Ranbir Kapoor's Sanju to Kangana Ranaut's Thalaivii: 5 Bollywood biopics that boldly brought Indian film legends to big screen

A dramatised take on the controversial life of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, Sanju stars Ranbir Kapoor in a powerful performance that captures the actor’s struggle with drugs, media trials, and brushes with the law. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the film was both a box-office hit and a topic of heated debate for its sympathetic lens.

Thalaivii traces the inspiring yet tumultuous journey of J. Jayalalithaa, from a popular South Indian actress to one of Tamil Nadu’s most formidable political leaders. Kangana Ranaut plays the lead role with striking depth, highlighting both Jayalalithaa’s personal battles and her public legacy.

This critically acclaimed biopic captures the life of Savitri, the iconic actress of Telugu and Tamil cinema. Keerthy Suresh delivers an award-winning performance as the legendary star whose dazzling fame was later overshadowed by personal sorrow and addiction. The film was praised for its storytelling and period authenticity.

While never officially declared a biopic, Iruvar is heavily inspired by the lives of M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) and M. Karunanidhi. Directed by Mani Ratnam, with Mohanlal and Prakash Raj in lead roles, the film explores the entanglement of cinema and Tamil politics with poetic brilliance and layered storytelling.

Starring Nandamuri Balakrishna as his father N.T. Rama Rao, this film pays homage to the Telugu superstar-turned-politician. From playing mythological heroes on screen to becoming a real-life political force, the film charts NTR’s meteoric rise in both cinema and public service.