Biopics have long been a fascinating genre, offering audiences a glimpse into the lives of extraordinary individuals. However, while MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016) struck gold at the box office, it inadvertently set off a trend that many filmmakers attempted to cash in on—only to miss the mark. In the years that followed, Bollywood churned out a series of biopics, but most failed to leave a lasting impact. From weak storytelling to lack of audience connection, these films struggled despite compelling real-life inspirations.
1. Saina (2021) – A lackluster tribute to a sports icon
Starring Parineeti Chopra as badminton champion Saina Nehwal, this sports biopic lacked the thrill and emotional depth needed to keep the audience engaged. The screenplay felt uninspiring, and the film failed to match the energy and determination that defined Nehwal’s career. Additionally, the casting was a major letdown, as many viewers struggled to see Chopra in the role of the celebrated athlete.
2. The Accidental Prime Minister (2019) – More controversy than content
Based on the memoir of Sanjaya Baru, this film depicted the tenure of former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, played by Anupam Kher. While the subject was politically charged, the film felt more like a dramatized critique rather than a balanced biopic. With a weak screenplay and an overtly political tone, it alienated both audiences and critics, ultimately failing to perform at the box office.
3. Thalaivii (2021) – Great performance, weak execution
Kangana Ranaut took on the role of Tamil Nadu’s iconic leader J. Jayalalithaa in Thalaivii. While her performance was commendable, the film struggled with an inconsistent narrative. It focused more on the dramatization of events rather than offering a deep dive into the leader’s political journey. The failure to connect with audiences, particularly in the Hindi-speaking belt, led to its downfall.
4. PM Narendra Modi (2019) – A hasty political drama
Released just before the 2019 general elections, this biopic starring Vivek Oberoi felt more like political propaganda than a compelling story. The film was criticized for glorifying Modi rather than providing an in-depth look into his journey. With a lack of nuanced storytelling and unimpressive performances, it failed to generate strong audience engagement.
5. Chhapaak (2020) – A crucial subject that lost its way
Based on the life of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal, Chhapaak was an important film that raised awareness about a serious issue. Deepika Padukone delivered a heartfelt performance, but the film was marred by poor promotional strategies and unnecessary controversies. The storytelling, while sensitive, lacked the gripping intensity needed to leave a lasting impression, leading to a disappointing box office performance.
6. Jhund (2022) – A social drama lost in execution
Amitabh Bachchan’s Jhund was inspired by the life of football coach Vijay Barse, who transformed the lives of underprivileged kids through sports. Despite its noble theme, the film suffered from a slow-paced narrative and an inconsistent screenplay. The lack of commercial appeal meant it failed to draw audiences to theatres, despite positive word-of-mouth.
Bollywood’s fascination with biopics continues, but filmmakers must learn from past failures. A successful biopic should not just narrate events but immerse audiences in the highs and lows of the protagonist’s life. Until then, the industry’s obsession with real-life stories may continue to yield more misses than hits.
