11.06.2024- Bollywood has a longstanding tradition of bringing the lives of influential political figures to the silver screen. These biopics provide audiences with a nuanced look at the personal and political journeys of leaders who have shaped India’s history.
Main Atal Hoon: ” Main Atal Hoon” is a biopic on Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a revered statesman and former Prime Minister of India. The film underscores the challenges of depicting political figures, as filmmakers must navigate the delicate task of honouring their legacies without offending their supporters. The film was acted by Pankaj Tripathy.
Sardar: Ketan Mehta’s directorial venture, “Sardar,” sees Paresh Rawal embody the much-admired Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The screenplay, crafted by Madhu Limaye, Vijay Tendulkar, and Hriday Lani, highlights Patel’s crucial role in India’s independence movement and subsequent unification. This film addresses the historical oversight that often places Gandhi and Nehru at the forefront, giving Patel his due recognition.
The Making of the Mahatma: Directed by Shyam Benegal and written by Fatima Meer, “The Making of the Mahatma” stars Rajit Kapur as Mahatma Gandhi. The film explores Gandhi’s transformative years in South Africa, where he first encountered apartheid and began his lifelong fight for human rights. This origin story provides insight into how Mohandas, a young lawyer, evolved into one of the most influential leaders of India, advocating for non-violence and civil disobedience.
PM Narendra Modi: Omung Kumar’s “PM Narendra Modi,” starring Vivek Anand Oberoi, charts the current Prime Minister’s journey from his humble beginnings as a tea-seller to his ascent in regional politics and eventual victory as India’s PM. Crafted with apparent approval from Modi and the BJP, the film paints a flattering picture, steering clear of any critical examination.
The Accidental Prime Minister: Ratnakar Gutte’s adaptation of Sanjay Baru’s memoir, “The Accidental Prime Minister,” presents a controversial portrayal of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Played by Anupam Kher, Singh is depicted as a puppet manipulated by the Gandhi family, with the narrative framed through Baru’s (Akshaye Khanna) perspective. The film critiques the Congress Party, portraying the political arena as a shark tank Singh must navigate.
Thalaivi: Thalaivi, directed by A L Vijay, stars Kangana Ranaut as J Jayalalithaa, tracing her journey from a celebrated actress to a formidable politician and Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. With Arvind Swami portraying M G Ramachandran, the film delves into Jayalalithaa’s political and personal evolution, capturing her enduring legacy in Tamil Nadu politics.
Thackeray: Abhijit Panse’s “Thackeray,” featuring Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Balasaheb Thackeray and Amrita Rao as his wife, chronicles the life of the Shiv Sena founder. As a pro-Marathi and Hindu nationalist leader, Thackeray wielded significant influence in Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai.
These biopics not only illuminate the lives of India’s political leaders but also reflect the complexities of representing real-life figures on screen. They must balance historical accuracy with engaging storytelling, all while navigating the potential pitfalls of political sensitivities.