Lights, Cameras, Election Year | Hindi Film News

Around the time of the last general election in 2019, a series of political biopics were released on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Thackeray and ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’. The entry of mainstream films into the realm of pre- and post-election quasi-political messages was a new development for Bollywood five years ago, but this time it’s no longer surprising. Apart from biopics, films based on socio-political themes are also being released this election season. Whether they influence the political narrative remains an open question.In the past, some such films did exceptionally well, while many others failed.2019 review: Manmohan, Thackeray, Modi

2019 review: Manmohan, Thackeray, Modi

January 2019the accidental prime minister
The film, starring Anupam Kher as former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, was released in January 2019 and is based on the book of the same name. The film’s trailer was promoted under the official handle of the Bharatiya Janata Party, leading to suspicions from the Congress that the film was “political propaganda”.
The film reportedly grossed just over Rs 210 crore at the box office.

January 2019
Thackeray
The film, released in January 2019 and starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, is a biopic on Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and was written and produced by party member Sanjay Raut. The film reportedly earned around Rs 180 crore at the box office.

May 2019
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The film, starring Vivek Oberoi and directed by Omung Kumar, was scheduled to be released in April to coincide with the 2019 elections. However, the Election Commission canceled the film’s release the day before, stating, “Movies that serve the objectives of any political group or individual should not be shown on electronic media.” The film was finally released on May 24th. In April 2019, director Oberoi commented on the alleged political bias in the film, saying, “The purpose of a documentary is objectivity.”
According to reports, the film earned around Rs 11.51 billion.

As of 2024: Vajpayee, 370, Savarkar

Expanding

As of 2024: Vajpayee, 370, Savarkar

January 2024
main atal hun
The film, released on January 19 and directed by Ravi Jadhav, stars Pankaj Tripathi as late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. At the time of its release, Tripathi said: “This is the story of Atal Ji’s life, but it is also the story of India’s journey since independence, how elections are held, how votes are cast, and how society has changed. . The purpose of this biopic is to provide entertainment and at the same time serve as an inspiration.”
The film reportedly earned around Rs 8.65 billion.

February 2024
Article 370
Based on the abrogation of Article 370, the film was released on February 23. In their reviews, several critics noted the film’s heavy political message. The ‘Yami Gautam’ star received goodwill from the government. “It will help people get the right information,” the prime minister said at a rally in Jammu, but Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who attended the screening, said the film should not be called a propaganda film.
Yami said, “Many people told us that this film was not for our audience…but we went ahead because we knew the naysayers underestimated our audience.” ” he said.
The film has so far grossed over Rs 160 million.

March 2024
savarkar
The Savarkar biopic is Randeep Hooda’s passion project, which he co-wrote, directed, co-produced and starred in. The March 22 release was previously directed by Mahesh Manjrekar, but he dropped out midway through the film, claiming that Randeep was “too involved”. ”, adding, “I am not doubting Randeep’s sincerity. But there is a difference between sincerity and obsession.” Chandra Kumar, grand-nephew of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Bose also requested X’s Randeep, “Please refrain from linking the name of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose” with Savarkar.
Randeep, who underwent intense physical transformation for the film, reportedly wanted the film to be released sooner. “We wanted to release this movie last August 15th and then January 26th. That didn’t happen,” he said on the podcast. In an interview he said, “This is a movie about one of our country’s most misunderstood freedom fighters.” According to reports, the film earned around Rs 120 crore in its first week.

Upcoming plans: Godhra, Emergency, JNU

Upcoming plans: Godhra, Emergency, JNU

Accident or Conspiracy Godhra
The Sabarmati Report, starring Vikrant Massey and Ridhi Dogra, is scheduled to release on May 3. Massey will play the role of a journalist investigating the Godhra incident. Another film based on this incident is ‘Accident or Conspiracy: Godhra’ starring Ranvir Shorey.

JNU
The film, which is scheduled to release on April 5, is reportedly based on student politics at JNU.

emergency
The film is written, directed and co-produced by Kangana Ranaut, who plays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The film was previously scheduled for release on November 24, 2023, but has now been pushed back to June 14. The filmmaker and actress is running in the next election.