We have rarely been able to get this type of political biopics right in Bollywood. With the exception of a few films such as ‘Thalaivii,’ ‘Thackeray,’ ‘The Accidental Prime Minister,’ ‘Sardar,’ and a few others, most Indian political films attempt to avoid legal concerns by using fictional characters. This is one genre in which Indian filmmakers could take a page from Hollywood and strive to produce interesting and exciting stories about the lives of our country’s officials.
Unlike Bollywood, Hollywood has been creating films about political figures since the beginning of cinema. They’ve never shied away from showing what’s going on in various political circumstances from these politicians’ lives. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and look at some of the most memorable political biopics from the west, which may certainly serve as a springboard for Indian filmmakers to consider telling similar stories about our leaders.
Christian Bale played former US Vice President Dick Cheney in the film ‘Vice’ (2018), in which he drastically altered his appearance. It’s a fascinating look into the life of the powerful Cheney, who is adored by some but reviled by others on both sides of the political divide. This comedy-drama, directed by Adam McKay, received eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
Gary Oldman won his lone Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in ‘Darkest Hour’ (2017). Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II, is played superbly by Oldman. When it comes to putting himself in the shoes of Winston Churchill, Oldman does it with ease. His genuineness shines through in his interpretation.
Ben Kingsley, who played the famous leader of the non-cooperative Indian independence fight, received one of the film’s eight Oscars for his portrayal in ‘Gandhi’ (1982). It received a Best Picture nomination as well. Kingsley’s portrayal of Gandhi is still regarded as one of the finest in movie history, and it continues to enthral audiences. His portrayal of a political figure is taught in a variety of acting schools as an example of how to tackle a political role with delicacy and elegance.
Finally, while achieving the right casting isn’t always feasible, making sure that the actor who eventually signs on gives it his all to represent the character flawlessly is. Let’s hope that Bollywood follows suit with several excellent political biopics in the near future.
