A real-life success story always hits differently. Bollywood has been serving up some incredible movies inspired by real-life heroes. Be it an underdog’s struggle to crack a competitive exam or a mother’s struggle for justice in a foreign land, the stories never fail to hit the right spot. If you’re also looking to watch some of these inspiring stories, then this list of films should be your go-to.
1. 12th Fail
Cast: Vikrant Massey, Medha Shankr, Anant V Joshi
Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
12th Fail took the internet by storm. Based on the life of IPS Officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, this moving film is a masterclass in perseverance.
2. Srikanth
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Jyothika, Alaya F, Sharad Kelkar
Director: Tushar Hiranandani
Where to Watch: Netflix
Another emotional and inspiring movie is Srikanth, a heartwarming tribute to Srikanth Bolla. The 2024 film showcases how the visually impaired industrialist defied all odds to build an empire.
3. Amar Singh Chamkila
Cast: Diljit Dosanjh, Parineeti Chopra
Director: Imtiaz Ali
Where to Watch: Netflix
The film unfolds the vibrant yet tragic story of Punjab’s original rockstar, Amar Singh Chamkila. While the storyline is captivating, its music hits out of the park.
4. Sam Bahadur
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Sanya Malhotra, Fatima Sana Shaikh
Director: Meghna Gulzar
Where to Watch: ZEE5
Sam Bahadur is a dignified tribute to one of India’s greatest military heroes, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.
5. Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway
Cast: Rani Mukerji, Anirban Bhattacharya, Jim Sarbh, Neena Gupta
Director: Ashima Chibber
Where to Watch: Netflix
Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway narrates the tale of a mother who challenged the entire country’s legal system to get her children back. The gut-wrenching story of Sagarika Chakraborty is worth every applause it received after its release.
6. M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story
Cast: Sushant Singh Rajput, Kiara Advani, Disha Patani, Anupam Kher
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story is the biographical film of ace Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni. From the railway platforms of Kharagpur to the iconic World Cup-winning six, this movie celebrates the journey of Captain Cool.
7. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Sonam Kapoor, Divya Dutta, Pavan Malhotra
Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Where to Watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is a sports biopic telling the story of The Flying Sikh, Milkha Singh.