Top 15 Best Indian Historical Movies
India has a rich and diverse history that has inspired many filmmakers to create cinematic masterpieces. From ancient epics to modern biographies, Indian ... read more...historical movies offer a glimpse into the past and present of this fascinating country. In this article, Toplist has compiled some of the best Indian historical movies that you should watch.
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"The Kashmir Files," a Hindi-language historical drama released in 2022 and directed by Vivek Agnihotri, narrates the true account of the forced displacement of Kashmiri Pandits from the Kashmir Valley in 1990. Featuring lead performances by Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, and Pallavi Joshi, the film serves as a poignant call for attention, highlighting the hardships faced by the Kashmiri Pandits, a religious minority, who were driven from their homes by Islamic militants during the 1990s.
The movie strongly argues that the event was not merely an exodus but a brutal genocide, deliberately overlooked for political reasons. Stranded as refugees in their own country, the Kashmiri Pandits continue to yearn for justice and recognition. The film's intense and heart-wrenching narrative, coupled with Anupam Kher's emotionally charged performance, evokes a powerful response. "The Kashmir Files" presents an unfiltered and unsettling perspective, effectively stirring nationalist sentiments and contributing to communal divisions in India.
- Release date: March 11, 2022
- Produced by: Zee Studio
- Genres: Drama, History
- Director: Vivek Agnihotri
- Stars: Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumaar, Pallavi Joshi
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Watch here: https://tinyurl.com/mt5kr63j
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"Sardar Udham", a 2021 Hindi-language biographical drama film directed by Shoojit Sircar, chronicles the life of Udham Singh, an Indian revolutionary who assassinated Michael O’Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, in 1940 in London. Vicky Kaushal takes on the lead role in this powerful and emotionally charged tribute to Udham Singh, a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement.
Set against the backdrop of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 in Amritsar, Punjab, the film captivates with its visually stunning cinematography and a compelling storyline that engages viewers until the final moments. Vicky Kaushal delivers an outstanding performance, skillfully portraying the complexity of Udham Singh's character.
The film has garnered praise for its authenticity and meticulous attention to detail, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts. "Sardar Udham" stands out as a well-crafted biopic that seamlessly combines education and entertainment, serving as a fitting homage to the remarkable life of Udham Singh.
- Release date: October 16, 2021
- Produced by: Rising Sun Films
- Genres: Biography, Crime, Drama, History
- Director: Shoojit Sircar
- Stars: Vicky Kaushal, Shaun Scott, Stephen Hogan, Amol Parashar
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
- Watch here: https://tinyurl.com/yfnrcsch
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"Shershaah", released in 2021, is an Indian Hindi-language biographical war film centered on the life of Captain Vikram Batra, who lost his life in the Kargil War of 1999. Directed by Vishnuvardhan, the movie features Sidharth Malhotra in a dual role as Vikram Batra and his twin brother Vishal, with Kiara Advani portraying his girlfriend, Dimple Cheema. Produced by Dharma Productions and Kaash Entertainment, the film boasts a distinguished team of producers, including Hiroo Yash Johar, Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Shabbir Boxwala, Ajay Shah, and Himanshu Gandhi.
The narrative unfolds the events leading to the Kargil War, highlighting Captain Vikram Batra's pivotal role in India’s triumph, showcasing his bravery and unwavering courage. "Shershaah" is a visual delight, characterized by breathtaking cinematography and a captivating storyline that maintains viewer engagement until the very end. The cast's performances, particularly those of Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani, have received widespread acclaim.
The film's music, cinematography, action sequences, editing, and visual effects have garnered high critical praise. Noteworthy for its authenticity and meticulous attention to detail, "Shershaah" is deemed essential viewing for enthusiasts of historical narratives.
