India is a country whose culture and history is very rich and diverse. This is the reason why Bollywood has brought the stories of the past to life on screen from time to time. Whether it’s a freedom struggle or a royal love story, these films offer a perfect blend of history and entertainment.
Here are such historical Bollywood movies, which you will not only get acquainted with history, but also get a wonderful cinematic experience.
1. Gandhi (1982)
Artist: Ben Kingsley, Rohini Hattangadi, Roshan Seth
Director: Richard Attenborough
Although it is a film produced by Hollywood, “Gandhi” is one of the most influential films made on Indian history. It depicts the life of Mahatma Gandhi in detail — from the train incident in South Africa to his assassination. The film won many international awards, including an Oscar, and was well received in India. Bhanu athaiiya got oscar for this movie.
2. Lagaan (2001)
Artist: Aamir Khan, Gracie Singh, Paul Blackthorne
Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
Lagaan is a fictional story set against the backdrop of the British Raj, in which rural Indians play a cricket match against the British for tax exemption. This film is one of the few Indian films nominated for an Oscar and proved to be a milestone for Indian cinema. The movie is still eagerly watched by viewers even after so many years. It clashed with mighty Gadar on box office but the movie still remains relevant today.
3. Mangal Pandey: The Rising (2005)
Artist: Aamir Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Toby Stephens
Director: Ketan Mehta
The story of Mangal Pandey, who initiated the revolution of 1857, is impressively shown in this film. He rebelled against the atrocities and religious insults of the British East India Company, which later turned into a nationwide rebellion. The movie was also hailed critically for its performance and portrayal of characters.
4. Bajirao Mastani (2015)
Actor: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Based on the story of Maratha Peshwa Bajirao and Bundela princess Mastani, this film beautifully portrays royal love and family conflict. In this film inspired by history, music, magnificent sets of Bhansali and depth of emotions are all to be seen.
5. Mughal-e-Azam (1960)
Artist: Dilip Kumar, Madhubala, Prithviraj Kapoor
Director: K. Asif
One of the most famous films of Indian cinema, Mughal-e-Azam is the love story of Mughal prince Salim and Anarkali, which goes against Emperor Akbar’s wishes. The dialogue, acting and set of the film are still remembered today.
6. Kesari (2019)
Artist: Akshay Kumar, Parineeti Chopra
Director: Anurag Singh
Based on the Battle of Saragarh in 1897, the film depicts the bravery of 21 Sikh soldiers who fought off more than 10,000 Afghans. This movie rewrites the definition of courage and valour on silver screen.
7. The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002)
Artist: Ajay Devgn
Director: Rajkumar Santoshi
Based on Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary life story, this film shows his struggles and thoughts in depth. His courage against the British rule, the tortures of the prison and the journey to the prison are portrayed with great emotion.
8. Jodhaa Akbar (2008)
Artist: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai
Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
This film depicts the marriage of Mughal emperor Akbar and Rajput princess Jodhaa Bai and their relationship. With great cinematography, traditional costumes and music, this film presents history in a very romantic way.
9. Asoka (2001)
Artist: Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor
Director: Santosh Sivan
This film depicting the life of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka shows his journey from being a violent ruler to becoming a preacher of Buddhism. Although the film also includes imagination, its scale and presentation impresses the audience.
10. Mohenjo Daro (2016)
Artist: Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde
Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
Mohenjo-daro built on the Harappa civilization is a daring attempt that gives us a glimpse of the civilization of 1016 BC. Centered on the love story between a peasant and a princess, this film combines history with imagination.
11. Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019)
Artist: Kangana Ranaut, Ankita Lokhande
Director: Radha Krishna Jagarlamudi, Kangana Ranaut
This movie is based on the story of queen Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, who led the 1857 freedom struggle against British rule. With stunning acting and grand visuals, it gave tribute to India’s most brave female warriors.
12. Panipat (2019)
Artist: Arjun Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Sanjay Dutt
Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
The movie is Set in period of the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, this film shows the valor of the Maratha warriors and their efforts to defend India and fight against the Afghan invader Ahmad Shah Abdali played by sanjay dutt.
13. Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020)
Artist: Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan, Kajol
Director: Om Raut
A inspiring and impactful story of bravery , friendship and patriotism, Tanhaji portrays the life of Subedar Tanhaji Malusare, a Maratha warrior and a friend of shivaji maharaj who played a crucial role in annexing the Kondhana fort from Mughal empire
14. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2004)
Artist: Sachin Khedekar
Director: Shyam Benegal
This biographical movie brings back the life of Subhas Chandra Bose, from his ideology , his struggle, his vision to the formation of the Indian National Army, making it a strong tribute to one of India’s boldest son. It showcase the lesser known facts about the netaji . And a glimpse of his personal life too.
15. The Ghazi Attack (2017)
Artist: Rana Daggubati, Kay Kay Menon, Atul Kulkarni
Director: Sankalp Reddy
Sea based warfare movies are very rare in India. The Ghazi attack became India’s first war-at-sea film, based on the sinking of the Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, shows a intense and magnificent battle between indian and pak army submarines makes it a must watch and a high rated movie.
16. Chittagong (2012)
Artist: Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Director: Bedabrata Pain
The movie is based on an armoury raid conducted in begal. it showcase a lesser known but brave event of our freedom struggle history. Based on the story of the 1930 Chittagong armoury raid, this film shows story of schoolboys who challenged British rule under the leadership of Masterda Surya Sen.
17. Gandhi My Father (2007)
Artist: Darshan Jariwala, Akshaye Khanna
Director: Feroz Abbas Khan
A different kind of movie for viewers. Shows troubled relationship of Mahatma Gandhi and his son Harilal Gandhi. The movie shows inner conflict of gandhi family. And gives more focus to baa kasturba Gandhi.
18. Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (2019)
Artist: Chiranjeevi, Amitabh Bachchan (cameo)
Director: Surender Reddy
The movie known for powerful performance of Chiranjeevi. Amithabh bacchan made his tamil debute with this movie. The movie tells the story of Narasimha Reddy, a brave warrior from Rayalaseema who led a massive rebellion against the British East India Company, set before the 1857 revolt.rom Rayalaseema who rose a large rebellion against the British East India Company.
These historical films transported us to the streets of India’s past, bringing to life stories that might have otherwise remained blurred in books. The movies are a easy and widely available way of showing our historical culture, heritage and struggle to upcoming generations. If you have seen someone from these films, then next time you have time, go out on this cinematic journey of history.
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