The Lok Sabha Elections 2024 continued on May 7 with 93 constituencies across four states going to polls in the third phase. Several big leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, cast their votes and set an example for citizens. Elections are synonymous with intense campaigning and detailed stratergising . Over the years, several films have tried to capture different aspects of politics through compelling narratives. Here are six compelling political movies to watch as the country remains in ‘election mode’
All The President’s Men (English, 1976)
The Watergate Scandal was one of the biggest controversies in the US in the 1970s. It stemmed from the Nixon administration’s attempts at concealing its association with the break-in at the Democratic National Committee in Washington DC. The event eventually led to President Nixon’s resignation. All The President’s Men centred on two journalists who investigate the Watergate Scandal. Alan J Pakula’s masterpiece highlighted the inner workings of the White House as well as the principles of investigative journalism. All The President’s Men featured Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman in the lead.
Iruvar (Tamil, 1997)
Iruvar, one of Mani Ratnam’s finest movies, centred on the nexus between politics and cinema in Tamil Nadu. The film featured Mohanlal and Prakash Raj as good friends who rise to fame in cinema and politics, respectively, only to become political rivals. The film mirrored real-life events and featured top-notch performances, which helped it attain cult status. In case you didn’t, know Mohanlal’s character in Iruvar was based on the Tamil icon MGR. Similarly, Prakash Raj’s character was modelled on M Karunanidhi.
Nayak (Hindi, 2001)
Shankar gave strong proof of his abilities as a storyteller with Mudhalvan (1999), which featured Arjun in the lead. He later remade it in Hindi as Nayak with Anil Kapoor stepping into the Action King’s shoes. The film centred on an ordinary television presenter who becomes the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for a day after an intense interview with incumbent Mukhya Mantri’. The film highlighted the need to fight corruption and govern with responsibility. It is best remembered for its action sequences and the shocking climax. Nayak did average business at the box office but soon attained cult status thanks to numerous re-runs on TV.
Raajneeti (Hindi, 2010)
Prakash Jha’s hard-hitting political drama centred on strategic alliances and the powerplay in the political system. The multi-starrer captivated audiences with its unpredictable twists and layered narrative. The strained dynamics between the characters further added to its recall value. Raajneeti had an ensemble cast headlined by Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Arjun Rampal, and Manoj Bajpayee.
NTR Mahanayakudu (Telugu, 2019)
NTR Kathanayanayakudu highlighted Sr NTR’s stellar rise in the world of cinema and captured a few priceless moments from the Telugu film industry’s ‘golden era’. Its second instalment NTR Mahanayakudu was a highly political affair that explored his rise as a mass leader.A major part of the film focused on his attempts to save his government from a coup. NTR Mahanayakudu starred Balakrishna as ‘Annagaru’ and was one of the most ambitious films of his career.
One (Malayalam, 2021)
One, starring Mammootty as a charismatic and principled politician, highlighted how a good Chief Minister needs to rise above party lines and strive for the public’s welfare. The film also touched upon the ‘right to recall’. One resonated with the audience, especially on OTT, because of his strong message and Megastar’s earnest performance.
