Bollywood has been on a serious biopic binge lately. From sports icons like Mary Kom and Dangal to military trailblazers like Gunjan Saxena, we’ve seen an impressive parade of real-life heroes on-screen. And sure, these stories are inspiring and give us major goosebumps, but they’ve also set a pattern. Every time a new biopic is announced, it seems to fall into one of a few familiar categories: sports, war, or politics.
So, where’s the rest of the picture? India’s history and culture are packed with stories beyond the headlines—stories of courage, genius, and resilience that could bring fresh perspectives to today’s audience.
Here are some intriguing, overlooked Bollywood movies based on real-life stories that could make a big impact.
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Anandibai Joshi: India’s First Female Doctor
Anandibai Joshi might not be a household name, but her story is pure trailblazer material. In the late 1800s, when women were barely allowed to step outside without a veil, Anandibai dared to cross oceans to study medicine in America. Yes, in America. She was the first Indian woman to earn a degree in Western medicine, fighting against the constraints of caste, gender, and colonial rule.
However, a regional Marathi film titled Anandi Gopal has been made, yet Bollywood has yet to produce a truly impactful adaptation of this remarkable story.
Imagine the drama of her journey: a young woman battling societal expectations, a strained marriage, and her own health to pursue her dream. Anandibai’s story could challenge outdated notions of “Indian womanhood” and bring to light the history of women in medicine—a field that, even today, struggles with gender bias. Plus, a period drama with powerful feminist undertones? Bollywood could have a new Gangubai Kathiawadi on its hands.
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Phoolan Devi: The Bandit Queen’s Untold Side
Phoolan Devi’s life has been touched upon before (like Bandit Queen, the 1994 film), but her story remains raw and relevant and deserves a fresh perspective. A woman forced into banditry and eventually rising to become a member of Parliament, Phoolan was India’s very own rebel with a cause. Her transformation from a victim of abuse to a voice for the oppressed makes her a true anti-hero.
But here’s the kicker: a new movie could focus on her post-bandit life in politics, navigating the complexities of identity, caste, and justice. Phoolan’s story has layers beyond just revenge—she’s a symbol of resilience and empowerment for anyone who’s been wronged. Imagine the impact of a film that digs into the political challenges she faced, exploring the struggle of reclaiming one’s narrative in the public eye. That’s cinematic gold waiting to happen.
Also, read:
Gangubai Kathiawadi: Real Story Of The Underworld From A Woman’s Perspective
Salim Ali: The Birdman of India
Most of us know Salim Ali as the birdman of India, but his story is so much more than a biology class footnote. Salim Ali was a pioneer of Indian ornithology, trekking across forests and mountains to study and catalogue India’s bird species. Picture this: a man with binoculars around his neck, trudging through India’s wild landscapes, documenting birds while dealing with colonial authorities who couldn’t care less.
Salim Ali’s story could make for a refreshing, visually stunning movie that spotlights the beauty of India’s biodiversity. In an era where environmental issues are front and centre, this film could show us the importance of preserving our natural heritage. Also, think about it—Bollywood doesn’t often delve into stories about scientists or ecologists. Salim Ali’s biopic could be India’s answer to The Theory of Everything or A Beautiful Mind, with a focus on a field we rarely see in mainstream media.
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The Chipko Movement: A Stand for the Trees
Speaking of nature, let’s talk about the Chipko Movement. In the 1970s, villagers in Uttarakhand, primarily women, hugged trees to prevent them from being cut down by loggers. The movement was grassroots, largely women-led, and showed the power of peaceful protest long before it became a trend. Bollywood has done its share of films on activists, but Chipko could take things in a unique direction by focusing on the collective strength of community action.
The movie could centre on Gaura Devi, one of the main organisers, or use an ensemble cast to show the strength of unity in a community. The Chipko Movement isn’t just about saving trees; it’s about environmental justice, women’s rights, and the idea that activism isn’t just for the privileged. It’s perfect for a generation grappling with climate change and looking for stories that inspire real-world action.
Homi Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai: The Science Sagas We’ve Overlooked
With the success of Rocket Boys, which brought Vikram Sarabhai and Homi Bhabha’s legacies to our screens, it’s clear there’s a hunger for science-driven stories. But while Rocket Boys did a great job, there’s still room to explore their partnership, their rivalries, and the big dreams they had for India in greater depth. Both were at the forefront of India’s nuclear and space programs and were instrumental in shaping modern India.
Imagine a movie that dives deep into the highs and lows of their careers, their relationship, and the sheer ambition they had for an independent India. We’re talking power struggles, national pride, and scientific achievements that changed the course of history.
Operation Meghdoot: The Fight for Siachen
When it comes to war stories, Bollywood usually goes for iconic battles or events with obvious villains. But Operation Meghdoot, the Indian military operation to capture the Siachen Glacier in 1984, is a different beast. It’s one of the harshest terrains in the world, and Indian soldiers are still stationed there in what has become the highest battleground on Earth.
Imagine the visuals—a desolate glacier, temperatures that make your skin burn, and soldiers risking it all to secure a strategic position. This story wouldn’t need grand explosions or conventional war scenes; the setting alone would be gripping. Plus, a film about Siachen could highlight the less-discussed challenges Indian soldiers face, bringing focus to a silent, ongoing battle that’s easy to overlook.
Savitribai Phule: The Original Feminist Icon
If there’s one historical figure who deserves her own film, it’s Savitribai Phule. In the 19th century, she was a force of nature, working alongside her husband to bring education to girls in Maharashtra and fighting tirelessly against the caste system. She was a Dalit woman leading a revolution in a deeply casteist society—a true feminist icon if there ever was one.
A movie on Savitribai Phule would be both inspiring and necessary for today’s audiences, shedding light on her contributions to social reform. Plus, her story could open up discussions on caste and gender, topics that Bollywood doesn’t often handle with much depth. Imagine the impact of her journey on screen, inspiring a new generation to fight for equality with the same courage she showed nearly two centuries ago.
These stories—whether they’re about scientists, activists, or unsung heroes—are more than just historical footnotes. They’re reflections of India’s rich, diverse tapestry and remind us of the many forms courage can take. Bollywood has done a solid job with biopics so far, but it’s time to broaden the lens. With a little imagination, the industry could bring to life a range of real-life figures who broke barriers, defied norms, and made history in ways that go beyond the predictable formulas. If you have opinions on which star would look best for this roles or have any other underrated story you’d like to see made into movies, comment down below!