In anticipation of Gangubai Kathiawadi’s release, watch these Indian biopics
- Featured Lifestyle
Ruhi Gilder- 13 minutes read
Ruhi Gilder
As the weekend edges closer, Gangubai Kathiawadi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus starring Alia Bhatt is due for release in theatres. Whether you’re waiting for the film to release on Netflix, or planning to watch it in theatres, here are some Indian biopics to whet your appetite.
83
This December 2021 Ranveer Singh starrer is about a moment in Indian history that all cricket fans only know too well. On June 25, 1983, at the Lord’s Cricket Ground, the Indian team defeated West Indies to win the World Cup. The team was led by Kapil Dev, played by Singh, the film also stars Deepika Padukone, who plays Dev’s wife. 83 marks the year of their win, and takes fans behind the scenes into the big win.
Shakuntala Devi
In honour of upcoming Women’s Day, watch this movie about one of the greatest mathematicians the world has seen. Vidya Balan plays the role of Shakuntala Devi, also known as a ‘Human Computer.’ More than anything though, this movie is the journey of Shakuntala Devi through the eyes of her daughter, and the bond between mother-daughter. Watch it with your mum for maximum effect!
Watch on Amazon Prime Video
The Dirty Picture
This 2011 Hindi biographical film is inspired by the life of Silk Smitha, an actress known for her erotic roles. The film stars Vidya Balan in the lead role and won three National Film Awards including one for Best Actress. The Dirty Picture is also a look at Smitha’s powerful journey in an industry that is dominated by men.
Watch on Disney + Hotstar
Sanju
Based on the life of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, this biopic reveals the struggles Dutt went through as the carrier of the legacy of his mother, the legendary Nargis, and father, Sunil Dutt. Directed by renowned director Rajkumar Hirani, Sanju explores the ugly parts of Dutt’s life as well, including his drug use, and the controversy surrounding his involvement in the 1933 Mumbai bomb blasts. Watch it for the mind-blowing performance by Ranbir Kapoor.
Watch on Netflix
Mahanati
Mahanati, which translates into ‘the great actress,’ is a 2018 Telugu film based on the life of actress Savitri. Starring Keerthy Suresh as Savitri and Dulquer Salmaan as her husband, the film went on to win three awards at the 66th National Film Awards. The plot takes us through the actress’ life from the point of view of a journalist and photographer, showcasing her rise to fame, her marriage and subsequent fall from grace. Mahanati was even screened at film festivals such as the 2018 International Film Festival of India, the Shanghai International Film Festival in 2019, and the 2018 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video
Rudramadevi
One of the few ruling Indian queens of the time, Rudrama Devi’s life was a story waiting to be told. In 2015, this Telugu film released, to take viewers through the life this Kakatiya dynasty ruler, who sat on the throne from 1263 to 1289. Directed by filmmaker Gunasekhar, Rudramadevi features Anushka Shetty in a titular role, alongside an ensemble cast that included Allu Arjun, Rana Daggubati. The grand film was shot at the Thousand Pillar Temple in Warangal, with costumes designed by Neeta Lulla.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video
Kadambari
Another regional biographical film, Kadambari relates to the lesser-known story of Kadambari Devi, sister-in-law of Rabindranath Tagore. Directed by Suman Ghosh, the Bengali movie shows the close relationship shared by the two, and stars popular actor Konkana Sen Sharma and Parambrata Chattopadhyay in the lead roles. The nine-year-old Kadambari gets married to Jyotirindranath, but grows close to his younger brother Rabindranath instead, and became his inspiration for many early songs and poems.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video
Harishchandrachi Factory
A 2009 Marathi biographical film, this one revolves around the life of the father of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke. The film is named after India’s first feature film Raja Harishchandra by Phalke and depicts the struggles faced during its making. Portrayed as a journey of determination to wield the wily beast that is filmmaking, Harishchandrachi Factory won hearts for its light-hearted touch. In September 2009, it was also selected as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category.
Watch on Netflix
For 2022:
Prithviraj
