Biopics are more than just films; they’re cinematic windows into the lives of those who shaped history, fought against odds, or dared to dream differently. While some biopics get the recognition they deserve, many powerful stories slip through the cracks. Here’s a list of 10 Indian biopics that may have gone underappreciated but deserve your time.
1. Bandit Queen (1994)
Based on: Phoolan Devi
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
A hard-hitting portrayal of Phoolan Devi’s journey from oppression to rebellion. Seema Biswas delivers a powerful performance in this Shekhar Kapur-directed film that still stuns with its realism and courage.
2. Rocketry: The Nambi Effect (2022)
Based on: Nambi Narayanan
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, Voot Select
A compelling account of a brilliant scientist’s rise, fall, and vindication. R. Madhavan brings the story of Nambi Narayanan to life with emotional depth and technical realism.
3. Paan Singh Tomar (2010)
Based on: Paan Singh Tomar
Available on: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
An evocative story of an athlete turned rebel. Irrfan Khan transforms into the steely yet tragic figure of Tomar, whose life veers from national track champion to outlaw.
4. Mangal Pandey: The Rising (2005)
Based on: Mangal Pandey
Available on: Amazon Prime Video, JioCinema, Apple TV
Aamir Khan brings to life the fiery spirit of the soldier whose revolt helped trigger India’s first war of independence in 1857. A sweeping period piece that blends passion with politics.
5. Manto (2018)
Based on: Saadat Hasan Manto
Available on: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
Nawazuddin Siddiqui powerfully portrays the iconic Urdu writer navigating the chaos of Partition, censorship, and artistic freedom. A stirring tribute to literary rebellion.
6. Sardar Udham (2021)
Based on: Sardar Udham Singh
Available on: Amazon Prime Video
A layered political drama that retraces Udham Singh’s transformation from a massacre survivor to a revolutionary. Vicky Kaushal delivers a career-defining performance in this emotional and quietly intense film.
7. Super 30 (2019)
Based on: Anand Kumar
Available on: VI Movies & TV, Jio Hotstar, ZEE5
Hrithik Roshan plays a Patna-based math teacher who dedicates his life to mentoring underprivileged students for IIT. A sincere and uplifting tribute to academic equity.
8. Manjhi – The Mountain Man (2015)
Based on: Dashrath Manjhi
Available on: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar
Nawazuddin Siddiqui shines as the man who spent over two decades carving a road through a mountain, all for love. A raw and inspiring tale of one man’s determination.
9. Shahid (2012)
Based on: Shahid Azmi
Available on: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
Rajkummar Rao steps into the shoes of a human rights lawyer who defended those falsely accused under anti-terror laws. A quietly powerful film about justice, risk, and integrity.
10. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (2000)
Based on: B. R. Ambedkar
Available on: Jio Hotstar, VI Movies & TV
Mammootty brings gravitas to the role of the man behind India’s Constitution. The film spans Ambedkar’s journey as a reformer, scholar, and Dalit icon, rooted in both history and heart.
These films don’t just tell stories; they give voice to revolution, reform, resilience, and resistance.
If you’ve seen the hits, now it’s time to dig deeper. These 10 biopics may have flown under the radar, but each one is a cinematic gem waiting to be discovered.
