Politics has always been a major influence in Bollywood. Political rivalries, corruption, and governance have starred in countless Indian movies.
The obvious reason behind 'politics' selling like hot-cakes in Bollywood is that it creates a suspense which keeps the audience glued to their seats.
We give you seven such movies which left a lasting impression on the audience.
This Indian political thriller drama movie inspired in drawing characters from 'Mahabharata' and 'The Godfather' portrays the murkiness and tricks of politicians and their constant struggle. Co-written, directed, and produced by the talented Prakash Jha, the movie stars Ajay Devgan, Nana Patekar, Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpayee, and Naseeruddin Shah in the lead roles.
Many said the movie was the inside story of the Congress party.
Ram Gopal Verma with his directorial brilliance highlighted the minute details that run the world of Marathi politics. Despite being influenced by the cult movie "The Godfather," Sarkaar caught the fancy of the Indian audience. Rumours emerged that the movie drew inspiration from the life of Bal Thackeray.
A power packed performance by Amitabh Bachchan in the lead, as well as Abhishek Bachchan, Shankar Nagre, Kay Kay Menon, Katrina Kaif, Anupam Kher, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Supriya Pathak, and Tanisha Mukherjee ruled the Bollywood box office for a long time.
This critically acclaimed movie by S Shankar unearthed the socio-political issues of the country through the eyes of the "aam admi."
Keeping his political motives in mind, chief minister Balraj Chauhan (Amrish Puri) does not take any preventive steps when the Mumbai city is torn apart with riots and violence leading to innumerable deaths. TV reporter Shivaji Rao (Anil Kapoor) in an accidental interview with Balraj Chauhan, grills him for his inaction. Chauhan in a fit says Shivaji "Sirf ek din…sirf ek din ke liye CM banke dikhao" (become the CM just for a day). Shivaji accepts the challenge and is faced with a barrage of challenges.
One of Anuraag Kashyap's best cinematic work till date, Gulaal with its intense performance and treatment of sensitive themes created a niche for itself. Screened at the 2009 London
Film Festival, the movie revolves around the power struggle, student politics, and secessionist politics in the state of Rajasthan.
The movie boasted of a brilliant star cast including Raj Singh Chaudhary, Kay Kay Menon, Deepak Dobriyal, Mahi Gill, Jesse Randhawa, Aditya Srivastava, Piyush Mishra, and Abhimanyu Singh
Satyagraha, directed by Prakash Jha, boasted of a popular starcast including Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpai, Mitalee Jagtap Varadkar, Amrita Rao, Jagat Singh, and Vipin Sharma in the lead role.
The movie was reportedly based on Anna Hazare. It received mixed reviews and landed in a lot of controversies. The marvelous film portrays the ordeals of a common man who has to bear the brunt of rampant corruption in the system. (Image courtesy:chandigarhurbanlab.org, filmytown.com)
(Inputs by Varnika Mahajan)