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News18
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Behind The Biopic Boom: The Reel Truth Of Real Stories
From political giants and war heroes to scam artists and godmen, everyone's life now seems destined for the big screen. What changed? The answer is part business, part belief, and part battlefield. The Business of 'Real' For filmmakers and studios, the biopic offers something most original scripts can't: built-in recognition. You don't have to explain who M.S. Dhoni is. Or Manjhi, the man who carved a road through a mountain. Their names, already soaked in emotion or awe, do half the marketing. When a story is tied to a real figure especially one adored, martyred, or controversial, audience curiosity is immediate, and word-of-mouth does the rest. This makes biopics surprisingly risk-proof. 'It's a win-win," says a Mumbai-based producer who has worked on two such films. 'You get organic buzz, political relevance, and media coverage without spending crores on promotional gimmicks." Even average films, as long as they ride a 'real story' wave often find decent returns, especially when timed around elections, anniversaries, or trending issues. Streaming platforms, too, are feeding the fire. Docu-dramas and limited series like Scoop, Rocket Boys, and Trial By Fire tap into the same thirst: audiences crave context for headlines they've only half-understood, and real-life pain offers deeper emotional hooks than any fictional plot twist can. A Nation, Projected In a country as diverse and contested as India, every story told onscreen isn't just entertainment, it's a statement. And in the age of hyper-visibility and political polarization, the biopic has become a new kind of propaganda, draped in cinematic respectability. Consider the sudden surge of films centred around nationalist figures, soldiers, and spiritual leaders. They arrive like clockwork in the run-up to elections. The Narendra Modi biopic, for instance, was released just before the 2019 general elections. The Accidental Prime Minister, Thackeray, Yatra each one timed to sway, nudge, remind. That's not coincidence. That's curation. A biopic tells you whom to remember and more crucially, how. It edits history, omits controversy, polishes legacy. A rebel becomes a visionary. A complicated figure is flattened into a slogan. And if you're paying close attention, you'll notice who keeps getting left out. The Politics of Absence For every Shershaah or 83, there are a dozen lives we never see onscreen. These absences aren't accidental, they reflect deeper hierarchies of power and narrative permission. Making a biopic often requires some level of access, approval, or cooperation from the family or state. And no surprise, those who challenge dominant power structures rarely get invited to tell their version of events. Even when stories from the margins are made, they often arrive with caveats softened, symbolic, or tucked into streaming platforms without theatrical fanfare. So while the genre looks inclusive, it's often playing safe. Or worse, playing favorites. The Messy Truth Behind the 'True Story" And then, of course, there's the biggest illusion of all that what we're watching is the truth. Most biopics are anything but. To dramatize a life is, by definition, to edit it. Timelines are restructured. Facts are rearranged. Dull years are deleted. Events are reimagined with flair and fog. Sometimes, that's artistic license. But often, it's strategic storytelling. Biopics have become a delicate dance of PR, public memory, and performance. Legal teams are on alert. Families demand scripts be shown in advance. In powerful circles, a favourable film can be a career booster or a legacy reset. And when lawsuits do arise, the excuse is ready: 'This is fiction, inspired by real events." This genre now thrives in that murky space, not quite documentary, not quite imagination. The result? Audiences walk away believing they know what happened. But what they often get is a narrative scrubbed of its grime, controversies reframed, and inconvenient truths either diluted or deleted. advetisement It is Omnipresent The biopic boom isn't confined to Bollywood alone, it's a pan-India phenomenon sweeping across languages and regional cinemas with equal intensity. In Tamil, Thalaivii told the dramatic arc of Jayalalithaa's life, navigating her journey from actress to formidable politician, though critics pointed out its sanitised portrayal of realpolitik. Malayalam cinema delivered Celluloid, a poignant tribute to J.C. Daniel, the father of Malayalam cinema, while also highlighting