Bollywood has a long history of bringing real-life stories to the big screen. From biopics of famous personalities to films inspired by historic events, true stories often make for the most compelling cinema. Here are 20 of the best Bollywood movies based on true events and real people:
1. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is a biographical sports drama based on the life of Milkha Singh, the legendary Indian sprinter. Nicknamed “The Flying Sikh”, Milkha Singh (played by Farhan Akhtar) overcame many obstacles, including the trauma of the Partition of India, to become one of India’s most celebrated athletes. The film follows his inspirational journey from childhood to his record-breaking performances at the 1958 Asian Games and 1960 Summer Olympics.
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag was a critical and commercial success, with praise for its direction, performances, music, and portrayal of Milkha Singh’s life. It won several awards, including two National Film Awards.
2. Neerja (2016)
Neerja is a biographical thriller based on the life of Neerja Bhanot, a 22-year-old flight attendant who gave her life to save passengers during the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in 1986. Sonam Kapoor stars as the titular character, portraying Neerja’s bravery and sacrifice in the face of terror.
The film was a box office success and received widespread critical acclaim for its sensitive handling of the subject matter and Kapoor’s career-defining performance. Neerja won two National Film Awards and several other accolades.
3. Dangal (2016)
Dangal is a biographical sports drama loosely based on the lives of Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari. Mahavir (played by Aamir Khan), a former wrestler, trains his daughters to become world-class wrestlers despite societal pressures and gender discrimination in sports.
The film was a massive critical and commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film ever at the time. It won several awards, including four National Film Awards, and was screened at the Beijing International Film Festival.
4. Padman (2018)
Padman is a social drama inspired by the life of Arunachalam Muruganantham, a social activist who revolutionized menstrual hygiene in rural India by creating a low-cost sanitary pad machine. Akshay Kumar stars as Lakshmikant Chauhan, a fictionalized version of Muruganantham, who invents the machine to help his wife and other women in his village.
The film was praised for its sensitive handling of a taboo subject and for promoting menstrual hygiene awareness. It was a commercial success and won several awards.
5. Raazi (2018)
Raazi is a spy thriller based on the novel “Calling Sehmat” by Harinder Sikka, which is inspired by a true story. Set during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the film follows Sehmat Khan (played by Alia Bhatt), a young Indian woman who marries into a Pakistani military family to spy for her country.
The film was acclaimed for its gripping narrative, Bhatt’s powerful performance, and its nuanced portrayal of the India-Pakistan conflict. It was a box office success and won several awards, including two National Film Awards.
6. Kesari (2019)
Kesari is a historical action film based on the Battle of Saragarhi in 1897, where 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikhs battalion of the British Indian Army fought against 10,000 Afghan tribesmen. Akshay Kumar stars as Havildar Ishar Singh, the leader of the Sikh soldiers.
The film was praised for its grand scale, action sequences, and patriotic themes. It was a commercial success and won several awards for its music and cinematography.
7. Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019)
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi is a historical drama based on the life of Rani Lakshmi Bai, the Queen of Jhansi who led her army against the British East India Company during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Kangana Ranaut stars as Rani Lakshmi Bai and also co-directed the film.
The film was noted for its grand visuals, action sequences, and Ranaut’s commanding performance. It was a commercial success despite some controversy over its historical accuracy.
8. Saand Ki Aankh (2019)
Saand Ki Aankh is a biographical drama based on the lives of sharpshooters Chandro Tomar and Prakashi Tomar, often called the “Shooter Dadis”. Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar star as the two women who learn shooting in their 60s and go on to win several championships.
The film was praised for its inspiring story, performances, and its message of empowerment. It won several awards, including a Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress for Pannu and Pednekar.
9. Shakuntala Devi (2020)
Shakuntala Devi is a biographical drama based on the life of the eponymous Shakuntala Devi, a mathematician who was known as the “human computer” for her ability to make incredibly swift calculations. Vidya Balan stars as Shakuntala Devi, showcasing both her mathematical genius and her complex personal life.
The film was praised for Balan’s performance and for bringing attention to a remarkable woman’s story. It was released directly on Amazon Prime Video due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
10. Shershaah (2021)
Shershaah is a biographical war film based on the life of Captain Vikram Batra, an officer of the Indian Army who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military decoration, for his actions during the Kargil War in 1999. Sidharth Malhotra stars as Captain Batra.
