
Mother India is an epic Hindi drama film directed by Mehboob Khan. The film is a remake of Khan’s own 1940 film ‘Aurat.’
The film stars Nargis, Sunil Dutt, Rajendra Kumar, and Raj Kumar. The story of the film portrays a village woman played by Nargis who, in the absence of her husband, struggles to raise her sons and sustains against a wily money-lender amidst many hardships. This woman-centric Bollywood film shows the power of an Indian woman. The film was also India’s first submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1958.
Do Bigha Zameen (1953)
Do Bigha Zameen is a Hindi film directed by the famous Bengali director Bimal Roy. The film’s star cast includes Balraj Sahni and Nirupa Roy in the lead roles. The film’s story revolves around a poor farmer who becomes a rickshaw puller to pay his debts and save his land.
The film was also the first to win the Filmfare Best Movie Award. Do Bigha Zameen is one of the best movies about Balraj Sahni.
Peepli Live (2010)
Peepli Live is a Bollywood satirical film that throws light on the subject of farmer suicides and the consequent media and political response. Débutante Anusha Rizvi directs the film, starring Omkar Das Manikpuri and Naseeruddin Shah coupled with Raghubir Yadav, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Shalini Vatsa, and Malaika Shenoy.
The film was also India’s official entry for the 83rd Academy Awards Best Foreign Film category. The story of the film features a farmer, Natha, who, on the verge of failing to keep his family’s farm, arrives at a matchless solution to his financial predicament: suicide.
Lagaan (2001)
Lagaan is an Indian epic sports drama film based on the imposition of unprecedented land tax on small village farmers.
Ashutosh Gowarikar, stars Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh, and British actors Rachel Shelley and Paul Blackthorne direct the film. The film also became the third Indian film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Upkar (1967)
Upkar is a Bollywood film directed by Manoj Kumar, aka Mr. Bharat. The film was an impression of the slogan ‘Jai Jawaan Jai Kissan’ given by then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.
The film revolves around a village man, Bharat, who sacrifices everything to educate his brother.
Your Turn!
Now, You can share some of your favorite movies about Indian Farmers made in Bollywood.
