Bollywood films based on real-life events serve a multitude of purposes, ranging from entertainment to education and from inspiration to preserving historical records. They have a broad appeal and can make a significant impact on both the film industry and society.
Here are some of the widely acclaimed Bollywood films based on real-life events, offering viewers a glimpse into the lives of extraordinary people and the remarkable events that have shaped the world around us.
Bollywood Films Based On Real Life Events
Below is the list of the widely acclaimed real-life stories offered by Bollywood.
1. M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story
Cast: Sushant Singh Rajput, Kiara Advani, Disha Patani
The biographical drama depicts the inspiring story of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, one of India’s most successful cricket captains.
The film focuses on Dhoni’s struggles, his rise to prominence, his captaincy, and the significant events in the protagonist’s cricketing career, including India’s victory in the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in 2007 and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
2. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Sonam Kapoor, Divya Dutta
The film chronicles the inspiring story of Milkha Singh, an Indian athlete who overcame immense hardships to become one of the country’s most iconic sports figures.
Farhan Akhtar’s portrayal of the legendary athlete was considered one of the finest performances of his career. The central narrative focuses on Milkha’s journey as an athlete, his struggles with personal demons, and his transformation into the ‘Flying Sikh.’
3. Airlift
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur, Kumud Mishra
Akshay Kumar starrer is based on the true events that took place during the Gulf War in 1990 when Iraq invaded Kuwait.
The film depicts the gripping account of how Ranjit Katiyal orchestrates one of the most significant and successful civilian evacuations in history, emphasizing the unity, resilience, and courage of the Indian expatriate community during a time of crisis.
4. Neerja
Cast: Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Jim Sarbh
The movie is based on the real-life heroic story of Neerja Bhanot, a flight attendant who sacrificed her life to save passengers during a hijacking.
Amidst the chaos and danger, Neerja’s character shines as she tries to keep the passengers calm and devises plans to thwart the terrorists’ intentions. The protagonist ultimately sacrifices her life while shielding three children from gunfire during the rescue operation, displaying immense bravery and selflessness.
5. Dangal
Cast: Aamir Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra
Helmed by Nitesh Tiwari, the movie is based on the real-life story of Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler and coach from Haryana, and his daughters Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari, who are also successful wrestlers today.
Aamir Khan’s Dangal is not only a sports drama but also a powerful story of empowerment, gender equality, and the unwavering determination of a father and his daughters to break barriers and achieve greatness in the world of wrestling.
6. Article 15
Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Isha Talwar, Sayani Gupta
Anubhav Sinha’s directorial serves as a hard-hitting social commentary, exposing the harsh realities of caste discrimination and emphasizing the importance of standing up against injustice.
As Ayan discovers the harsh realities of the caste system when he is assigned to investigate the disappearance of three lower-caste teenage girls, he unravels a complex web of corruption, caste discrimination, and social injustice perpetrated by powerful individuals and institutions.
7. Pad Man
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Apte, Sonam Kapoor
The film is inspired by the life of Arunachalam Muruganantham, a social activist from Tamil Nadu, who revolutionized the concept of menstrual hygiene in rural India by creating low-cost sanitary pads.
Despite facing several challenges, including financial constraints and opposition from his own family and community, the protagonist’s determination and innovative spirit lead him to successfully create high-quality sanitary pads.
These movies cover a diverse range of topics, including historical events, social issues, sports achievements, and individual heroism. Through powerful storytelling, these films create a connection between the audience and real-life experiences, fostering empathy and understanding.
By bringing these stories to the silver screen, Bollywood filmmakers not only entertain but also educate and inspire audiences.