Bollywood has always been known for its larger-than-life storytelling, but in recent years, the industry has shown a growing fascination with biopics. Films based on real people—whether sports figures, politicians, freedom fighters, or entertainers—are dominating box offices and award circuits alike. The question is: Why has Bollywood become so invested in bringing real-life stories to the big screen?
One of the biggest reasons behind the biopic boom is their proven commercial success. Films like MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016), Sanju (2018), and Super 30 (2019) not only performed well at the box office but also earned critical acclaim. These movies provide audiences with a sense of connection, as they portray struggles, triumphs, and personal challenges faced by real-life figures.
Biopics have an emotional depth that fictional stories often struggle to achieve. Watching a film about a real person’s struggles and triumphs, such as Mary Kom (2014) or Shershaah (2021), inspires audiences on a personal level. These films celebrate resilience and human spirit, making them highly engaging.
Bollywood’s Shift to Realism
Over the years, Bollywood has moved away from over-the-top drama to more realistic storytelling. Biopics fit perfectly within this trend, as they offer a mix of factual events and cinematic drama. Movies like Chhapaak (2020), based on acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal, and Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), inspired by the life of a powerful woman in Mumbai’s underworld, showcase this balance.
Challenges of making biopics
While biopics are popular, they come with challenges. Filmmakers often face scrutiny over factual accuracy. Some biopics, like Sanju, have been criticized for glorifying their subjects rather than presenting an objective portrayal. Securing rights from families and handling controversies surrounding certain figures can also be a hurdle.
What’s next for Bollywood Biopics?
The biopic trend shows no signs of slowing down. Upcoming films like Chandu Champion (based on Paralympian Murlikant Petkar) and Amar Singh Chamkila (about the iconic Punjabi musician) indicate that Bollywood is still eager to explore more real-life stories. With audiences showing a strong interest in authenticity, biopics are likely to remain a dominant genre for years to come.
