Bollywood is not new to the formula of biopics. They work like a charm at the box office, they establish commercial stars as serious actors and they’re basically worth the viewers’ money and time. In the past few years, Bollywood has seen some great biopics like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Mary Kom and Paan Singh Tomar, to name a few. And the success of these films have only motivated our directors to tell more real life stories that deserve to be told.
Here’s a look at the 10 Bollywood biopics that will hit the screens this year:
1. Neerja
This film is based on the life of Neerja Bhanot, a flight attendant, whose flight from Mumbai to New York was hijacked in Karachi. Sonam Kapoor plays the title character in this film which also stars Shabana Azmi and Shekhar Ravijani in pivotal roles.
2. Sarbjit
Sarabjit Singh was convicted by a Pakistani court for spying and terrorism. His family went on to suffer the brunt of troubled political relations between India & Pakistan as they spent a good part of their lives fighting to prove Sarabjit’s innocence. This film being directed by Omung Kumar (of Mary Kom fame) stars Randeep Hooda as Sarabjit and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan playing his sister, Dalbir.
3. Azhar
Azhar, starring Emraan Hashmi, is based on the life of the controversial former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin. The film is highly anticipated because of the glorious on-field and scandalous off-field life of the cricketer who was banned from cricket after reported involvement in a match-fixing episode.
4. Dangal
Dangal is surely one of the most-hyped Aamir Khan movies. It tells the story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat who taught wrestling to his daughters. The film has Aamir Khan playing the part of wrestler Mahavir while TV actress Sakshi Tanwar will be seen playing his wife.
5. Dhoni: The Untold Story
Sushant Singh Rajput will be seen as the most celebrated Indian cricket captain, MS Dhoni, in this film. Cricket is a religion in our country and a biopic, helmed by Neeraj Pandey (of Special 26 and Baby fame), on one of the most loved cricketers of India will surely smash all records.
6. Raees
Raees, starring Shah Rukh Khan, is apparently based on the life of the Gujarati don, Abdul Latif Shaikh. SRK fans have been waiting with bated breath to see King Khan try something new and Raees is their dream come true. The film also stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a significant role.
7. Aligarh
Aligarh is based on the life of Dr. Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras who was sacked from his position of professor at the Aligarh Muslim University on the charges of homosexuality. Aligarh was quite popular in the film festival circuit last year but will release in cinemas only in February 2016. It stars Manoj Bajpai and Rajkummar Rao in key roles.
8. Haseena – The Queen of Mumbai
Sonakshi Sinha will be seen playing the title role based on the life of don Dawood Ibrahim’s sister, Haseena. Although not much is known about Ibrahim’s sister, the word has it that ‘Haseena aapa’ was a very complex personality. Apoorva Lakhia of Shootout at Lokhandwala fame will direct this film.
9. Daddy
Arjun Rampal will be seen playing the title character in this biopic of gangster-turned-politician, Arun Gawli. Gawli has been convicted for murder and is currently imprisoned for life. Rampal recently tweeted that he’s growing a beard as part of the preparation for his character in the film.
10. Untitled Rani Laxmi Bai biopic
Ketan Mehta, the director of Mangal Pandey, will direct this film and has confirmed in an interview that talent powerhouse Kangana Ranaut will essay the title role in this film.
