Popular Marathi biopics on Indian freedom fighters

Our freedom fighters fought hard to fulfil one common dream of winning Independence from the hand of the British empire. The long struggle for freedom has often served as good material for filmmakers eager to reimagine this hard-won victory on the big screen. On the occasion of Independence Day, we bring to you Marathi biopic and period films which you will bring out a feeling of pride and honour for the brave souls that let down their lives for our freedom.

Om Raut made his directorial debut with the film ‘Lokmanya, Ek Yugpurush’, which was based on the life of India's first popular leader of the Indian Independence- Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Tilak was an Indian nationalist, teacher, social reformer, journalist and lawyer who went on to become a freedom fighter. The film elaborates his hard-hitting literary works against the British Raj; which ultimately lands him in jail, where he is sentenced to six years rigorous imprisonment in Mandalay, Burma. (1908-1914). Actor Subhod Bhave who plays Tilka in the film has done justice to his role. Sameer Vidwans as Agarkar is very convincing and is supported by Priya Bapat Kamat, making it worth a watch.

The Ved Rahi directorial, 'Veer Savarkar' is based on Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s life. The makers had referred to several kinds of literature written by Savarkar like his autobiographical book ‘Majhi Janmathep’ for the film. Also starring Shailendra Gaur, Navni Parihar, Pankaj Berry, Tom Alter, Bob Christo, Mrinal Kulkarni and Sunil Shinde, this was the first film in the world which was financed by public donations. The film’s mahurat scene was shot in 1990 but due to creative difference, the project got delayed and finally got completed in 1998. Actor Shailendra Gaud played the titular role in the film. The movie was also known for its music which was composed by Sudhir Phadke.

Directed by Gajendra Ahire, 'Ek Krantiveer: Vasudev Balwant Phadke' is a biopic of the revolutionary freedom fighter, Vasudev Balwant Phadke. This movie starred Amitabh Bachchan, Ajinkya Deo, Ramesh Deo, Chandrakant Gokhale, Sonali Kulkarni and others. Set in the pre-independence period, the story revolves around Vasudev Balwant Phadke and his struggle against the British, including his exile and return home.

The Marathi film 'Krantiveer Rajguru', directed by Ashok Kamle is a biopic on the legendary freedom fighter, Shivram Hari Rajguru. Chinmay Mandlekar played the titular role in this film based on the life of revolutionary freedom fighter, who fought against the Britishers for India's independence and was hanged along with Shaheed Bhagat Singh. The film was made under the banner of Shree Bhavani Chitra Combines and produced by Shreyas and Rajendra Kamle. The film also featured Chinmay Mandlekar as Rajguru, along with Pankaj Vishnu, Suhasini Muley, and Vilas Chavan.