Biopics on political personalities

If the latest buzz is anything to go by, a biopic on the late Jayalalithaa, the former chief minister of TN, has been shelved due to political reasons. According to the director of the film, Faisal Saif, he has been receiving threat calls from various political parties. Personalities like freedom fighters, politicians, sports stars, businessmen, outlaws,and underworld dons have always been a source of inspiration for the film industry not just in India. However, there is a dearth of good political biopics in India, except a few scattered instances like Kissa Kursi Ka, Aandhi, Sardar, Iruvar, and more.

We ask celebrities about one film on a political leader that they would like to see on celluloid, and why? And if they think there any political personalities that they think should be off-limits?

‘Would love  a biopic on Indira Gandhi’
Prakash Bare, Actor/ producer and theatre personality
The political drama House of Cards is a very bold attempt at portraying what happens inside the corridors of power. I would love to see a biopic on the life of Indira Gandhi or MGR or Kerala ex-chief Minister, the late Karunakaran, which actually throws light on the real happenings in the life of these people who wielded immense power. Regarding protests and threats from various quarters, I personally feel some fringe groups have become more powerful that the courts. If the courts become stronger, then all this opposition will stop. Another fact is that sometimes controversies are created to enhance the publicity of the film. If you ask me what political personalities are off limits, I would answer any religious fanatics whose words are known to spur communal hatred in society.

‘Would watch  biopic on death of Nehru’
Anubhav Sinha, director
There are a lot of people who have lived interesting lives that are worth making biopics out of. But if there is someone I would absolutely go watch it, will be a biopic on Indira Gandhi. She was such an interesting personality. She became a freedom fighter of sorts, at the age of 10 years, she started a baal sena (children’s army) and then went on to become the first woman Prime Minister of the world’s largest democracy. She was even such a tall political figure the world over. In fact, if there was a biopic made on the death of Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, I’d watch that too.

‘My first choice would be haren pandya’
Dr. Hari Parameshwar, author and entrepreneur
My first choice would be Haren Pandya, former home minister of Gujarat, who was found dead in his car near Law Garden in Ahmedabad, after he went for his morning walk. Once so powerful in office, it was sad seeing his traumatised family, his aged father and wife, running from door to door, pleading for justice. Despite many conspiracy theories in air, neither the government nor the opposition took interest in pursuing the case. The one who probably knew more about his death was Sanjiv Bhatt, IPS, who then had to face hell, and was later removed from service. Pandya’s murder was historic, considering the drastic change of India’s political weather, subsequently. His life, upturns and downfalls, controversies over his revelations on the Gujarat riots and finally his mysterious death, all will certainly be a good plot for a Bollywood movie but who would dare to touch that topic! Life of no politician is out of bounds from books or movies, but one question could be how truthful are its makers!

‘Sardar patel’s life is inspiring’
Teja, director
Most of the politicians are corrupt and hence when someone wants to make a movie on them, the filmmakers face backlashes. However, I feel that of all the politicians since independence till now, Sardar Vallabhai Patel’s life makes for an inspiring movie. Not only did he play a very prominent role in freedom movements, but he even united India post-independence. I am working on a political movie right now, which covers all the aspects of Indian politics. I hope the CBFC passes it.

‘Modi’s rags to riches story inspires’
Aashka Goradia, actor
Sardar Vallabhai Patel would be one politician I would like to see a film on as I feel he had an extremely interesting journey.  I don’t think politicians’ lives should be off limits for films because there are so many inspirational stories and journeys such as that of Narendra Modi who went from rags to riches.