- Release date: August 12, 2021
- Produced by: Dharma Productions, Kaash Entertainment
- Genres: Action, Biography, Drama, History
- Director: Vishnuvardhan
- Stars: Sidharth Malhotra, Kiara Advani, Shiv Panditt, Pranay Pachauri
- IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
- Watch here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B09C38S32H/
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"1971", a 2007 Hindi-language war drama directed by Amrit Sagar, unveils the untold saga of 54 Indian prisoners of war (POWs) captured by Pakistan during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, who never returned to India or had their stories shared with the world. Starring Manoj Bajpayee, Ravi Kishan, and Piyush Mishra, the film takes a fictitious approach, narrating the endeavors of six lieutenants and commanders attempting to escape captivity. Their journey unfolds as a beacon of hope in revealing the truth to the world.
While the movie is a well-crafted propaganda piece, effectively stirring nationalist sentiments, it also contributes to communal divisions in India. Through its gripping narrative, "1971" sheds light on the obscured tales of sacrifice, resilience, and the quest for truth, serving as a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of acknowledging historical realities.
- Release date: 2007
- Genres: Action, Drama, War, History
- Director: Amrit Sagar
- Stars: Manoj Bajpayee, Ravi Kishan, Deepak Dobriyal, Kumud Mishra
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Watch here: https://stream4u.io/movie/199408-1971/
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"Uri: The Surgical Strike", a 2019 Hindi-language military action film directed by Aditya Dhar and produced by Ronnie Screwvala for RSVP Movies, features a stellar cast including Vicky Kaushal, Yami Gautam, Paresh Rawal, Kirti Kulhari, and Mohit Raina in key roles.
The plot unfolds around the true events following the 2016 Uri attack, where militants targeted an Indian Army brigade headquarters in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the loss of 19 soldiers. Major Vihaan Shergill (Vicky Kaushal) of the Para (Special Forces) takes center stage in the narrative, divided into five chapters, each delving into crucial aspects leading to the surgical strike in Pakistan.
Released on January 11, 2019, the film garnered widespread critical acclaim for its compelling performances, screenplay, action sequences, sound design, direction, and technical excellence. Recognized with multiple accolades, including four National Film Awards, "Uri: The Surgical Strike" resonates as a standout cinematic achievement, earning praise from both critics and audiences alike.
- Release date: Juanuary 11, 2019
- Produced by: RSVP Movies
- Genres: Action, Drama, History
- Director: Aditya Dhar
- Stars: Vicky Kaushal, Paresh Rawal, Mohit Raina, Yami Gautam
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Watch here: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/uri-the-surgical-strike
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"Major", a 2022 Indian biographical action drama, is directed by Sashi Kiran Tikka and produced by Mahesh Babu, Namrata Shirodkar, Anurag Reddy, Sharath Chandra, and Prathyusha Sharma. The film chronicles the life of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, posthumously honored with India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashoka Chakra, following his sacrifice during the November 2008 Mumbai attacks. Adivi Sesh takes on the lead role, supported by a cast including Prakash Raj, Sobhita Dhulipala, Saiee Manjrekar, Revathi, Murali Sharma, and Anish Kuruvilla.
"Major" unfolds Sandeep Unnikrishnan's personal and professional journey, from childhood to his heroic acts in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, structured into five impactful chapters revealing the roots of the surgical strike in Pakistan. The film captivates with its stunning cinematography and an engaging storyline that holds the audience's attention throughout. Adivi Sesh's performance and the collective efforts of the cast have garnered acclaim.
Commended for its authenticity and meticulous attention to detail, "Major" stands as a compelling cinematic experience, earning praise for its music, cinematography, action sequences, editing, and visual effects, making it a recommended watch for history enthusiasts.
