10 Best Biopics in Bollywood: Real-Life Stories on Screen 2025

Bollywood has always not only imagined its best stories but also turned them into reality. For decades, Indian filmmakers have introduced legends and unsung heroes to the common people through biographical films, making them household names. Filled with courage, struggle, and emotion, these biopics bring history to the fore. These biopics inspire millions.

From revolutionaries like Udham Singh to legends like Milkha Singh, from the bravery of Neerja Bhanot to the inspiring journey of Manoj Kumar Sharma from failing in 12th Fail, each film captures a piece of India’s soul. These films remind us that truth told through the lens of cinema can be far more compelling than fiction.

In recent years, the success of films like Shershaah, Raazi, and Paan Singh Tomar has shown that audiences crave movies with such stories. Today, biopics are not just films; they are histories that showcase human courage and aspects of real life. If you know more about the best biopics in Bollywood. So stay with us.

The Rise of Biopics in Modern Bollywood

Over the past two decades, Bollywood has witnessed a shift. Audiences who once flocked to see fictional heroes are now equally drawn to real-life heroes. This shift marks the golden age of biopics in Indian cinema, where truth and storytelling go hand in hand.

This shift began in the early 2010s, when critically acclaimed films like Paan Singh Tomar and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag proved that biopics could also be box-office hits. These films helped pave the way for a new generation of filmmakers like Shoojit Sircar, Meghna Gulzar, and Vishnuvardhan, all of whom presented biographical films with accuracy, emotion, and respect for history.

Streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and JioHotstar have further fueled this trend. They have allowed filmmakers to present nuanced real-life stories, from freedom fighters and war heroes to social reformers and controversial public figures. The result? A rich and introspective Bollywood that reflects truth over fiction.

These days, biopics don’t just glorify success; they delve deeper into human flaws, courage, and redemption. Whether it’s the powerful biopic of Sardar Udham, the bravery of Neerja, or the courage of a 12th-grade student, each film redefines what it means to be a hero in modern India.

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Modern Classics That Redefined the Genre

Bollywood has shown a fondness for real-life stories for quite some time now. These films transcend the screen, inspiring, educating, and telling their own stories. From patriotic revolutionaries to tireless athletes and everyday dreamers, these modern biopics have redefined the art of storytelling in Indian cinema. Here is some memorable and Best Biopics in Bollywood:

1. Sardar Udham

Directed by Shoojit Sircar, Sardar Udham is a biopic of revolutionary Udham Singh, a freedom fighter who avenged the Jallianwala Bagh massacre by assassinating British officer Michael O’Dwyer.

Vicky Kaushal delivers one of the best performances of his career, portraying the trauma and determination of a man scarred by history. With meticulous production design and a deeply emotional story, the film serves as a cinematic tribute to the unsung heroes who fought for India’s independence.

⭐ IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

2. The Legend of Bhagat Singh

Before historical biopics became mainstream, Rajkumar Santoshi’s “The Legend of Bhagat Singh” pioneered the biopic genre. Ajay Devgn’s portrayal of Bhagat Singh portrays a young man’s rebellion and sacrifice. With its authentic re-creation of colonial India and fiery dialogue, the film is one of Bollywood’s best tributes to revolutionaries.

⭐ IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

3. Paan Singh Tomar

Directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, Paan Singh Tomar is the true story of an Indian Army athlete who becomes a rebel due to the country’s systemic injustice. Irrfan Khan played Paan Singh Tomar in this film, and his unforgettable performance earned him a National Award. He helped showcase the true humanity within a man torn between honor and oppression.

⭐ IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

4. 12th Fail

12th Fail is based on the life of Indian IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma and depicts his perseverance, honesty, and hard work to achieve success. Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Vikrant Massey plays the role of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma. The film depicts the struggles faced by millions of students who overcome difficult circumstances to achieve their dreams. With its grounded story and honesty, it became a groundbreaking biopic and one of the most relevant biopics of recent times.

⭐ IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

5. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

It’s rare to see a film as powerful and impactful as “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.” It’s a film that so masterfully captures passion, patriotism, and personal pain. Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the film is based on the life of India’s greatest athlete, Milkha Singh. It chronicles Milkha Singh’s journey from a Partition survivor to an Olympic legend. Farhan Akhtar’s heartfelt performance made it a landmark in sports biopics.

⭐ IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

6. Neerja

This movie is based on the real-life heroism of Neerja Bhanot, a flight purser who sacrificed her life to save passengers during a plane hijack. Neerja’s story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Directed by Ram Madhvani, the film featured Sonam Kapoor in one of her career-best roles.

⭐ IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

7. Shershaah

Based on Captain Vikram Batra, one of the martyred heroes of the Kargil War, this film ignited courage and passion in the hearts of people upon its release. Sidharth Malhotra plays Captain Vikram Batra in this biopic. Today, Captain Vikram Batra is known for his bravery and patriotism. Directed by Vishnuvardhan, Shershaah depicts the intense scenes of the Kargil War with great emotion.

⭐ IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

8. Raazi

Set during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, Raazi tells the story of a young Indian woman who marries into a Pakistani military family to gather intelligence. Alia Bhatt’s performance and Meghna Gulzar’s skillful direction transform this espionage drama into a deeply human tale of sacrifice and duty.

⭐ IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

9. Shahid

Directed by Hansal Mehta, “Shahid” is a thrilling biopic of lawyer and human rights activist Shahid Azmi. Azmi fought for those falsely accused of terrorism. Rajkummar Rao’s performance in this film is restrained and powerful, earning him a National Award. The film is notable for its realistic storytelling and moral courage.

⭐ IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

10. Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi

Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi is the latest biopic released. This biopic traces the journey of Yogi Adityanath from a spiritual disciple to becoming the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Directed by Ravindra Gautam, written by Dilip Bachchan Jha and Priyank Dubey and inspired by Shantanu Gupta’s book “The Monk Who Became Chief Minister“, the film stars Anant Joshi, Paresh Rawal and Dinesh Lal Yadav in lead roles. 

The film received mixed reviews upon its release on 19 September 2025. The movie had a modest opening at the box office, earning around ₹20 lakh on its first day, however, it crossed the ₹1 crore mark over the weekend.

⭐ IMDb Rating: 6.4/10

Why Bollywood Biopics Continue to Inspire Audiences?

Bollywood biopics are emotional because they combine real-life struggles with cinema. Unlike fictional dramas, biopics offer audiences an intimate glimpse into the journeys, sacrifices, and triumphs of extraordinary individuals, whether they be freedom fighters, sports legends, social reformers, or political leaders.

Biopics like “The 12th Fail” and “Paan Singh Tomar” depict how ordinary people face impossible odds, while “Sardar Udham” and “The Legend of Bhagat Singh” remind audiences of the courage that shaped India’s history. Even modern films like “Raazi” and “Ajay: The Untold Story of a Yogi” explore moral dilemmas.

Another reason for these films’ enduring appeal is their authentic storytelling and undeniable emotions. With powerful performances, detailed direction, and emotionally charged screenplays, Bollywood biopics serve as both entertainment and a document of history.

Ultimately, these films transcend cinema. They inspire pride, empathy, and confidence, and inspire audiences with the idea that greatness often begins with ordinary lives and unwavering determination.

Conclusion

Bollywood biopics immerse audiences in stories of courage, struggle, and triumph. From Sardar Udham to 12th Fail and Ajay: The Untold Story of a Yogi, these films prove that real-life journeys can be as powerful as fiction. These films remind us that every person has the power to move, inspire, and bring about change.