The Rising Trend of Biopics

Biopics are quite clearly the flavor of the year. Neerja, Aligarh and Azhar opened to much acclaim, and four other big-name films are slated for a 2016 release. But this is a rare phenomenon. Whether it was due to the lack of top actors or failures at the box office, or general disinterest amongst the masses, biopics  have never been quite so popular. We wonder what has changed for there to be an evident growth in appeal in the last few years and an increasing number of producers and directors taking an interest in this particular genre of films. We, at BollyCurry, take a look at this rising trend. 

It was probably when The Dirty Picture (2011), the story of South Indian actress Silk Smitha (played by Vidya Balan), and Paan Singh Tomar (2012), based on the life of athlete-turned-bandit Paan Singh Tomar (played by Irrfan Khan), both became commercial hits that the film fraternity started to take notice. Viewers too craved more of these fascinating biographical stories. 2013 saw the release of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Shahid, and both films made their mark. While the former, the story of Indian Athlete and Olympian Milkha Singh (played by Farhan Akhtar), was a commercial hit; the latter, based on the life of lawyer and human rights activist Shahid Azmi (played by Rajkummar Rao), received critical acclaim.

 

Priyanka Chopra starrer Mary Kom (2014) depicted the journey of boxer Mary Kom, and her victory at the 2008 World Boxing Championships. The film was appreciated by audiences and critics alike and won several awards. The very next year Manjhi - The Mountain Man (2015) was released. Based on the relatively unknown story of Dashrath Manjhi who carved a path through a hill with only chisel and hammer, the film only managed to make a mark with the critics. Main Aur Charles, based on the life of Charles Shobraj, released shortly thereafter and had a similar reception.

 

After the success of these movies, it is not surprising that this year there are seven biographical films. It started with Neerja in the month of February, based on the story of a young flight attendant Neerja Bhanot, who sacrificed her life to save the lives of her passengers on a Pan Am flight. Essayed by Sonam Kapoor, this movie became a blockbuster hit and will surely win plenty of awards. Releasing just a week later, Aligarh too received much critical acclaim, including a standing ovation at an International Film Festival. Furthermore, Manoj Bajpayee won the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in the Best Actor (Critics' Choice) category for his portrayal of Dr Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras.

 

The third biopic of the year, Azhar, based on the life of Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin released last Friday, with Emraan Hashmi in the lead role. And this week will see the release of Sarabjit, the story of Sarbjit Singh, the Indian national convicted of terrorism in Pakistan. Randeep Hooda will play the titular role with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan essaying the role of Sarbjit's sister.

 

M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, a biopic on Mahendra Singh Dhoni is slated to release in September, which will be followed by Sachin: A Billion Dreams in November, depicting cricketer Sachin Tendulkar's ascension to the top. And finally, Dangal is scheduled to release in December. Aamir Khan will play the role of Mahavir Singh Phogat, father and trainer of India's first female wrestler to win at the 2010 Commonwealth games, Geeta Phogat.

Biopics based on athletes seem to draw the most audience interest, particularly those focusing on the lives of our cricket heros, therefore three movies in a year based on cricketers is in no way surprising. Furthermore, we all love watching feel-good stories of the underdog coming out on top, or the stories of ordinary people who show remarkable bravery when faced with the extraordinary. All in all, the genre of the biopics holds a lot of draw for us all! '

 

Writer: Kalpana K.C.

Editors: Tanisha N. and Gunia K.

Graphics: Nabila S.