While coming out of the theatre after watching Sam Bahadur, only one thing came into my mind “Achhi Biopic hai, sure shot hit ho jayegi” but then I realised what is it that turns Bollywood more interested in biopic. In the last 8 – 9 years Bollywood makers have been more inclined to the Biopics whereas we have seen that Biopics were struggling in their earlier phase. Movies based on legendary Bhagat Singh, Bose, Mangal Pandey and Paan Singh Tomar struggled to survive at the box office but at the same time film like Dangal, M.S. Dhoni, Sanju marked hit at the box office. In the past few years, we have seen Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Mary Kom, Neerja, M.S. Dhoni, Dangal who smashed the box office with their collection and there was also another story with movies like Sarbjit, Azhar, Main Atal Hoon and Mission Raniganj which were the defeating stars of the box office. So is it the viewer who is more interested in knowing other’s life in this changing meaning of digital time or the makers find it a profitable venture by picking up a Biopic or the Directors who find a biopic an easy way with ready to write subject. We delve into the rise of biopics as a dominant force in commercial Bollywood cinema, exploring the reasons behind their popularity and their impact on the industry.
Human Interest and Inspirational Stories: Biopics offer a compelling glimpse into the lives of extraordinary individuals who have made significant contributions to society, whether in the fields of politics, sports, entertainment, or social activism. These stories of triumph over adversity, perseverance, and resilience resonate deeply with audiences, sparking an emotional connection and inspiring viewers to strive for greatness in their own lives. From the inspiring journey of “Dangal,” based on the life of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, to the gripping tale of “MS Dhoni: The Untold Story,” biopics have struck a chord with audiences by bringing to life the untold stories of real-life heroes.
Star Power and Performance-driven Cinema: One of the key factors driving the popularity of biopics is the opportunity they provide for actors to showcase their versatility and talent. Portraying real-life characters allows actors to delve into the complexities of human emotions, mannerisms, and motivations, often resulting in award-worthy performances. Actors like Ranbir Kapoor in “Sanju,” Priyanka Chopra in “Mary Kom,” and Sushant Singh Rajput in “MS Dhoni: The Untold Story” have garnered widespread acclaim for their portrayal of iconic personalities, elevating the status of biopics as performance-driven cinema.
Historical Significance and Cultural Relevance: Biopics serve as a means of preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage and historical legacy of India. By immortalizing the lives and achievements of iconic figures such as freedom fighters, political leaders, and cultural icons, biopics contribute to the preservation of national identity and collective memory. Films like “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,” “Gandhi,” and “The Legend of Bhagat Singh” not only shed light on pivotal moments in Indian history but also reignite public interest in the sacrifices and struggles of past generations.
Box Office Success and Commercial Viability: From a commercial standpoint, biopics have proven to be a lucrative investment for filmmakers and producers, often yielding high returns at the box office. The built-in appeal of real-life stories, combined with effective marketing strategies and star power, has consistently drawn audiences to theatres in large numbers. Biopics like “Pad Man,” “Neerja,” and “Super 30” have not only enjoyed critical acclaim but have also emerged as box office hits, further solidifying their status as a commercially viable genre in Bollywood.
Evolution of Filmmaking Techniques: Advancements in filmmaking technology and techniques have played a crucial role in enhancing the visual appeal and production values of biopics. From meticulously recreating historical settings and costumes to employing innovative CGI and prosthetic techniques for character transformation, filmmakers have spared no expense in bringing authenticity and realism to their cinematic depictions. This commitment to authenticity and attention to detail have elevated the quality of biopics, making them visually stunning and immersive cinematic experiences for audiences.
Biopics was and has been a favourite subject of all time but with the change of time, they have also understood that it also requires a Big Bollywood name to portray that character (surprisingly actors also have a soft corner and are ready for biopics on priority if offered) and adding the commercial facts is the need of the hour on the viewer’s perspective and thus cinema has seen a shift change of realistic cinema to commercial cinema. We are going to witness more biopics year after year and hope that the commercial value will not make it lose the realistic essence of biopics.