The film was praised for its authentic portrayal of the Kargil War, Malhotra’s performance, and its patriotic themes. It was a commercial success and won several awards.
11. Sardar Udham (2021)
Sardar Udham is a biographical drama based on the life of Udham Singh, a revolutionary who assassinated Michael O’Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, in London to avenge the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar. Vicky Kaushal stars as Udham Singh.
The film was acclaimed for its gritty realism, Kaushal’s intense performance, and its unflinching portrayal of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. It was released directly on Amazon Prime Video.
12. 83 (2021)
83 is a sports drama based on India’s historic win at the 1983 Cricket World Cup. Ranveer Singh stars as Kapil Dev, the captain of the Indian team that defeated the mighty West Indies to win the tournament against all odds.
The film was praised for its nostalgic recreation of the 1983 World Cup, Singh’s performance as Kapil Dev, and its celebratory spirit. It was a commercial success and won several awards.
13. Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)
Gangubai Kathiawadi is a biographical crime drama loosely based on the life of Gangubai Kothewali, a brothel owner and matriarch in the Kamathipura red-light district of Mumbai in the 1960s. Alia Bhatt stars as the titular character.
The film was acclaimed for Bhatt’s powerful performance, its stylish direction by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and its portrayal of the harsh realities of sex work. It was a commercial success and won several awards.
14. Major (2022)
Major is a biographical action film based on the life of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, an officer of the Indian Army who was killed in action during the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Adivi Sesh stars as Major Unnikrishnan.
The film was praised for its respectful portrayal of Major Unnikrishnan’s life and sacrifice, Sesh’s performance, and its tense action sequences. It was a commercial success.
15. Samrat Prithviraj (2022)
Samrat Prithviraj is a historical action drama based on the life of Prithviraj Chauhan, a 12th-century Indian king who ruled Ajmer and Delhi. Akshay Kumar stars as Prithviraj Chauhan.
The film was noted for its grand scale, battle sequences, and Kumar’s performance. However, it received mixed reviews for its historical accuracy and was a box office disappointment.
16. Shabaash Mithu (2022)
Shabaash Mithu is a biographical sports drama based on the life of Mithali Raj, the former captain of the India women’s national cricket team. Taapsee Pannu stars as Mithali Raj.
The film was praised for bringing attention to women’s cricket in India, Pannu’s performance, and its inspiring message. It received positive reviews but had a modest box office performance.
17. Rocketry: The Nambi Effect (2022)
Rocketry: The Nambi Effect is a biographical drama based on the life of Nambi Narayanan, a former scientist and aerospace engineer at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) who was falsely accused of espionage. R. Madhavan stars as Nambi Narayanan and also directed the film.
The film was acclaimed for its gripping storytelling, Madhavan’s performance both in front of and behind the camera, and for bringing Nambi Narayanan’s story to a wider audience. It received positive reviews but had a limited theatrical release.
18. Godse (TBA)
Godse is an upcoming biographical drama based on the life of Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi. The film is set to explore Godse’s life, his ideologies, and the events that led to Gandhi’s assassination.
The film has generated controversy due to its subject matter, with some fearing it may try to glorify Godse. However, the filmmakers have stated that the film will not take any sides and will present an objective account of history.
19. Sam Bahadur (TBA)
Sam Bahadur is an upcoming biographical war film based on the life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Vicky Kaushal is set to star as Sam Manekshaw.
The film will chronicle Manekshaw’s career in the Indian Army, including his leadership during the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. It is one of the most anticipated upcoming biopics in Bollywood.
20. Gorkha (TBA)
Gorkha is an upcoming biographical war film based on the life of Major General Ian Cardozo, an officer of the Indian Army who amputated his own leg during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Akshay Kumar is set to star as Major General Cardozo.
The film will showcase Cardozo’s bravery and determination in the face of adversity, as well as the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during the 1971 war. It is expected to be another patriotic war film from Akshay Kumar.
These 20 films are just a sample of the many Bollywood movies based on true stories. From sports dramas to war films to biopics of remarkable individuals, these films have entertained audiences while also educating them about important events and figures in Indian history. They are a testament to the power of cinema to inspire, inform, and move us.
As Bollywood continues to draw from real-life stories for inspiration, we can expect to see many more such films in the future. These films not only provide a window into the past but also reflect the values, aspirations, and challenges of contemporary Indian society. They are an important part of India’s cultural heritage and will continue to shape the nation’s collective memory for generations to come.
