Raajneeti
Raajneeti directed by Prakash Jha who is known for making hard hitting movies like Gangajal and Apaharan, made his foray into the genre of politics based movie Rajneeti. The movie was inspired by Mahabharat, the great Indian epic and set it in the hinterland of India. It had an ensemble cast of Ranbir Kapoor whose character was inspired by Arjun, Ajay Devgnas Suraj (Karna). Manoj Bajpai as a character inspired by Duryodhana, Nana Patekr’s character was inspired by Lord Krishna while Arjun Rampal’s character was a mix of Yudhistir and Bhim. It also featured Katrina Kaif in an important role.
Sarkar
Sarkar starring Amitabh Bachchan was indirectly based on the life of former Shiv Sena supremo Balasaab Thakrey and Hollywood movie The Godfather. It follows the story of Subhash Nagre who is the undisputed monarch of Mumbai and holds more power than even the Chief Minsiter of the state. Abhishek Bachchan played his son inspired by the character played by Al Pacino from The Godfather. When due to political issues, Subhash Nagre faces a murder attempt and when he is hospitliased, Shankar has to now take on the charge and eliminate the rivals. It was a big hit at the ticket window.
Aandhi
Aandhi when released got into lots of controversies because many believed it’s based on then Prime Minsiter Indira Gandhi.Congress party stalled its release and it was not telaesed till 1975 until she lost the elections Janta party allowed it to release. Aandhi featured Sanjeev Kumar and Suchitra Sen who played role of a politician’s daughter whom meets the character of Sanjeev Kumar and both falls in love and both marries. They faces marital issues and gets separated, after many years by chance they meets in a hotel, and still have the same love for each other.Since Aarti is an established Politician and worries that this love and going back to the ex-husband may tarnish her image. But at last love triumphs and they get together.
The Tashkent Files
Directed by Vivek Agnihotri, director of The Kashmir Files, The Tashkent Files was the first in his Files trilogy. It tries to uncover the death of the second PrimeMinisterof India Lal Bahadur Shashtri’s mysterious death in Tashkent where he went to sign a peace treaty with Pakistan. Featuring Shweta Basu Prasad, Panakaj Tripathi, Pallavi Joshi, Naseeruddin Shah, and Mithun Chakraborty this movie tries to uncover the truth behind Shsatriji’s death and the mystery surrounding it.
Aarakshan
The second movie on this list by maverick director Prakash Jha, Aarakshan is based on the one of the most controversial topics of Indian politics, the Reservation of the lower caste in Indian Government jobs and educational institutions. The movie starred big stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Manoj Bajpai, Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone. Though the movie was not a big hit, it received praise for the issue it tried to tell.
Kissa Kursi Ka
Directed by Amrit Nahata, this movie is a satire on the politics of that era and political leaders of Congress. It was debarred by the Indian Government and all the prints were burnt and this movie is now a lost movie. The movie is a comedy over the politics, politicians and the system.
Nayak
Starring Anil Kapoor and Rani Mukherjee, Nayak is one of the most watched movies on television but was a flop when released. The movie was ahead of its time. It’s about a journalist Shivaji (Anil Kapoor) who interviews the Chief Minister, Balraj Chauhan played by Amarish Puri with hard hitting questions with proofs and facts that make Balraj angry. Balraj gives Shivaji a challenge to become CM for a day and Shivaji accepts the dare and changes the whole system on just 24 hours, becoming a menace to Balraj and his political party. He tries everything to harmShivaji but was last truth wins.
Yuva
Yuva was directed by Mani Ratnam, his second Hindi movie after Dil se. Featuring an ensemble cast of Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan, Vivek Oberai,Rani Mukherjee, Kareena Kapoor and Esha Deol, Yuva deals with the idea that how today’s youth can change the politics of the country by participating in the movie.