caste-based discrimination, a rare case where the form dared to be critical. ' Ennu Ninte Moideen' also from Malayalam, stood out for its tender yet tragic retelling of the real-life love story between Moideen and Kanchanamala, set in 1960s Kerala. While technically more of a romantic drama than a traditional biopic, it drew heavily from letters, diaries, and real-world accounts, earning both critical and box office success. Thus, proving that real-life romance, too, has cinematic muscle. In Telugu, 'Mahanati ' received widespread acclaim for its lush, tragic portrayal of yesteryear star Savitri, balancing reverence with vulnerability and capturing the harsh realities of a woman's stardom in a patriarchal industry. advetisement Marathi cinema has also dabbled richly in the genre, from 'Lokmanya: Ek Yugpurush' on freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak to 'Anandi Gopal ', based on India's first female doctor, both films used history to provoke reflection on contemporary values. Even Kannada cinema's 'Kantara' while not a biopic borrowed heavily from real rituals and folklore, blurring lines between lived experience and cultural re-enactment. These regional biopics carry their own flavours and stakes, often tied to linguistic pride, local legends, and forgotten icons proving that the hunger for 'real" stories is neither uniform nor surface-level. But across languages, the same questions persist: Who gets to be remembered? And who gets rewritten? Where Do We Go From Here? And yet, despite the manipulation and fatigue, we keep watching. Because somewhere deep down, we still want to believe. That stories matter. That memory matters. That cinema, at its best, can still reflect more than just entertainment.
Pink Villa
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
How Saba Azad met Hrithik Roshan? Here's all about their love story that began on social media, her earnings and more
Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azad are one of the most popular couples in B-town who often grab headlines for their romance. The lovebirds recently went out on a movie date after the wrap of the War 2 shoot. But do you know how Saba came into Hrithik's life? Here's all you need to know about their first meeting, her earnings, and more. Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azad's love story According to reports, Saba Azad met Hrithik Roshan through social media. According to a report by The Times of India, the War 2 actor once liked and shared Saba's video, praising the makers on X (formerly Twitter). Saba expressed gratitude, and their conversation began on direct messages. Hrithik and Saba often shower love on each other on their respective social media handles. From birthday posts to vacation pictures, they post it all. They are often spotted together in public on lunch dates and movie nights. She also accompanies him to his movie screenings. Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azad have been dating for nearly four years. The couple completed three years of their relationship in October 2024. They made their relationship official at Karan Johar 's 50th birthday bash in 2022 after rumours of their dating spread like wildfire. Hrithik Roshan has also introduced his girlfriend, Saba Azad, to his family. Saba often spends time with Hrithik's family members. They are seen together in family gatherings during festivals and birthdays. Who is Saba Azad and how much she earns? Born as Saba Singh Grewal, Saba Azad is a theatre actress, director, voice-over artist, and musician. She made her Bollywood debut in a lead role in Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge (2011) alongside Saqib Saleem. Saba has also worked in web series like Ladies Room, Rocket Boys, and Who's Your Gynac. Saba Azad is also a member of her electronic band, Madboy/Mink, along with actor Imaad Shah, the son of veterans Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah. As for her earnings, Saba's annual income ranges between Rs 5 crore and Rs 8 crore. She primarily earns her income from acting, band performances, and brand endorsements. Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azad's work fronts Hrithik Roshan is gearing up for his highly anticipated film, War 2, alongside Jr. NTR and Kiara Advani. On the other hand, Saba will be seen in Anurag Kashyap's untitled film, starring Bobby Deol. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla.
India.com
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
This web series has won 43 awards, based on true events, has an 8.8 IMDb rating, lead actors are..., series is...
