From Queens to Astronauts: 10 Biopics We Can’t Wait to See!

From a legendary queen to an award-winning social entrepreneur, Hindi movies are set to offer a glimpse into the lives of famous figures.

By Aishhwariya Subramanian

May 10, 2017

If 2016 taught us something, it’s that biopics are a hit among film audiences. From Aamir Khan’s Dangal about the Phogat family to Sonam Kapoor essaying the tragic yet brave actions of Neerja Bhanot in the film Neerja, movies about real people and their lives can strike a powerful chord.

In this regard, 2017 is no different. The year will see the release of a slew of films inspired by real life people. Here are the movies that we are most excited about!

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Padmavati

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In terms of generating news, no other film to be released in 2017 has taken up so much print space nor has caused as much controversy as Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus, Padmavati. The film stars Deepika Padukone as the legendary Rani Padmini, said to be the queen of Chittor. Even though facts about the movie’s plot are sparse, it has still ruffled plenty of feathers. In one instance, a mob tried to vandalise the movie set based on rumours that the film presents incorrect facts about the period. The film is slated to release on November 17, 2017.

Daddy

In Daddy, National Award winning actor Arjun Rampal will be playing Arun Gawli, a real-life gangster who at one point was one of the biggest rivals to Dawood Ibrahim’s D-Company. Most of the criminal acts that occurred in Central Mumbai were committed by his gang. The political drama directed by Ashim Ahluwalia will document Gawli’s criminal and political activities.

Untitled Sanjay Dutt biopic

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How about a Bollywood biopic about a Bollywood actor who will be portrayed by another Bollywood actor? That’s the case for the yet untitled movie based on the life of troubled actor Sanjay Dutt. While details are sparse, it’s likely that the film which stars Ranbir Kapoor as Sanjay Dutt, will follow the actor’s meteoric rise in the film industry to his subsequent incarceration. Given that the film is helmed by Rajkumar Hirani (director of hits like 3 Idiots and PK), we are sure that it will be hit.

Padman

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Haseena – The Queen of Mumbai

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Movies about about underworld dons have always been popular among audiences, perhaps because they give moviegoers a rare glimpse into the scandalous and secretive world of crime. Haseena: The Queen of Mumbai, starring Shraddha Kapoor, tells the story of Haseena Parkar, the sister of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. Releasing on July 14, the film also marks the debut of Shraddha’s brother, Siddhanth Kapoor as Dawood Ibrahim.

Shraddha is also rumoured to be in the running for the role of badminton ace, Saina Nehwal in an upcoming film.

Untitled Kalpana Chawla biopic

Image source: Wikimedia

If reports are to be believed, one of the most successful Bollywood actors to make a mark in Hollywood, will be producing and starring a film about Indo-American astronaut, Kalpana Chawla. The astronaut was the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. In 2003, she tragically lost her life as one of the seven crew members aboard the Columbia Space Shuttle that disintegrated upon entry back to Earth’s atmosphere. Now that’s a movie we can’t wait to watch!

Mariyappan

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The daughter of South Indian superstar, Rajinikanth, Aishwarya Rajinikanth Dhanush, has announced her next directorial venture – she will be bringing the story of Indian Paralympic high jumper Mariyappan Thangavelu to the big screen. The film, which will be in Tamil, will depict the struggle and ultimately the triumph of the high jumper who netted India the gold medal at the 2016 Summer Paralympic games.

Manikarnika

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The legendary Rani Laxmi bai, the queen of the Maratha-ruled Jhansi State, is a warrior who is revered in India to this day for her grit and courage. Hence, film audiences couldn’t have been happier when news broke out that Bollywood’s most outspoken female star, Kangana Ranaut was the one helmed to essay this role onscreen. While the film is still in the earliest of stages, we are sure Kangana will do the character justice.

Mahanati

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At one point in South India there was no bigger female actress than Savitri. The multi-hyphenated talent powerhouse (she was a singer, dancer, director & producer!) captured the imagination of the audiences with her acting prowess. Directed by Nag Ashwin, the South Indian film will star Keerthy Suresh and Samantha Ruth Prabhu.

Untitled P Kalilnga Rao project

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Considered one of the greatest singers and composers of the Kannada language, Pandeshwara Kalinga Rao, is still someone who is beloved by the masses. And soon his life will be immortalised in a Kannada film directed by Rajendra Singh Babu. While details are scant, it has been announced that the film will be produced by Rockline Venkatesh.