70 years of Independence: 8 Bollywood movies that gave India global appeal

70th years of Independence: 8 Bollywood movies that gave India global appeal

Gandhi - Based on the life of Mahatma Gandhi, 'Gandhi' is a 1982 British-Indian epic biographical drama film. The movie covers all major events of Gandhi's life from his journey in South Africa in 1890s and his assassination in 1948. Written by John Briley, 'Gandhi' was directed by Richard Attenborough and stars Ben Kingsley in the title role. The biographical drama got worldwide recognition for its direction, performance and screen play. It went on win eight honors in the prestigious Academy awards that year, which included Best Picture and Best Director for Attenborough, Best Actor for Ben Kingsley, and Best Original Screenplay for Briley. Besides, it also won several honors in 40th Golden Globe Awards, 36th British Academy Film Awards and many more.

70th years of Independence: 8 Bollywood movies that gave India global appeal

Pather Panchali - A Satyajit Ray directorial debut, 'Pather Panchali' is a Bengali drama was released in 1955. The movie was based on Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay's novel of the same name and revolves around the childhood of lead character Apu, his sister Durga and their struggle with poverty. 'Pather Panchali' was praised for its realism and soul-stirring and marked a turning point in Indian cinema. Interestingly, the movie became the first Indian movie to get international recognition post Independence. it won India's National Film Award for Best Feature Film in 1955, the Best Human Document award at the 1956 Cannes Film Festival, and several other awards.

70th years of Independence: 8 Bollywood movies that gave India global appeal

Mother India - The popular Bollywood movie of 1957 'Mother India' has been one of the best movies ever made. Helmed by Mehboob Khan, the movie stars Nargis, Sunil Dutt, Rajendra Kumar, and Raaj Kumar. 'Mother India' is termed as the symbol of women. Interestingly, it is one of the most expensive movies ever made in Indian cinema and lists in the category of all-time box office hits. 'Mother India' was India's first entry for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1958, where the movie lost the award by just one vote. The movie won the All India Certificate of Merit for Best Feature Film, the Filmfare Best Film Award for 1957, while Nargis and Mehboob Khan won the Best Actress and Best Director awards respectively.

70th years of Independence: 8 Bollywood movies that gave India global appeal

Lagaan - Helmed by Ashutosh Gowariker, 'Lagaan' is a sports drama that is set in the era of British Raj where the Indian villagers were pressurized with heavy taxes. Starring Aamir Khan in the lead, the story takes an intriguing turn after Khan's character turns out to be a rebel and comes across an extraordinary situation to win a cricket match in order to get rid of taxes. 'Lagaan' was highly acclaimed across the world and won accolades at several international film events. It was not just one of the biggest box office hits of 2001, 'Lagaan' became the third Indian film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film after 'Mother India' and 'Salaam Bombay!'

70th years of Independence: 8 Bollywood movies that gave India global appeal

Rang De Basanti - A Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, 'Rang De Basanti' was a multi-starrer movie depicting the 'young India' and how their life changes after they get to act in a movie based on freedom fighters. The movie opened to a heart-warming response breaking all box office records. 'Rang De Basanti' won critical acclaim for its story and dialogues and even won a National award for the most popular film along with titled as a blockbuster at the box office. It was subsequently nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2006 BAFTA Awards. Rang De Basanti was chosen as India's official entry for the Golden Globe Awards and the Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category.

70th years of Independence: 8 Bollywood movies that gave India global appeal

Taare Zameen Par - A 2007 release 'Taare Zameen Par', the movie stars Aamir Khan and child actor Darsheel Safary and revolves around the story of a dyslexic child and his everyday struggle in the world around him. Directed by Khan himself, 'Taare Zameen Par' came as an eye-opener for parents regarding their child's psychology. The movie received several awards, including the Filmfare Best Film Award for 2008 and the 2008 National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare. Notably, 'Taare Zameen Par' was India's official entry for the 2009 Academy Awards Best Foreign Film, however, it wasn't short-listed.

70th years of Independence: 8 Bollywood movies that gave India global appeal

Dangal - Starring superstar Aamir Khan in the lead role, 'Dangal' is a biopic based on renowned wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his struggle to make his daughters Geeta and Babita world champions. The movie was one of the most talked about movies in 2016 and opened to a commendable response at the box office. 'Dangal' won rave views from the critics for its honest depiction of a real-life story and Khan's performance. 'Dangal' received a similar response from across the world. It was also screened at the Beijing International Film Festival in April 2017 and second BRICS festival in June 2017. Not just the movie won accolades at film events, it also emerged as a blockbuster at box-office both in India and international market. 'Dangal' became highest-grossing Indian film and the fifth highest grossing non-English film.

70th years of Independence: 8 Bollywood movies that gave India global appeal

Baahubali series - Well, we are yet to overcome the fan frenzy created by Prabhas as 'Baahubali' in SS Rajamouli's directorial franchise 'Baahubali'. The franchise which came up with two segments - 'Baahubali: The Beginning' and 'Baahubali: The Conclusion' and the makers made sure to astound the viewers by its special effects, storyline, and performances. The first installment of 'Baahubali' franchise came in 2015 was made with a budget of Rs 180 core, making it the most expensive Indian film at its time of release. 'Baahubali' opened to a mammoth collection at the box office and became the highest-grossing film in India and the third-highest grossing Indian film worldwide, and the highest-grossing South Indian film at the time of its release. It received several accolades. It won the National Film Award for Best Special Effects and Best Feature Film, becoming the first Telugu film to win the award. The history was repeated with the second installment of the franchise as well. 'Bahubali 2' earned a massive box office collection, taking film production to an altogether different level. 'Baahubali 2' has become the highest grossing movie in India and the second highest grossing movie in worldwide collections.