7 Must Watch Period Films From Bollywood With Strong Women Characters

Over the years, Bollywood has come up with many period films. Some have made history at the box office, others have achieved critical acclaim and some have created a special place in the hearts of a cine goer for their grandeur. Revisiting history and retelling it is a skill. These period films transport us back in time. Beautiful sets, royal looks, jewellery and seeing the regal characters walk around on screen has a charm. So here is a list of period films that are a must-watch.

Here Are 7 Must Watch Period Films From Bollywood

Padmaavat

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's famous and controversial movie Padmaavat starred Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Aditi Rao Hydari and Jim Sarbh. The movie was based on a poem by Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi in 1540. The story shows the era of medieval India when Sultan Alauddin Khilji attacks Mewar to try and capture their Queen Padmavati who was astonishingly beautiful. The film received mixed reviews and is one of the most expensive Bollywood films ever made. The film talked about Jauhar or the fabled act of jumping into the fire by women to avoid being raped and captured by the invading army.

Lagaan

Lagaan gained immense popularity and was even nominated at the Academy Awards. The setting of the film is that of colonial India directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. The movie starred Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh in the lead role. The story is set in a small village where the villagers were exploited by the Britishers through taxes. The villagers in the movie were challenged for a cricket match by a Britisher officer as a chance to avoid the taxes.

British actor Rachel Shelley plays the pivotal role of being the cricket coach to the villagers against her brother's wish.

Gracy Singh alongside co-star Aamir Khan in Lagaan

Mughal-E-Azam

The most talked-about period film from Bollywood, directed by K Asif, Mughal-E-Azam showcases the era of Akbar’s reign. The story of the film revolved around a love story between Salim and Anarkali. Prince Salim, (who later became Emperor Jahangir) falls in love with Anarkali who is a courtesan. The story of love not accepting any barriers has a cult status that few other films have achieved. A coloured version of Mughal-E-Azam was released later in the year 2006. The film starred Prithviraj Kapoor, Madhubala, Durga Khote and Dilip Kumar.

Bajirao Mastani

The film by Sanjay Leela Bhansali went through a lot of controversies when it was about to release. The film revolves around the story of Peshwa Bajirao and the love story with second wife Mastani. Many religious groups were upset with Bhansali because of the portrayal of the historical characters. The movie is based on the Marathi novel ‘Raau’ by the writer Nagnath S. Inamdar. The film stars Ranveer Singh as Bajirao, Deepika Padukone as Mastani and Priyanka Chopra as Kashibai.

Jodhaa Akbar

The movie focuses on the love story between the Mughal Emperor Jala-ud-din-Muhammad Akbar and Rajput princess Jodhaa Bai who retains her identity and plays an equal partner to the emperor. The movie has beautiful costumes and sets too.

Picture Credit: YouTube

Zubeidaa

The movie is based on a story by Khalid Mohammed. The story is of an actress who is struggling to break free out of a very patriarchal society. Later she ends up being the youngest queen of a Rajput prince Hanwant Singh of Jodhpur. Shyam Benegal directed the film. Karisma Kapoor won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her role in and as Zubeidaa.

Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi

Helmed by actor Kangana Ranaut Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi released in 2019. The film broke box office records for being highest single day earner for a female driven film. Ranaut's portrayal of Rani Lakshmi Bai earned her the National Film Award.

Suggested Reading: Indian Historical Films That Will Make You Relive The Ancient Era