'Bell Bottom', 'Airlift', 'Padman': Akshay Kumar's films based on real incidents

Akshay Kumar has crafted a niche for himself with rich content-driven yet commercial films. Of late, the actor has focused more on stories based on real-life incidents. His next ‘Bell Bottom’, which is all set to hit the theatres tomorrow, is also based on the real life story of an undercover agent, who sets on a mission to free 210 hostages held by hijackers. As the film's releases, here’s taking a look at five other Akshay films based on real incidents.

Loosely based on the jury trial case of an Indian Naval officer, 'Rustom' features Akshay Kumar as officer KM Nanavati who reportedly murders his friend for having an affair with his wife. The 2016 film garnered a positive response from fans and critics alike. The movie also starred Ileana D'Cruz in a pivotal role.

In the film, based on the battle of Saragarhi, Akshay Kumar played Havildar Ishar Singh, a soldier in the British Indian Army, who led 21 Sikh soldiers in a fight against 10,000 Pashtun invaders. Back in 2019, ‘Kesari’ went on to become one of the highest-grossing films of the year, receiving appreciation for its ensemble cast, authentic war scenes, and engaging soundtrack.

R Balki’s ‘Padman’ was considered as one of the breakthrough films in Indian cinema as it addressed the issue of menstrual hygiene. The film was based on the real-life story of Arunachalam Muruganantham, who hails from a remote area in Tamil Nadu. Akshay played the role of Muruganantham who devises a clean and budget-friendly sanitary napkin for women who do not have access to proper sanitary facilities.

Popularly known as 'Toyota Sunny', Kuwait-based Indian businessman Mathunny Mathews was the inspiration behind Akshay Kumar's character in the 2016 film 'Airlift'. The man alone was responsible for the safe evacuation of stranded Indians during the Iraqi invasion in 1990. Nimrat Kaur portrayed his on-screen wife. The movie emerged as a blockbuster.

Helmed by Reema Kagti, 'Gold' was inspired by a real-life story of hockey player Balbir Singh, who manifested the 1948 Olympic gold medal-winning feat of the Indian Men’s Hockey Team. Akshay played the role of Tapan Das in the film, who, as the manager of the team, not only formed a team but also took them to victory with his firm belief in them.