Bollywood political portrayals from Thackeray, The Accidental Prime Minister, Sardar

Sardar, released in 1993 and directed by K Bhagyaraj, depicts the life of Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. Starring Paresh Rawal, the film focuses on Patel’s role in unifying princely states after independence. It highlights political negotiation, firm leadership and nation-building challenges. The biographical drama remains noted for its measured tone and Rawal’s widely respected portrayal of Patel.

The Tashkent Files, released in 2019 and directed by Vivek Agnihotri, examines the circumstances surrounding the death of India’s second prime minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri. Structured as an investigative drama, the film follows a panel probing classified records, conflicting testimonies and political pressures. It blends courtroom-style debates with historical references, prompting discussion about transparency, national memory and unresolved questions linked to a pivotal moment in Indian political history.

The Accidental Prime Minister, released in 2019, is based on Sanjaya Baru’s memoir recounting his time as media advisor to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Directed by Vijay Ratnakar Gutte, the film stars Anupam Kher as Singh, focusing on coalition politics, media management and internal power dynamics. It presents events from an insider viewpoint, highlighting tensions between authority, advisory roles and political leadership during a transformative decade in Indian governance.

Emergency dramatises the period of internal emergency imposed in India between 1975 and 1977 under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Directed by and starring Kangana Ranaut, the film portrays political decisions, civil liberties restrictions and personal power struggles during that controversial phase. The narrative centres on leadership, dissent and consequences of absolute authority, aiming to revisit a defining chapter in Indian democracy through a dramatic biographical lens.

Thackeray, released in 2019, chronicles the life of Bal Thackeray, founder of the Shiv Sena. Directed by Abhijit Panse, the film stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who underwent a notable physical transformation for the role. The narrative traces Thackeray’s rise from cartoonist to influential political figure, exploring regional identity, mass mobilisation and ideological conviction. It presents key moments shaping Maharashtra’s political landscape across several decades.