In the era where romance and action films are the top grosser at the Box Office, there is a cult that adores historical dramas. The period-drama films are tough to make because even if the filmmakers have certain liberty they can’t completely ignore the historical evidence behind the tale.
These films are either based on folktales or a bygone event which changed the course of history. The period-dramas can be based on some love story that blossomed back in the days or a war that re-wrote the history. The reasons why some of these period-dramas do well at the Box Office is because people get captivated by the tale and re-live the moments along with the on-screen characters.
Here is a list of a few period-drama movies which one must match:
1. Parineeta
Parineeta marks the debut of Bollywood’s beloved actress Vidya Balan. Released in 2005 the film is based on the novel of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. The film showcases old Kolkatta and is an Indian musical drama film. The songs captivate the audience and take them on a ride of a love story blossoming between Lalita (Vidya Balan) and Shekhar Roy (Saif Ali Khan). The film also features Sanjay Dutt playing a pivotal role.
Released in 2015 Bajirao Mastani was a blockbuster hit. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali the film was based on the life of Peshwa Bajirao (Ranveer Singh) and his love interest Mastani (Deepika Padukone). The not only showcases the love story between Bajirao and Mastani but also highlights the bravery of Peshwa Bajirao as a Maratha warrior. In the film Priyanka Chopra essays the role of Kashi Bai, the wife of Bajirao. With a gut-wrenching tale, this period-drama is a must-watch.
3. Jodhaa Akbar
The 2008 film Jodhaa Akbar was a splendor at Box Office. The period drama film highlights the love story between Jodhaa (Aishwarya Rai) and Akbar (Hrithik Roshan). Set in the backdrop of Mughal Era the film’s VFX was spot on. The songs from the film were also appreciated by the audience.
4. Padmaavat
Padmaavat released at the beginning of 2018 caught itself into numerous controversies which even forced the makers to change the name of the film from “Padmaavati” to “Padmaavat”. The film revolves around the tale of a Rajput queen Padmaavati (Deepika Padukone) known for her beauty, wife of Maharawal Ratan Singh (Shahid Kapoor). The tale begins when Sultan Alauddin Khilji (Ranveer Singh), hears of Padmaavati’s beauty and attacks her kingdom to claim her. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali the story of the film is a whirlwind in itself but surely is a delight to watch.
5. Kesari
Kesari released in 2019 is a period-drama plus action-drama film. The film stars Akshay Kumar and Parineeti Chopra as the main lead. The film follows the events leading to the Battle of Saragarhi, a battle between 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikhs of the British Indian Army and 10,000 Afridi and Orakzai Pashtun tribesmen in 1887. The film set in the pre-independence era features Akshay Kumar as Havaldar Ishar Singh as a soldier who loves his motherland more than anything. The film did pretty well at the Box Office.
6. Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior
Released in January 2020, Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior did amazing at the Box Office. The film is based in the backdrop of India’s Maratha Raj. The story of the film revolves around Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare (Ajay Devgn) and Udaybhan Singh Rathore (Saif Ali Khan) Aurangzeb’s guard. The film highlights the attempts of Tanaji Malusare to recapture the Kondhana fortress once it passes to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb who then transfers its control to his trusted guard Udaybhan Singh Rathore. The war scenes and war-cries make the film a much-watch.
There many more to the list but the above-mentioned films are a thorough form of entertainment with some gut-wrenching tales.