This series is among the highest-rated Hindi shows on IMDb, boasting a rating of 8.8. It has garnered a total of 43 awards, and the performances of the cast were highly praised. If you haven't watched it yet, make sure to do so right away. One Of The Most Finest Series On OTT The series we are talking about is Rocket Boys, which tells the true story of scientists Homi J. Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai. The narrative unfolds during the pivotal decades of the 1940s to the 1960s in India, showcasing the country's journey towards becoming a strong, courageous, and independent nation. It highlights the early years of Independent India in the realm of science. With aspirations in their hearts and a vision in their minds, Dr. Homi J. Bhabha spearheaded India's Nuclear Programme, while Dr. Vikram Sarabhai laid the foundation for the Indian Space Programme and various other institutions. The Positive Reception And Accolades For Rocket Boys This series consists of 16 episodes spread across two seasons. Key roles were played by Jim Sarbh, Ishwak Singh, Regina Cassandra, Saba Azad, Divyendu Bhattacharya, and Rajit Kapoor. According to IMDb, the series has won 43 awards, encompassing both minor and major accolades. It received the Best Web Series award from the Indian Television Academy. Abhay Pannu and Kausar Munir were honored with the ITA Award for Best Dialogue. Jim Sarbh won the ITA Award for Best Actor, and the series also received awards for Best Story, Best Editing, Best VFX, and Best Director. More About Rocket Boys Additionally, Jim Sarbh was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke International Award for Best Actor. The series won the Filmfare Award for Best Screenplay, and Abhay Pannu was recognized with the Filmfare Award for Best Director. It also received the Filmfare Award for Best Web Series (Popular Award). The theme, soundtrack, and score for both seasons were composed by Achint Thakkar, who gained recognition from Hansal Mehta's Scam 1992. Both series are currently streaming on Sony-LIV
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jim Sarbh: Nagarjuna brings this easy vibe on the set
Jim Sarbh and Nagarjuna Jim Sarbh , known for his performance in Padmaavat and web shows like Rocket Boys and Made in Heaven, made his Telugu cinema debut this year with Sekhar Kammula's Kubera. The film, which also stars Dhanush and Rashmika Mandanna, marked a linguistic leap for Sarbh, who took on the challenge of delivering his dialogues in Telugu. 'Learning the lines in Telugu was a challenge. It was like training a different muscle; otherwise, the words would swim in my head, so I really had to do the homework,' the actor said, reflecting on his experience with the language. Discussing his experience of working with the ensemble cast, Sarbh revealed that while he didn't share many scenes with Dhanush, he had the opportunity to work closely with veteran actor Nagarjuna. 'I didn't have many scenes with Dhanush. We were kind of kept separately for most of the film. I had a lot of scenes with Nagarjuna sir and he's such a great guy. He brings this easy vibe on the set as he's so relaxed,' he said.
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kerala Crimes Files 2 set to premiere on THIS date; second teaser builds suspense
The highly anticipated second season of the Malayalam web series Kerala Crime Files has finally gotten its premiere date. Titled Kerala Crime Files: The Hunt for CPO Ambili, the new season intensifies the mystery and drama with a gripping storyline that has already started generating buzz online. The recently released second teaser builds suspense masterfully, offering glimpses into a high-stakes investigation while withholding a clear verdict on the central character, Civil Police Officer Ambili Raju. The role is portrayed by acclaimed actor Indrans, whose performance is already being hailed as one of the season's biggest highlights. The series marks the return of popular actors Aju Varghese and Lal, who reprise their roles from the first season that struck a chord with Malayalam web series viewers. Joining the ensemble this time is Arjun Radhakrishnan , known for his compelling performances in Rocket Boys, Ullozhukku, and Kannur Squad. He plays a leading role in the investigation that unfolds around the sudden disappearance of CPO Ambili Raju . The story kicks off when a blood-stained mobile phone is discovered in a drainage ditch, prompting an intense police inquiry. With Ambili missing and clues pointing in his direction, the case spirals into a complex web of doubt and deception. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Alongside the lead cast, the series boasts a strong supporting lineup including Harishree Ashokan, Renjit Shekar, Sanju Sanichen, Suresh Babu, Navas Vallikkunnu, Noorin Shereef, Jeo Baby, Fara Shibla, and Bilas Chandrasekharan. Kerala Crime Files Season 2 is helmed by director Ahammed Khabeer, with a screenplay by Bahul Ramesh—best known for the critically acclaimed film Kishkinda Kaandam. The music is composed by Hesham Abdul Wahab , adding a moody and immersive layer to the tense narrative. The series will have its much-awaited premiere on June 20.
