We have been seeing many historical dramas in Hindi cinema for the past several years. Movies like Jodhaa Akbar take inspiration from real historical events, famous rulers or periods.
Whether it is the depiction of the third battle of Panipat in Panipat or Alauddin Khilji in Padmaavat, these historical dramas have been entertaining generations with their interesting storylines. It offers a cinematic experience blending facts and fiction.
So, if you want to delve into the past then this one is definitely for you.
10 movies like Jodhaa Akbar that will increase your history knowledge:
1. Emperor Prithviraj
- Cast: Akshay Kumar, Manushi Chillar and Sanjay Dutt
- IMDb rating: 5.6
- Release Year: 2022
- Genre: Action/War
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Samrat Prithviraj, releasing in 2022, stars Akshay Kumar and Manushi Chillar in the lead roles. While Akshay plays King Prithviraj Chauhan of the Chahamana dynasty, debutant Manushi has been cast as his on-screen wife Sanyogita in the film.
Directed by Chandra Prakash Dwivedi, the film also featured Sanjay Dutt, Sakshi Tanwar and Sonu Sood. It was based on the Braj language epic Prithviraj Raso.
2. Padmaavat
- Cast: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Shahid Kapoor
- IMDb Rating: 7.1
- Release Year: 2018
- Genre: Romance/Action
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Padmaavat featured Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor in the lead roles. Ranveer played the role of Alauddin Khilji, the ruler of the Khilji dynasty. Deepika was cast as Rajput queen Padmavati in the 2018 film. Shahid played the role of Raja Ratan Singh, the Rajput ruler of Mewar.
The film is based on the epic of the same name written by Malik Muhammad Jayasi. It tells the story of Khilji declaring war on Queen Padmavati and King Ratan Singh’s kingdom because he is obsessed with the queen.
The climax shows Khilji capturing Chittor and Rajput women committing Jauhar in the fort.
3. Ashoka
- Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, and Ajith Kumar
- IMDb rating: 6.4
- Release Year: 2001
- Genre: Action/War
- Where to watch: Netflix
Directed and co-written by Santosh Sivan, Ashoka was released in 2001. The film starred Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Ajith Kumar in lead roles. This 2001 film presents a dramatised version of the early life of Emperor Ashoka as a prince born into the powerful Maurya dynasty. Ashoka ruled a large part of the Indian subcontinent in the 3rd century BC.
Shahrukh’s character Ashoka fights for the throne with his elder half-brother Susima Maurya (played by Ajith). Ashoka is asked to leave his capital and live a life like a common man. He disguises himself as an ordinary traveler in the south. His life takes a turn when he meets Kaurvaki, the princess of the neighboring kingdom of Kalinga.
4. Mangal Pandey: The Rising
- Cast: Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji and Ameesha Patel
- IMDB Rating: 6.5
- Release Year: 2005
- Genre: War/Action
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Mangal Pandey: The Rising is a historical biographical film released in 2005. Its story is based on the life of Mangal Pandey, a late Indian soldier in the army of the British East India Company. Aamir Khan played the lead role in this 2005 film.
Directed by Ketan Mehta, the film highlights historical events related to the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence. Rani Mukerji was cast as Heera, a prostitute who falls in love with Mangal Pandey.
5. Bajirao Mastani
- Cast: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra
- IMDb rating: 7.3
- Release Year: 2015
- Genre: Romance/Action
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Based on the life of Maratha Peshwa Bajirao I, Bajirao Mastani starred Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra in the lead roles. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film is based on the romantic love triangle between Bajirao and his two wives, Kashibai and Mastani.
Ranveer played the lead role of Peshwa Bajirao, and Deepika played his second wife, Bundelkhand’s warrior princess Mastani. Priyanka played his first wife, Kashibai. Bajirao’s marriage to Mastani is opposed by his family, as she belongs to Muslim heritage. In one scene, a grief-stricken Kashibai compares their love to that of Krishna and Rukmini and tells Bajirao to never enter her chamber again.
6. The story of Bhagat Singh
- Cast: Ajay Devgan, Sushant Singh, Amrita Rao
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Release Year: 2002
- Genre: Action/Drama
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
The Legend of Bhagat Singh, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, is one of the best biographical period films in Hindi cinema. The 2002 film starred Ajay Devgn in the lead role of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, who contributed to India’s independence. Sushant Singh was cast as Sukhdev, and D Santosh’s character was named Rajguru.
The film depicts the life of Bhagat Singh from his childhood to becoming a revolutionary during the British rule. It highlights historical events such as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Chauri Chaura incident, lathi charge against Simon Commission and the death sentence of Bhagat Singh.
Amrita Rao played Bhagat Singh’s fiancée in the film. In the climax, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru are hanged on March 23, 1931, a day before their trial.
7. Mughal-e-Azam
- Cast: Dilip Kumar, Madhubala and Prithviraj Kapoor
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Release Year: 1960
- Genre: Romance/War
- Where to watch: ZEE5
Mughal-e-Azam, starring Dilip Kumar, Madhubala and Prithviraj Kapoor, is a historical drama released in 1960. Directed by K. Asif, the film tells the story of Prince Salim, played by the ‘Tragedy King’ Dilip Kumar, and his love for court dancer Anarkali, played by Madhubala. Salim’s father, the Mughal emperor Akbar, disapproves of their relationship, leading to a war between father and son.
Akbar has Anarkali bricked into the wall and plans to bury her alive because she agrees to save Prince Salim’s life. This 1960 film is a masterpiece of cinema that is still remembered for its grandeur and brilliant acting.
8. Mohenjo Daro
- Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde, and Kabir Bedi
- IMDB Rating: 4.1
- Release Year: 2016
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Where to watch: Disney+Hotstar
Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, Mohenjo Daro is based on the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. The film follows Hrithik Roshan’s character Sarman, a young farmer who travels to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Mohenjo Daro city to trade his goods. He falls in love with Chaani (Pooja Hegde’s character) in the city.
Both of them challenge the oppressive rule of the city’s dictator Senate Chief Maham (Kabir Bedi). Actor Arunoday Singh is also in an important role in it.
9. Panipat
- Cast: Arjun Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Sanjay Dutt
- IMDb rating: 5.2
- Release Year: 2016
- Genre: War/Action
- Where to watch: Netflix
Based on the Third Battle of Panipat, Panipat starred Arjun Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Sanjay Dutt in the lead roles. This 2016 film is an epic drama that depicts the events that led to the Battle of Panipat.
Arjun plays the role of Sadashiv Rao Bhau, the commander of the Maratha army. Sadashiv is tasked with leading the Maratha army and fighting against the Afghan ruler Ahmed Shah Abdali (played by Sanjay).
Kriti Sanon was cast in the role of Parvati Bai, wife of Sadashiv Rao Bau in Ashutosh Gowariker’s film.
10. Kesari
- Cast: Akshay Kumar and Parineeti Chopra
- IMDb Rating: 7.4
- Release Year: 2019
- Genre: Action/War
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Based on the Battle of Saragarhi in 1897, Kesari is based on the life of Havaldar Ishar Singh, a Sikh soldier in the British Indian Army. The 2019 film starred Akshay Kumar in the lead role of Havaldar Ishar. Parineeti Chopra played his wife Jivani Kaur.
Directed by Anurag Singh, Kesari depicts the historical events of the battle between 21 Sikh soldiers and 10,000 Afghan tribesmen.
Have you watched these historical dramas? If not, add them to your watch list.
Also read: 4 Manushi Chillar movies you must watch: Samrat Prithviraj, Operation Valentine and more
