Redefining the Lost Memory: A Study of Selected Biopic in Indian Cinema

Abstract

With Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much awaited cinema Padmavati waiting to hit the big screen in December 2017, the trend of biopic in Indian cinema has come a long way. The distinction of setting this trend goes to Dadasaheb Phalke for Raja Harischandra. From 1913 to 2017, this trend has seen a sensational rise and set such an illustrious example that had he been alive he would not have had any regret in introducing the same to the film industry. The trend, over the years, has given birth to a number of blockbusters related to the unforgettable journey of foremost politicians, freedom-fighters, sports icons, business tycoons, historical figures, etc. The great thing about making a biopic is, people are aware of the person concerned, their achievements but their anxiousness remain towards the journey they do not. Here comes the responsibility of the film-makes to make a thorough research work and to bring the realistic picture of the personality to the big screen. Thankfully the Indian film industry is blessed with some gifted and talented film-makers and as a result of that we have witnessed some high quality biopic movies of Indian cinema such as: Raja Harischandra, Padmavati, M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, The Making of Mahatma, Neerja, Mary Kom, Pan Singh Tomar, Dangal, The Dirty Picture, Sarbjit, Bandit Queen, Azhar, Aligarh, Shahid, Daddy, Manjhi: The Mountain Man, Rang Rasia, Guru, Mangal Pandey, Legend of Bhagat Singh, Budhia Singh: Born to Run, Jodha Akbar, Gandhi, The making of Mahatma, Poorna, The Dirty Picture, Shootout at Wadala, Shootout at Lokhandwala, Mein Aur Charles, and Haseena Parkar etc. In this paper an attempt has been made to analise the major biopic movies produced in India. Further it examines the planning, composition, and execution of the biopic film making.