- Release date: May 24, 2022
- Produced by: Mahesh Babu, Namrata Shirodkar, Anurag Reddy, Sharath Chandra, and Prathyusha Sharma
- Genres: Action, Biography, History, Drama
- Director: Sashi Kiran Tikka
- Stars: Adivi Sesh, Prakash Raj, Revathi, Saiee Manjrekar
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Watch here: https://www.netflix.com/in/title/81242574
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“Sardar” is a 1993 Indian biographical drama film directed by Ketan Mehta. The movie is based on the life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was one of the founding fathers of the Republic of India. The film stars Paresh Rawal in the lead role, along with Annu Kapoor, Benjamin Gilani, and Tom Alter in supporting roles. The movie tells the story of Sardar Patel’s life, from his early days as a lawyer to his role in the Indian independence movement and his contribution to the integration of the princely states into the Indian Union.
The film is a well-made biopic that is both informative and entertaining. The movie is a visual treat, with stunning cinematography and a gripping storyline that keeps you hooked till the end. Paresh Rawal’s performance as Sardar Patel is outstanding, and he does justice to the character’s complex personality. The film has been praised for its authenticity and attention to detail, which makes it a must-watch for history buffs.
- Release date: 1993
- Produced by: H. M. Patel
- Genres: Biography, Drama, History
- Director: Ketan Mehta
- Stars: Paresh Rawal, Tom Alter, Deepika Amin, Riju Bajaj
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Watch here: https://stream4u.io/movie/340445-sardar/
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"The Tashkent Files", a 2019 Hindi-language political thriller directed by Vivek Agnihotri, features a prominent cast including Naseeruddin Shah, Mithun Chakraborty, Shweta Basu Prasad, Mandira Bedi, Pallavi Joshi, Rajesh Sharma, Vinay Pathak, and Pankaj Tripathi. The film delves into the mysterious death of India’s second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in 1966. It presents a fictionalized narrative, portraying a journalist's investigation into the circumstances surrounding Shastri’s demise.
While the movie effectively serves as a propaganda piece, stimulating nationalist sentiment and contributing to communal divisions in India, it has garnered mixed reviews since its release on April 12, 2019. While some laud the direction, screenplay, and cast performances, others criticize the film for its perceived lack of authenticity and factual accuracy. Accusations of peddling unverified information and presenting itself as investigative cinema have further added to the film's controversial reception.
- Release date: April 12, 2019
- Produced by: Zees Studios
- Genres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller, History
- Director: Vivek Agnihotri
- Stars: Shweta Basu Prasad, Mithun Chakraborty, Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Tripathi
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Watch here: https://tinyurl.com/54exbx4j
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"The Legend of Bhagat Singh", a 2002 Hindi-language biographical period film directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, revolves around the life of Bhagat Singh, a revolutionary who fought for Indian independence alongside members of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association. Ajay Devgan takes on the titular role, supported by Sushant Singh, D. Santosh, and Akhilendra Mishra in significant characters, with Raj Babbar, Farida Jalal, and Amrita Rao in supporting roles. The narrative traces Singh's journey from witnessing the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in his childhood to his execution on March 24, 1931, without an official trial.
Released on June 7, 2002, the film garnered generally positive reviews from critics, with particular acclaim directed at the direction, story, screenplay, technical aspects, and the performances of Devgan and Sushant. Notably, it clinched two National Film Awards, including Best Feature Film in Hindi and Best Actor for Devgn, along with three Filmfare Awards out of eight nominations.
- Release date: June 7, 2002
- Produced by: Kumar Taurani, Ramesh Taurani’s Tips Industries
- Genres: Action, Biography, Drama, History
- Director: Rajkumar Santoshi
- Stars: Ajay Devgn, Sushant Singh, D. Santosh, Akhilendra Mishra
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Watch here: https://tinyurl.com/yuky4u9e
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"Manjhi: The Mountain Man", a 2015 Hindi-language biographical film directed by Ketan Mehta, narrates the true story of Dashrath Manjhi, an impoverished laborer from a small Bihar village. Manjhi undertakes the extraordinary feat of single-handedly carving a path through a mountain, armed only with a hammer and chisel. Starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the lead role, with Radhika Apte in a supporting capacity, the movie delves into Manjhi's life, spanning his humble beginnings as a laborer to his pivotal role in creating a passageway through the Gehlaur hills.
