Political has been one of the most fascinating and debatable topics since the start of civilized humankind. The inner political disputes, election drama, and the dark side of politics is undoubtedly a better piece of drama than the cinema. And the Bollywood filmmakers have released that feeding the audience top-notch cinematic political drama with some extra flavors of romance and action can be a great way of doing well on the box office. In past, we have seen many political movies that hooked us to the screen like never before. Here we bring you a list of the top 10 binge-worthy Bollywood movies inspired by Indian political stories:
1. The Tashkent Files: The 2019 thriller you're referring to is likely "The Tashkent Files," a film that delves into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of India's former Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri. Featuring an ensemble cast including Shweta Basu Prasad, Naseeruddin Shah, and Mithun Chakraborty in pivotal roles, the movie offers a cinematic exploration of India's post-independence era. The film provides a gripping portrayal of the nascent years of independent India, intertwining historical events with a suspenseful narrative surrounding Shastri's untimely demise. With stellar performances by the cast, "The Tashkent Files" meticulously navigates the political landscape and the intrigue surrounding a significant chapter in Indian history, sparking discussions and curiosity among audiences about the mysteries shrouding Shastri's death.
2. Airlift: "Airlift," directed by Raja Krishna Menon, is a gripping film inspired by a true story set during the Gulf War in 1990. The movie narrates the remarkable and heroic tale of a Kuwait-based Indian businessman, portrayed by Akshay Kumar, who plays a pivotal role in the evacuation of thousands of stranded Indians from Kuwait during the invasion by Saddam Hussein's forces. The film captures the chaos and urgency of the situation, depicting the businessman's courageous efforts to organize and execute a massive airlift operation that saved numerous lives. Akshay Kumar's stellar performance and the compelling storytelling resonated strongly with audiences, making "Airlift" a resounding success at the box office. The movie not only celebrates the courage and resilience of the human spirit but also sheds light on an inspiring chapter in history, showcasing the immense impact of one man's determination in safeguarding the lives of fellow citizens during a time of crisis.
3. Rajneeti: Prakash Jha's "Rajneeti" is a compelling portrayal of the intricacies and dynamics of Indian politics. The film revolves around an American-educated scion of a powerful Indian family who, upon returning to India, gets embroiled in the world of politics. His initial exposure to power sets him on a path riddled with corruption and complex political maneuvers. The movie intelligently weaves together elements of power, ambition, family dynamics, and political intrigue, drawing parallels to epic tales like the Mahabharata. "Rajneeti" boasted a stellar ensemble cast and a narrative that resonated strongly with audiences, making it a blockbuster hit at the box office. Prakash Jha's directorial finesse in portraying the murky underbelly of Indian politics, coupled with the stellar performances by the cast, captivated audiences and critics alike. The film's astute reflection of the power struggles and ethical dilemmas within the political landscape struck a chord with viewers, cementing "Rajneeti" as a memorable and impactful cinematic experience.
4. Arakashan: The topic of reservation for lower castes in Indian government jobs and educational institutions is indeed contentious, and it was the central theme of a movie that aimed to shed light on this sensitive issue. However, while exploring such a significant and debated subject, the film faced mixed reviews from critics and achieved moderate success at the box office. Addressing a topic as complex and divisive as reservations in India is no easy feat, and the movie attempted to navigate this challenging terrain by presenting perspectives from various angles. However, the critical reception highlighted a divergence in opinions, with some praising the film's attempt to tackle the issue and initiate conversations, while others might have found certain aspects lacking or controversial. The mixed critical reviews and moderate box office success might indicate the polarizing nature of the topic and the challenges inherent in translating such intricate societal issues onto the cinematic screen. Nevertheless, the film's attempt to bring attention to this crucial aspect of Indian society and governance could be considered a commendable effort, despite the varied reactions it elicited.
5. Sarkar: "Sarkar" and its sequel "Sarkar Raj" drew inspiration from the iconic film "The Godfather" and offered a poignant portrayal of the intricate web of nepotism, politics, lobbying, and crime prevalent within powerful political families, particularly in the context of Maharashtra's political landscape. The success of "Sarkar" laid the groundwork for its sequel, "Sarkar Raj," which continued to explore the nexus between powerful political families and the dynamics between international corporations seeking the support and backing of influential local politicians to further their interests. By delving into these themes, "Sarkar" and "Sarkar Raj" succeeded in presenting a thought-provoking commentary on the interplay between politics, business, and power, offering audiences a compelling narrative embedded in the murky world of political machinations and corporate ambitions.
