Bollywood Witnessing Surge In Biopics

Bollywood witnessing surge in Biopics. April is set to witness the release of two notable films - Diljit Dosanjh will portray the life and times of Punjab’s legendary singer Amar Singh Chamkila in Imtiaz Ali’s "Chamkila," while Ajay Devgn will star in the biographical sports drama "Maidaan," which retells the inspiring story of football coach Syed Abdul Rahim.

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has taken a candid approach in portraying the dramatic life of Amar Singh Chamkila, who was assassinated at the age of 27 in 1988. Ali stated, “This has been constructed from facts, and as a filmmaker, I promised myself that I will not manipulate things and come up with my scenes.”

Biopics have emerged as a popular genre, offering audiences a chance to immerse themselves in the lives of various personalities. From political figures and gangsters to movie stars and freedom fighters, Biopics have captured the essence of these individuals' lives. Critically acclaimed films like "Pan Singh Tomar," "Sardar," "Sardar Udham," and "Neerja" have set high standards, while blockbusters like "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag," "Super 30," and "Sanju" have enjoyed commercial success.

However, not all Biopics have resonated with audiences. Recent examples include Pankaj Tripathi’s "Main Atal Hoon" and Randeep Hooda’s "Swatantra Veer Sawarkar," both of which failed to draw viewers. Hooda even admitted to selling his property to fund his film. These films join a list of political Biopics that have struggled at the box office, such as Kangana Ranaut’s "Thalaivi" and Vivek Oberoi’s "PM Narendra Modi."

One industry specialist noted that unlike Hollywood, where films portray individuals with all their flaws, Bollywood tends to idealize its subjects, portraying them as almost god-like figures. This tendency to whitewash the truth can limit the depth of analysis and debate surrounding these figures.

Trade analyst Sumit Kadel emphasized that apart from the subject matter, star power, marketing, production, and promotions play crucial roles in the success of a biopic. A political biopic, in particular, requires a compelling narrative and strong marketing to attract audiences, as seen in the case of "Swatantra Veer Savarkar," which grossed Rs 15 crore and is expected to reach Rs 25 crore in lifetime business.

Overall, while the popularity of Biopics in Bollywood continues to grow, their success hinges on various factors, including the subject matter, star power, and effective marketing strategies.