The only way we could experience the royalty of ancient India is through books and movies. Books and movies have the power to transport us to the times of kings and queens. Elephants, sky-touching palaces, sarees, and poshaks knitted in gold are all so palpable when experienced through these mediums. Well, let us keep books off the table for now and have a look at the five best movies of historical importance that will take you on a tour to 16th century India.

     1. Jodha Akbar (2008, Hindi)

Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, Jodha Akbar tells the story of the famous Mughal emperor Akbar and his wedding to Jodha, a Rajput princess as a part of a political alliance. Hindu Muslim weddings like today brought in with it much hatred and enmity back then too. With all the minute detailing, the film is visually pleasing to watch. Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai, who play Akbar and Jodha, prove to us that no one could have done it better.

      2. Mughal-E-Azam (1960, Hindi)

Mughal-E-Azam is considered to be a milestone in this genre. It earned praise from critics for its grandeur and attention to detail. The much-heard folklore on the unconditional love between Anarkali and Salim has been beautifully visualized in the movie. The film broke all collection records to emerge as the highest-grossing Indian film during that time.  It also fetched Madhubala (who played Anarkali) the title of iconic Indian actress. The coming generation will always remember Madhubala as the stunningly graceful Anarkali from Mughal-E-Azam. The songs from the film like, ‘Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya’ still tops the chart.

  3. Bajirao Mastaani (2015, Hindi)

The saga of the great Peshwa emperor Bajirao and his second wife, a princess, and dancer, Mastaani is a visual treat. The royal set and the elegant performances by the lead actors make Bajirao Mastani a worth-watching historical drama. The loyalty of Kashibai, Bajirao’s first wife, the trouble Mastaani faces being a Muslim, and Peswa’s turmoil regarding his wives and territory are the elements that complete the film. Peshwa Bajirao is indeed Ranveer Singh’s best performance so far.

      4. Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha (1989, Malayalam)

The dialogues of Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha are still popular among Malayali movie lovers. Having four National Film Awards to its credit, the film emerged as the third greatest Indian film of all time by an online poll conducted by IBN. The movie is based on the ancient Malayalam folklore of “Chatiyan Chanthu” (cheater Chanthu), a valiant yet most misunderstood warrior in our history. This film still finds its place in discussions in spite of so many years of its release.

  5. Padmaavat (2018, Hindi)

In spite of facing a lot of criticism, the film grossed more than 100 crores and won the hearts of many. Deepika Padukone stunned us as the beautiful and clever queen Padmavati, the second wife of the Rajput king Maharawal Ratan Singh (played by Shahid Kapoor). The evil Alauddin Khilji (played by Ranvir Singh), having heard of her incomparable beauty, tries to win her by waging a war. The Jauhar scene where all the ladies of the palace kill themselves in a huge bonfire is spine-chilling and brings you goosebumps. It is the best scene in the entire film. Deepika embodies the grace of queen Padmavati effortlessly.

Which is your favorite historical film? Comment below.

Anjali Pillai

I can’t stop talking about films, so I blog!

I started The FourthWall, my film blog, to share my thoughts on films and shows with fellow movie buffs, and over the years it has become my happy place. Come join in for some interesting conversations on cinema… and sometimes books and fashion!

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