This well-crafted biopic seamlessly combines information and entertainment, offering a visual delight through stunning cinematography and a compelling storyline that captivates until the conclusion. Nawazuddin Siddiqui's portrayal of Dashrath Manjhi is exceptional, capturing the complexity of the character. The film has earned acclaim for its authenticity and meticulous attention to detail, making it essential viewing for history enthusiasts.
- Release date: August 21, 2015
- Produced by: Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and NFDC India
- Genres: Biography, Drama, History
- Director: Ketan Mehta
- Stars: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Ashutosh Acharya, Shahzad Ahmed
- IMDb Rating: 8/10
- Watch here: https://tinyurl.com/yckeerhw
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Released in 2016, "M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story" is an Indian Hindi-language biographical sports film directed by Neeraj Pandey, chronicling the life of former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Sushant Singh Rajput takes on the lead role, supported by Kiara Advani, Disha Patani, and Anupam Kher in secondary roles. The narrative unfolds Dhoni's journey, from his early career as a ticket collector to becoming one of India's most successful cricket captains.
This expertly crafted biopic seamlessly blends information and entertainment, providing a visual spectacle through remarkable cinematography and a compelling storyline that maintains engagement until the conclusion. Sushant Singh Rajput's portrayal of Dhoni is exceptional, capturing the intricacies of the character's personality. The film has received acclaim for its authenticity and meticulous attention to detail, making it a compelling watch for cricket enthusiasts.
- Release date: September 30, 2016
- Produced by: Fox Star Studios and Inspired Entertainment
- Genres: Biography, Drama, Sport
- Director: Mathur Goswami, Neeraj Randey
- Stars: Sushant Singh Rajput, Kiara Advani, Anupam Kher, Disha Patani
- IMDb Rating: 8/10
- Watch here: https://tinyurl.com/ydpb43zm
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"Border", a 1997 Indian Hindi-language epic war film, is written, produced, and directed by J. P. Dutta. The storyline is drawn from the actual events of the Battle of Longewala in 1971 between India and Pakistan. The film boasts an ensemble cast including Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff, Sunil Shetty, Akshaye Khanna, Sudesh Berry, Puneet Issar, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda, with supporting roles played by Tabu, Raakhee, Pooja Bhatt, and Sharbani Mukherjee. Achieving commercial success, the movie received several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi and the Filmfare Award for Best Film.
Against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, the narrative unfolds at the Longewala post in Rajasthan, where a group of Indian soldiers, led by Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri portrayed by Sunny Deol, valiantly defends against overwhelming odds. "Border" pays homage to the bravery and determination of these soldiers who fought to protect their country.
Renowned for its patriotic themes and portrayal of the Indian army, the film is notable for the powerful performances of the cast, especially Sunny Deol. The soundtrack, composed by Anu Malik, has also garnered popularity. In essence, "Border" stands as a compelling cinematic experience and a must-watch for those interested in Indian cinema or war films, offering a poignant tribute to the valor of the Indian army and its soldiers in times of war.
- Release date: 1997
- Produced by: J. P. Films
- Genres: Action, Drama, History
- Director: J. P. Dutta
- Stars: Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty, Akshaye Khanna, Jackie Shroff
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Watch here: https://www.justwatch.com/in/movie/border-1997
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"Airlift", a 2016 Indian war thriller directed by Raja Krishna Menon and starring Akshay Kumar and Nimrat Kaur, recounts the true story of Ranjit Katyal, an Indian businessman who emerged as the spokesperson for over 170,000 stranded Indian nationals in Kuwait during the 1990 Iraqi invasion. The film portrays Katyal's endeavors to coordinate the largest human evacuation in history, transporting people from Kuwait to Jordan with the aid of Air India flights and volunteers.
