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Indian cinema has a long-standing tradition of portraying the rich cultural, social, and political landscapes of various regions across the country. Among them, the states of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Bihar have been a fertile ground for filmmakers, providing compelling narratives that explore complex themes and characters. Here, we delve into some of the most loved movies based on Bihar and UP, each offering a unique glimpse into the life and challenges in these regions.
Manjhi: The Mountain Man (2015)
Director: Ketan Mehta
Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Tigmanshu Dhulia
"Manjhi: The Mountain Man" is a biographical drama that tells the incredible story of Dashrath Manjhi, a poor laborer from Gehlaur village in Bihar. After his wife dies due to lack of medical care because the nearest hospital was 55 kilometers away, Manjhi takes it upon himself to carve a path through a mountain using only a hammer and chisel. Over 22 years, he single-handedly cuts through the mountain, reducing the distance to the hospital to just 15 kilometers. Nawazuddin Siddiqui's powerful portrayal of Manjhi brings to life the spirit of perseverance and determination against all odds. This film is one of the quintessential movies based on Bihar, showcasing the grit and resilience of its people.
Gangaajal (2003)
Director: Prakash Jha
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Gracy Singh, Mukesh Tiwari
"Gangaajal" is a crime drama set in the fictional town of Tezpur, Bihar. It revolves around the story of Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar, played by Ajay Devgn, who is determined to cleanse the corrupt system. The film highlights the police-criminal nexus and the prevalent social injustices. Prakash Jha's gritty narrative, combined with stellar performances, makes "Gangaajal" a hard-hitting commentary on law enforcement and corruption.
Jai Gangaajal (2016)
Director: Prakash Jha
Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Prakash Jha, Manav Kaul
A sequel to "Gangaajal," "Jai Gangaajal" continues the theme of battling corruption but with a fresh perspective. This time, the story follows SP Abha Mathur, portrayed by Priyanka Chopra, who is assigned to the same district and faces similar challenges. The film delves into the struggles of an honest officer in a deeply corrupt system, echoing the earlier film's intense exploration of morality and justice. It stands out among movies based on Bihar for its strong female lead and gripping storyline.
Gangs of Wasseypur (2012)
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Cast: Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Richa Chadda, Tigmanshu Dhulia
"Gangs of Wasseypur" is an epic crime saga set in the coal mafia-ridden town of Wasseypur in Jharkhand, which was formerly part of Bihar. The film, split into two parts, spans several decades and chronicles the bloody feud between two rival families. With its raw and authentic portrayal of violence, politics, and revenge, Anurag Kashyap's magnum opus features powerful performances by Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Richa Chadda. The film's gritty realism and intricate storytelling have made it a cult classic. This film is highly regarded among movies based on Bihar for its comprehensive depiction of the region's socio-political dynamics.
Aakrosh (2010)
Director: Priyadarshan
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Akshaye Khanna, Bipasha Basu, Paresh Rawal
"Aakrosh" is a socio-political thriller that sheds light on the issue of honor killings in a small village in Bihar. The film follows two CBI officers, played by Ajay Devgn and Akshaye Khanna, who are sent to investigate the disappearance of three medical students. As they uncover the brutal truth, they face resistance from the local authorities and villagers. "Aakrosh" is a gripping narrative that highlights the clash between tradition and modernity and the fight for justice in a deeply patriarchal society.
Apaharan (2005)
Director: Prakash Jha
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Nana Patekar, Bipasha Basu, Mohan Agashe
Another masterpiece by Prakash Jha, "Apaharan" is a crime drama set against the backdrop of the kidnapping industry in Bihar. The film stars Ajay Devgn as Ajay Shastri, an ambitious young man who gets entangled in the world of crime due to his desperation for quick money. Nana Patekar plays Tabrez Alam, a powerful politician-criminal who mentors Ajay. "Apaharan" offers a stark portrayal of the nexus between crime and politics, showcasing the moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught in this vicious cycle. As one of the impactful movies based on Bihar, it highlights the region's dark underbelly of crime and corruption.
Gulaab Gang (2014)
Director: Soumik Sen
Cast: Madhuri Dixit, Juhi Chawla, Divya Jagdale, Priyanka Bose
Inspired by the real-life vigilante group Gulabi Gang, "Gulaab Gang" is a drama film set in rural UP. It stars Madhuri Dixit as Rajjo, the fearless leader of a women's group fighting against social injustices, including domestic violence, child marriage, and dowry. Juhi Chawla plays the antagonist, a corrupt politician. The film highlights the strength and resilience of women in the face of systemic oppression, making it a powerful narrative of empowerment and justice.
Masaan (2015)
Directors: Neeraj Ghaywan
Cast: Richa Chadda, Vicky Kaushal, Sanjay Mishra, Shweta Tripathi
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Set in the sacred city of Varanasi, UP, "Masaan'' intertwines the lives of four individuals dealing with issues of caste, love, and societal pressure. The film follows Devi (Richa Chadda), who is ostracized for a premarital sexual encounter; Deepak (Vicky Kaushal), who falls in love with a girl from a higher caste; and the grief-stricken Vidyadhar Pathak (Sanjay Mishra), who is coping with the loss of his son. "Masaan'' received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of life and death along the Ganges, with poignant performances that resonate deeply with the audience. It is often compared to other movies based on Bihar for its realistic and heartfelt storytelling.
These movies based on Bihar and UP are celebrated not only for their storytelling but also for their authentic portrayal of the socio-cultural fabric of these states. They reflect the resilience, struggles, and triumphs of the people, making them relatable and impactful. Whether through the lens of biographical dramas, crime thrillers, or social commentaries, these movies have carved a niche for themselves in Indian cinema, continuing to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.
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