‘Chhaava’ to ‘Jodhaa Akbar’: Best historical Bollywood films​

Indian cinema has long been fascinated with historical epics, weaving tales of love, war, and cultural heritage into captivating narratives. Films like ‘Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior’, ‘Jodhaa Akbar’, ‘Chhaava’, ‘Lagaan’, and ‘Bajirao Mastani’ have not only entertained audiences but also provided a glimpse into India’s rich historical past. These movies bring to life the stories of legendary figures and pivotal moments, blending drama, action, and romance to create unforgettable cinematic experiences. Let’s delve into the world of these historical blockbusters and explore what makes them so compelling.

It is a historical action film based on the life of Tanhaji Malusare, a Maratha warrior who fought against the Mughals to recapture the Kondhana fort. The film stars Ajay Devgn as Tanhaji and features a grand battle between Tanhaji and Udaybhan, a Rajput general serving Aurangzeb. The movie is known for its powerful performances and visual impact, though it takes creative rights with historical events.

Jodhaa Akbar is a 2008 historical romance film directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. It tells the story of the marriage between Mughal Emperor Akbar and Rajput princess Jodhaa Bai, played by Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The film explores their journey from a political alliance to true love, highlighting themes of cultural tolerance and political intrigue. It was a critical and commercial success, winning several awards for its performances and music.

‘Chhaava’ is directed by Laxman Utekar, starring Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire. The film was embroiled in controversy due to a dance sequence featuring Sambhaji Maharaj, which some have thought historically wrong. Despite these challenges, the film aims to bring the legacy of Sambhaji Maharaj to a wider audience, highlighting his leadership and battles against the Mughals.

‘Lagaan’ is a musical sports film directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. Set in 1893 during the British Raj, the film tells the story of a small village in Central India struggling under high taxes and a severe drought. The villagers, led by Bhuvan (Aamir Khan), challenge the British to a game of cricket as a wager to avoid paying taxes for three years. If they lose, they must triple their taxes. It received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the movie tells the story of the tumultuous love affair between Bajirao I, a Maratha general, and Mastani, a Muslim princess from Bundelkhand. Starring Ranveer Singh as Bajirao, Deepika Padukone as Mastani, and Priyanka Chopra as Kashibai, Bajirao’s first wife, the film explores themes of love, loyalty, and societal conflict. The supporting cast includes Tanvi Azmi as Radhabai, Bajirao’s mother, Milind Soman as Ambaji Pant Purandare, and Mahesh Manjrekar as Chhatrapati Shahu.