'Rang De Basanti' to 'Nayak: The Real Hero', must-watch Hindi political dramas

Politics forms the basis of every decision in society and hence a fundamental element in every citizen's life. Time and again, Bollywood has reflected on Indian politics through cinema and here are some films you must definitely watch

Updated On: 2024-06-04 11:20 AM IST

Compiled by : Athulya Nambiar

Hindi cinema based on politics

Jawan (2023): 

Directed by Atlee and starring Shah Rukh Khan in a double role, the film narrates the story of a man driven by a personal vendetta to rectify the wrongs in society, while keeping a promise made years ago. He comes up against a monstrous outlaw with no fear, who has caused extreme suffering to many

Satyagraha (2013): 

Dwarka Anand serves prison time for assaulting a corrupt official while trying to obtain due compensation for his son's death. Manav, his son's friend, organises a multi-faceted campaign to free him. Directed by Prakash Jha, the film stars Ajay Devgn, Arjun Rampal, Amitabh Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Manoj Bajpayee, Amrita Rao and others

Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003) :

Vikram is in love with Geeta, but she falls for Siddharth, who later joins the Naxal movement. Thereafter, the trio gets involved in the turbulent political crusade of India in the 1970s. Directed by Sudhir Mishra, the film stars Kay Kay Menon, Chitrangada Singh, Shiney Ahuja,  Ruchi Nairain and others

Aarakshan (2011): 

Dr Anand, the principal of STM College, along with his disciples, fights to abide by the OBC reservation verdict of the Supreme Court. However, they have to overcome many obstacles while doing so. Directed by Prakash Jha, the film stars Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpayee, Amitabh Bachchan and others

A Wednesday (2008): 

Prakash Rathod, a retired police commissioner recounts the most memorable case of his career wherein he was informed about a bomb scare in Mumbai by an ordinary commoner. A film that will open your eyes and keep you at the edge of your seat and makes several political commentaries through its narrative focused on the problems faced by the common man. Directed by Neeraj Pandey, the film stars Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah in the lead

Madras Cafe (2013): 

Vikram, an Indian intelligence agent who visits Sri Lanka on a secret mission, finds himself embroiled in a civil war and a conspiracy to kill the former prime minister of India. Directed by Shoojit Sircar, the film stars John Abraham in the lead

Newton (2017):

A government servant is sent to a politically sensitive area in Central India for election duty. He attempts to hold a fair and free election despite various obstacles. Directed by Amit Masurkar, the film stars Rajkummar Rao in the lead

Nayak: The Real Hero (2001): 

After the chief minister challenges Shivaji Rao to run the state for a day, he accepts and strives hard to put an end to corruption. Due to his success, people force him to join politics. Directed by S Shankar and starring Anil Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Amrish Puri and Rani Mukerji, this is one of the most impactful political dramas of Hindi cinema

 

Rang De Basanti (2006): 

When Sue selects a few students to portray various Indian freedom fighters in her film, she unwittingly awakens their patriotism. The emotional and mental process turns them into rebels for a cause. Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the film stars Aamir Khan, Siddharth, R Madhavan, Soha Ali Khan, Sharman Joshi and others

Sarkar (2005): 

Sarkar, an influential man, is falsely charged with the murder of an upright politician. When he is imprisoned, his son Shankar steps into his shoes as a leader to protect his father and their legacy.
 

Raajneeti (2010): 

Samar, the son of a political family, has chosen to go to the USA to live with his girlfriend. However, the death of his father makes him put his plans on hold and enter the dirty world of politics

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