This compelling narrative unfolds as a tale of courage, determination, and patriotism, shedding light on the challenges faced by Indian expatriates caught in the Gulf War crossfire. It underscores their struggle for survival in an unfamiliar territory and emphasizes the potency of unity as diverse individuals rally together to assist their compatriots in times of crisis.
Akshay Kumar delivers a commanding performance, depicting Ranjit Katyal's transformation from a self-centered businessman to a selfless leader prioritizing others' lives over his own. Nimrat Kaur also excels in her role as Amrita Katyal, Ranjit's supportive wife. In essence, "Airlift" stands as a must-watch film, showcasing the indomitable spirit of humanity and the strength of unity when faced with adversity.
- Release date: January 22, 2016
- Produced by: Nikhil Advani, Monisha Adwani, Aruna Bhatia, Bhushan Kumar, Gaurav Nanda, Krishan Kumar, and Vikram Malhotra
- Genres: Action, Drama, History
- Director: Raja Menon
- Stars: Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur, Kumud Mishra, Prakash Belawadi
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Watch here: https://www.justwatch.com/in/movie/airlift
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"Padman", a 2018 Indian Hindi-language biographical comedy-drama film directed by R. Balki and featuring Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, and Radhika Apte, revolves around the life of Arunachalam Muruganantham, a social activist, and entrepreneur credited with inventing a cost-effective machine for producing sanitary pads, particularly benefitting rural women.
The storyline traces the journey of Lakshmikant Chauhan, portrayed by Akshay Kumar, a social entrepreneur committed to providing affordable sanitary pads for women in rural India. The film sheds light on the menstrual stigma prevalent in India, coupled with the limited access to reasonably priced menstrual hygiene products. It underscores the potency of innovation and the transformative impact a single individual can have on society.
Akshay Kumar delivers a compelling performance, depicting Lakshmikant Chauhan's evolution from a provincial entrepreneur to a social advocate championing women's rights. Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte also deliver commendable performances in their supporting roles. In conclusion, "Padman" stands as a compelling film that addresses a significant social concern, emphasizing the influential role of innovation and determination in instigating positive change.
- Release date: February 9, 2018
- Produced by: Twinkle Khanna, SPE Films India, KriArj Entertainment, Cape of Good Films. Hope Productions
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Director: R. Balki
- Stars: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Apte, Sonam Kapoor, Jyoti Subhash
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Watch here: https://www.justwatch.com/in/movie/padman
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"Super 30", a 2019 Indian Hindi-language biographical drama directed by Raja Krishna Menon and featuring Hrithik Roshan in the role of Anand Kumar, portrays the mathematician's initiative to coach underprivileged students for the Indian Institute of Technology Joint Entrance Examination (IIT-JEE). The film is based on the true story of Anand Kumar and his Super 30 program, which has facilitated the success of numerous economically disadvantaged students in the IIT-JEE exam.
The narrative sheds light on the challenges faced by underprivileged students and their unwavering determination to overcome adversity. It underscores the transformative power of education and its ability to change lives. Hrithik Roshan delivers a compelling performance, capturing Anand Kumar's passion for teaching and his dedication to his students. The supporting cast, including Mrunal Thakur, Virendra Saxena, and Pankaj Tripathi, also deliver noteworthy portrayals.
In summary, "Super 30" is a highly recommended film that not only exemplifies the transformative influence of education but also emphasizes the profound impact one individual can have on society. It tells an inspirational tale of hope, determination, and persistence that leaves viewers motivated and uplifted.
- Release date: July 12, 2019
- Produced by: Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Phantom Films & Reliance Entertainment
- Genres: Biography, Drama
- Director: Vikas Bahl
- Stars: Hrithik Roshan, Mrunal Thakur, Nandish Singh Sandhu, Veerendra Saxena
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Watch here: https://www.justwatch.com/in/movie/supr-30