Biopics are one of the most entertaining ways to learn about the world around us. Unlike documentaries, biopics take more creative liberties and dramatise the events of a person’s life, but they also bring important stories and individuals into the spotlight. From sports stars and celebrities to politicians and business leaders, no area of life has been left untouched by this genre. True stories have inspired some of the greatest cinema in India, and in this guide we explore eleven of the very best Bollywood biopics and where to watch them online in India.
1. Guru (2011)
The Ambanis have been in the global spotlight ever since hosting the most extravagant ‘Big Fat Indian Wedding’ of the century for their son, Anant Ambani. Aside from being the richest family in India, they have positioned themselves at the forefront of the country’s cultural and technological evolution, from building a world-class cultural centre and a natural sanctuary, to single-handedly democratising internet access across even the most remote parts of India through the launch of Jio. The Ambanis are nothing short of living legends, and their legacy and contributions will be studied in business schools and cultural discourse for years to come. If you want to see how it all began, check out Guru, a powerful biopic in which Abhishek Bachchan steps into the shoes of Dhirubhai Ambani, the humble and visionary founder of the Ambani empire. This film, though dramatised, is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, the spirit of jugaad, and the importance of family values and nurturing relationships.
2. Neerja (2016)
Sonam Kapoor is known as Bollywood’s quintessential rom-com actress, so she surprised everyone and showcased her range when she took on the role of Neerja, a brave and courageous air hostess who risked her life to save 379 passengers aboard the Pan Am flight in 1986. Neerja is thrilling, deeply emotional, and marked a significant breakthrough in Sonam’s career as an actor.
3. Sanju (2018)
Sanjay Dutt is one of the finest comedic actors Bollywood has seen, but he’s dealt with his fair share of controversies and drama in his personal life. Sanju is an honest, non-linear biographical comedy-drama that chronicles the fascinating journey of Sanjay Dutt, from his career highs to his battle with drug addiction, and his five-year stint in prison. Ranbir Kapoor completely transforms himself into Dutt, embodying several of his iconic looks with remarkable accuracy. Honestly, the film is worth watching for his spot-on portrayal alone.
4. Mary Kom (2014)
When it comes to sports in India, female athletes are often overlooked, which is precisely why films like Mary Kom are so important. Global superstar Priyanka Chopra stars as the skilled and determined boxer, Mary Kom, taking viewers on a journey from her early days of training to her triumphant victory at the 2008 World Boxing Championship in Ningbo. The film tackles powerful themes such as the social stigma surrounding female boxers, the lack of financial support for women in sport, and the challenges of training with limited infrastructure. It stands as a testament to Kom’s unwavering perseverance and determination. Priyanka Chopra Jonas trained intensively for months to physically embody the role, even shadowing the real Mary Kom, a detail that brings an added layer of authenticity to the film.
5. Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)
Nobody does grand historical biopics about the rich, and enchanting lives of Mughal emperors better than Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Taking a break from the royals, Bhansali, brings the same opulence, grandeur, and poetic cinematography, to deliver the story of Gangubai Kathiawadi, a prominent politician, who took the narrative in her own hands after being sold into prostitution as a teenager, spending her time advocating for her rights, getting involved in social activism, and eventually becoming a political leader, who brought real, meaningful change for the sex workers in Mumbai. Alia Bhatt stood out for her remarkable performance in the film, and the movie is credited as a modern day classic.
6. Sam Bahadur (2023)
India’s struggle for freedom has been long and enduring, and while we’ve all studied freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, there are several more soldiers, army generals, political leaders, and brave countrymen whose stories are yet to be told. Sam Bahadur tells the story of one such extraordinary army officer who led India through Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971 and played an active role throughout India’s turbulent journey to independence. Vicky Kaushal steps into the shoes of Sam Manekshaw, taking viewers from his early days in the army to his rise as the Chief of Army Staff. The film is a tribute to the self-sacrificing work of the Indian Army and an ode to India’s first Field Marshal.
7. 83 (2021)
Cricket is a religion in India, and the country’s World Cup win in 1983 is a defining moment in its rich cricketing history, one that will be remembered for decades to come. 83 celebrates this triumphant victory and India’s journey to the finals through the eyes of legendary cricketer, national icon, and then-captain, Kapil Dev. The film stars Ranveer Singh as Kapil Dev and his real-life wife, Deepika Padukone, as his on-screen wife, Romi Bhatia. It explores not only Kapil Dev’s captaincy during this historic season but also Romi’s support, and offers a glimpse into how personal relationships shape the mindset and resilience of a sportsman.
8. MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016)
While we’re on the subject of cricket legends and epic sports biopics, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story is a natural follow-up to 83. Starring Sushant Singh Rajput as the humble and determined M.S. Dhoni, the former captain of the Indian cricket team who led India to its second World Cup victory in 2011, nearly three decades after the 1983 win. MS Dhoni: The Untold Story chronicles the remarkable cricketer’s life through key moments, from his early beginnings to his iconic triumph as India’s captain. Although Dhoni’s victory came after Kapil Dev’s, the film was released before 83, but we’d still recommend watching it after 83 to maintain the best narrative flow.
9. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
If there’s one sports film even non-sports fans should watch, it’s Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. This isn’t just a typical sports biopic, it’s the story of India’s ‘Flying Sikh’, Milkha Singh, a fierce and resilient Olympian who overcame the massacre of his family, homelessness, and numerous other hardships during the Indian Civil War to become one of the greatest runners the country has ever seen. Farhan Akhtar’s intense dedication and physical transformation truly brought Milkha Singh’s story to life. The film is based on Singh’s autobiography, The Race of My Life, which he co-wrote with his daughter. He sold the rights to the book for just ₹1, on the condition that the profits from the film be donated to his non-profit trust, which supports underprivileged athletes, a reflection of Milkha Singh’s true spirit and generous heart.
10. Shahid (2012)
Definitely the hardest-hitting film on this list, Shahid tells the story of lawyer and award-winning activist Shahid Azmi, who was assassinated in 2010. Falsely accused of terrorism, Azmi spent years of his life in prison. After clearing his name, he dedicated his life to becoming a lawyer and defending others who had been wrongfully accused of similar crimes. Directed by Hansal Mehta, known for tackling polarising social and political themes head-on. Shahid isn’t an easy watch by any means, but it is a gritty, gutsy, and bold film. It also marked a career-defining role for Rajkummar Rao, earning him his first National Film Award for Best Actor.
11. Pad Man (2018)
Ending the list on a wholesome and feel-good note, we have Pad Man at number 10. This social comedy-drama is based on the real-life story of Arunachalam Muruganantham, a social activist from Tamil Nadu who developed low-cost sanitary pads to make menstrual health more accessible in rural areas. The film is inspired by Twinkle Khanna’s fictional story The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad, and stars her husband, Akshay Kumar, in the lead role as the visionary Muruganantham. Pad Man is eye-opening, funny, and exactly the kind of film we need to break the taboo around menstrual health.
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