6. Thackrey: The cinematic portrayal of the late Shiv Sena founder, Bal Thackeray, stands as a significant and influential political drama within Bollywood. The film provided a glimpse into the life and legacy of Bal Thackeray, depicting his journey, ideologies, and political influence. Nawazuddin Siddiqui's portrayal of Bal Thackeray was pivotal in bringing the character to life on screen. His nuanced performance and dedication to embodying the persona of the influential political figure earned accolades from audiences and critics alike. The movie offered a cinematic canvas to explore the multifaceted persona of Bal Thackeray, showcasing his ideologies, political fervor, and impact on Maharashtra's political landscape. Nawazuddin Siddiqui's portrayal added depth and authenticity to the portrayal, contributing to the film's success and its resonance among viewers. The depiction of Bal Thackeray's life and legacy through this film remains a significant milestone in Bollywood's portrayal of political figures, showcasing the impact and influence of political personalities on Indian society and politics.
7. The Accidental Prime Minister: "The Accidental Prime Minister" directed by Vijay Ratnakar Gutte is a biographical drama based on the tenure of India's former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh. The film draws its narrative from Sanjaya Baru's memoir, also titled "The Accidental Prime Minister," in which Baru, who served as Singh's media advisor, provided insights into the workings of the Prime Minister's office during Singh's tenure. Anupam Kher portrayed the role of Dr. Manmohan Singh, while Akshaye Khanna played the character of Sanjaya Baru. The film delved into the political sphere, offering a dramatized account of the challenges and decisions faced by Dr. Singh during his time in office. The adaptation aimed to bring to light the political milieu and the dynamics within the Prime Minister's office, garnering attention and sparking discussions upon its release due to its depiction of real-life political figures and events. The performances, particularly Anupam Kher's portrayal of Dr. Manmohan Singh, received attention and commendation for their attempt to capture the essence of the characters they portrayed.
8. Nayak: "Nayak: The Real Hero," a captivating political drama starring Anil Kapoor in the lead role. The storyline revolves around a news anchor who, by a twist of fate, assumes the role of the chief minister for one day. The movie follows the transformation of the protagonist from a media personality to a figurehead of governance, highlighting his attempts to instigate positive change within the political landscape of his state during his short tenure as the chief minister. Anil Kapoor's portrayal of the protagonist and his efforts to challenge the status quo and bring about substantial reforms struck a chord with audiences. The film's narrative touched upon themes of social responsibility, political integrity, and the impact of individual actions in transforming society. "Nayak: The Real Hero" resonated with viewers by offering an optimistic view of the power of an individual to make a difference in the political realm, offering hope and inspiring discussions about the potential for change within the political system.
9. Peepli Live: "Peepli Live" is indeed a thought-provoking satirical comedy film released in 2010, exploring the grim issue of farmer suicides in India and the complex reactions from both the media and political spheres. Anusha Rizvi made her directorial debut with this film, which was produced by Aamir Khan Productions. The movie delves into the harsh realities faced by farmers and their struggle for survival, shedding light on the dire circumstances that often lead to extreme actions like suicide. It also portrays the sensationalized media coverage and political opportunism surrounding such tragedies, highlighting the disconnect between the rural populace and the urban elite. Through its satirical lens, "Peepli Live" aimed to spark conversations about societal issues, agricultural distress, media sensationalism, and political apathy. The film received critical acclaim for its bold and insightful portrayal of a sensitive and pertinent subject matter, presenting a mix of humor and social commentary to address deep-rooted issues within the fabric of Indian society.
10. Garam Hawa: "Garam Hawa," directed by M.S. Sathyu, and it portrays the struggles and challenges faced by a North Indian Muslim family in the aftermath of Partition. The movie features Balraj Sahni in the lead role, and it's notable for being his final film. "Garam Hawa" is a poignant portrayal of the predicament and emotional turmoil experienced by the Muslim community following the partition of India. The film sensitively captures the dilemmas, social ostracization, and personal sacrifices endured by individuals trying to navigate the complex socio-political landscape during that period. This cinematic masterpiece earned critical acclaim and resonated deeply with audiences for its realistic portrayal of human emotions amidst a backdrop of societal upheaval. The film's sensitive handling of the themes of identity, belonging, and national integration earned it the National Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration, highlighting its significance as a powerful cinematic exploration of the aftermath of Partition.
