Bollywood, or Hindi Film Industry, has been a major influence on the development of the nation’s cultural narrative. Historical dramas are one of the many genres that Hindi filmmakers have experimented with; they provide a cinematic link between the rich history of India and the present.
These films provide viewers with a look into the historical moments, subtle cultural differences, and well-known figures that have influenced the country while also being entertaining and educational. This article explores the relevance and influence of Hindi films that explore Indian history.
The culture and history of a country give a complete glimpse of that place and people. These Movies give us a visual treat about the history of India. India has a rich heritage, which is depicted in its cinema. All these movies are based on real facts and findings related to Indian History.
Let’s go through the must-watch movies about Indian history:
Must-Watch Bollywood Historical Movies to Relive the Past
1. Sardar (1993)
Sardar is a Bollywood biopic Film about one of India’s greatest freedom fighters, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel.
The film is directed by Ketan Mehta and stars Paresh Rawal, Tom Alter, Riju Bajaj, and Elisa D’Souza. The story of the film is based on the ‘Iron Man’ Vallabhbhai Patel’s political life and his importance in the creation of a united India.
2. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2005)
The film is based on the last couple of years of the Indian leader Subhas Chandra Bose’s life. Shyam Benegal directed the film, which stars Sachin Khedekar, Ila Arun, Pankaj Berry, Nicolas Chagrin, and Nalini Chatterjee. The film’s story also includes flashback sequences of Netaji’s life and shares his personal events, like his marriage.
3. Mangal Pandey: The Rising (2005)
Mangal Pandey is a Bollywood biopic based on the life of an Indian soldier, Mangal Pandey. Aamir Khan took 4 years to prepare and complete this film, but it failed at the box office badly. Aamir Khan feels that this film shares an important story about the Indian Freedom Movement.
Ketan Mehta directed the film, which stars Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji, Toby Stephens, Coral Beed, Ameesha Patel, and Kirron Kher.
4. The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002)
The Legend of Bhagat Singh is an Indian historical Biopic film on Bhagat Singh, a freedom fighter. The film was directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and stars Ajay Devgn, Sushant Singh, D. Santosh, Raj Babbar, and Farida Jalal. The Legend of Bhagat Singh shares the important events of Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s life and his contribution towards the Indian freedom revolution.
Also Read: Bollywood Films Based on Indo-Pak Partition
5. Jodhaa Akbar (2008)
Jodhaa Akbar is an Indian epic drama directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. The star cast includes Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai, Sonu Sood, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Ila Arun. The story is based on the personal lives of the Mughal emperor Akbar and the Hindu Rajput princess Jodhabai. Although people do not totally agree with Jodhaa Akbar’s story, the film shows some important parts and Akbar’s work ethic.
6. Gandhi (1982)
Gandhi is a critically acclaimed Hollywood film based on the life of the great Indian leader Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The film, directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Ben Kingsley in the title role, won eight Academy Awards, including Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Picture. Gandhi shares the independence movement as per Mahatma Gandhi’s perspective.
7. Chittagong (2012)
Chittagong is a Bollywood historical drama film directed by Bedabrata Pain, starring Manoj Bajpai in the lead role coupled with Vega Tamotia, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Alexx ONell. The film’s story is based on the events of British India’s Chittagong uprising. Chittagong is a forgotten story of a freedom struggle from the undivided Bengal.
8. Asoka (2001)
As we are sharing the films on the History of India. Asoka also holds the place in this list. Asoka is the epic tale of King Asoka’s life. It shares his struggles and how he became the greatest warrior king of all time. Santosh Siwan directed the film, which stars Shahrukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Ajith Kumar, Danny Denzongpa, Rahul Dev, and Hrishita Bhatt.
9. Jhansi ki Rani (1956)
Jhansi Ki Rani is an Indian historical biopic directed by Sohrab Modi, starring Sohrab Modi, Mehtab, and Mubarak in lead roles. The film’s story is based on the Queen of Jhansi. She led her people against the British Empire and fought until her last breath.
10. Bajirao Mastani (2015)
Bajirao Mastani is a Bollywood Romantic film starring Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra, and Deepika Padukone. The film, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, shares the personal life of Peshwa Bajirao and his relations with the Mastani Bai.
11. Padmaavat (2018)
It shows the obsession of a cruel ruler, Alauddin Khalji (Ranveer Singh), for Padmavati. Padmavati (Deepika Padukone) is the queen of the king of Mewar, Maharaja Ratan Singh (Shahid Kapoor). Ranveer Singh as Khalji nailed it, people loved his look and his way of portraying the cruel king. Padmaavat is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and it was one of the most successful films of 2018.
Your Turn!
Now, share your favorite film on the History of India in the Comment section. 🙂
