Biopics that delve deep into the lives of remarkable figures

The eternal debate about biopics revolves around whether the film depicting a person’s life should just stick to facts or be allowed to take creative liberties for cinematic glory. Many strongly feel that such films should stick to facts and detail events accurately as manipulating the story even a bit could defeat the purpose of realizing a true story on the screen. Such debates have become pertinent, particularly after biopics such as Sanju and PM Narendra Modi, which were accused of resembling hagiographies and blatant attempts to white-wash certain parts of their chequered life.So, here’s our pick of biopics which serve as authentic representation of lives less ordinary:

Malcolm X- LionsgatePlay

Spike Lee’s iconic sixth film on the American civil rights leader has to be one of the most compelling accounts of a fascinating life led by the American Muslim leader and voice of the Black community. Starring Denzil Washington as the eponymous lead, the film delves deep into the charismatic leader’s life. It introduces us to his modest upbringing and how he was constantly profiled for being a man of colour before going on to become a preacher, almost a consequence of his circumstances. Like Gandhi, this film details various pertinent events in Malcolm’s life that contributed to his personality and fuelled his drive to seek social justice and respect for the Black Muslim community. Considered one of the most compelling biographies ever made, Malcolm X is among the few films to be selected by the Library of Congress for National Film Registry as it was deemed to be culturally, historically and aesthetically significant. Now that’s just three more reasons to catch this moving biopic.Malcolm X can be streamed on LionsgatePlay.

Lincoln

Based on the final moments in the life of the 16th American president, Steven Spielberg’s biopic on Abraham Lincoln makes for an immersive watch. Daniel Day-Lewis’ Oscar-winning performance as the American statesman is beyond compelling and conforms to the perception most hold about the man who passed the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery.Keeping one hooked and consistently engaged is a challenge faced by most biopics since they are essentially narrating a story that has already been told. On that front, Spielberg manages well, lacing the Kentucky-born president’s political career with his affable personality. This is a film that depicts how leaders drive change and get things done.Lincoln can be streamed on Sony LIV

Bandit Queen

Bandit Queen has to be among the most controversial biopics to have ever released in India. Based on the tumultuous and remarkable life of Chambal’s infamous dacoit Phoolan Devi, this biopic stars Seema Biswas, Nirmal Pandey and Manoj Bajpayee and Gajraj Rao in supporting roles. The film is lauded among Shekhar Kapur’s finest works and recreates the terrifying and inspiring events in the life of the lady dacoit who was wanted for various cases of robbery, murder among other crimes.Bandit Queen can be streamed on LionsgatePlay.

Ali

It’s not surprising that a biopic on the three-time heavy weight boxing champion Muhammad Ali would make for an inspiring watch. But this Will Smith-starrer which was nominated for two Oscars follows the remarkable boxer’s life in all its glory. The film particularly focuses on the years when Ali bagged the heavyweight title and was later banned from the sport, only to make his astounding comeback in later years. The film also depicts the social and political environment of the time and also elaborately illustrates Ali’s personal life, his conversion to Islam and his strong critical views on the Vietnam war. For those who haven’t watched it yet, add this knockout biopic to your watchlist right away.Ali can be streamed on LionsgatePlay.

Well that's the OTTplay List hai toh hit hai episode for today , until the next time it's your host Nikhil signing out.

Aaj kya dekhoge OTTplay se poocho

Written by Kunal Guha