
Biopics stand out as a fixing genre in Bollywood’s cinematic universe, allowing fans to look into the extraordinary lives of actual individuals. Bollywood has stepped into the realm of reality, aiming to capture the essence of these characters on movie screens, from great sports players to iconic historical figures. However, not all biopics do their original material justice.
In this cinematic voyage, we explore the world of 8 Bollywood biopics that not only dared to tell actual stories but also succeeded in staying faithful to their subjects’ hearts.
1) ‘Dangal’ (2016): The Phogat Sisters’ Wrestling Journey
Nitesh Tiwari’s “Dangal” is a wrestling epic that transcends sports and familial relationships. The film stays true to the Phogat sisters’ journey, capturing the tenacity, determination, and achievements that define their path to glory.
2) ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ (2013): The ‘Flying Sikh’
“Bhaag Milkha Bhaag” by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is a biographical tribute to the renowned Indian athlete Milkha Singh. The film methodically follows the life of the ‘Flying Sikh,’ depicting the struggles, heartbreaks, and triumphs that shaped his extraordinary journey.
3) ‘Paan Singh Tomar’: From Athlete to Outlaw (2012)
“Paan Singh Tomar” by Tigmanshu Dhulia is a harsh depiction of the life of an Indian soldier who became a dacoit. Irrfan Khan’s outstanding portrayal adds credibility to this biopic, reflecting the nuances of Tomar’s character and the events that led to his metamorphosis.
4) ‘Mary Kom’ (2014): The Triumph of the Magnificent Mary
Omung Kumar’s “Mary Kom” is a tribute to boxing champion Mary Kom’s unbreakable spirit. The film’s attention to presenting the boxer’s journey, as well as Priyanka Chopra’s riveting performance, make it an outstanding biopic that resonates with moviegoers.
5) ‘M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story’ (2016): Captain Cool Is Revealed
“M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story” by Neeraj Pandey chronicles the life of one of India’s most successful cricket captains, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The film highlights the highs and lows of Dhoni’s career, providing fans with an up-close look at the man behind the renowned captaincy.
6) ‘Neerja’ (2016): The Sky Is Her Limit
Ram Madhvani’s “Neerja” pays tribute to the bravery of flight purser Neerja Bhanot, who gave her life to save passengers on a hijacked airplane from terrorists. The film’s accurate portrayal of the events, as well as Sonam Kapoor’s nuanced acting, makes it a tragic and memorable biography.
7) ‘Daddy’ (2017): Arun Gawli’s Crime Story
“Daddy” by Ashim Ahluwalia delves into the controversial life of Mumbai’s mafia don, Arun Gawli. While not glorifying crime, the film depicts Gawli’s path in a realistic manner, centered by Arjun Rampal’s powerful performance.
8) ‘Shahid’ (2012) – The Story of a Legal Maverick:
Rajkummar Rao had an outstanding performance in ‘Shahid,’ portraying the life of Shahid Azmi, a human rights lawyer who fought for justice fearlessly. The film accurately represented Azmi’s trials and successes, offering an uncensored look at the legal fights he faced.