The Road Ahead 2022: Real-life Stories Dominate Indian Films

A majority of films that have been announced for release in the new year, are based on real life events and people. Right from Akshay Kumar-starrer Prithviraj to the much-awaited SS Rajamouli’s RRR and the sports biopic Shabaash Mitthu, many movies set in the backdrop of reality are lined up for release in 2022.

RRR

SS Rajamouli’s next film, RRR, is set for a January 7 release. The Baahubali fame director has cast Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Jr. NTR, and Ram Charan in the film that is set in pre-independence India. RRR is a fictional take on real-life of freedom fighters Komaram Bheem and Alluri Seetharama Raju.

Prithviraj

Directed by Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi, Prithviraj is slated to hit theatres on January 21. The film is based on the life of Indian king Prithviraj Chauhan. The king is known for fighting against invader Muhammad of Ghor. Manushi Chhillar essays the role of princess Sanyogita. Dr Dwivedi is best known for the historical TV show Chanakya that was based on the life of the Indian political strategist by the same name.

The Kashmir Files

Vivek Agnihotri’s film is based on the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990. The movie is produced by Zee Studios and Tej Narayan Agarwal, Abhishek Agarwal, Pallavi Joshi and Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri. The Kashmir Files is scheduled for release in theatres on January 26.

Shabaash Mitthu

Directed by Srijit Mukherjee, Shabaash Mithu is a biographical film on Indian cricket team captain Mithali Raj and Taapsee Pannu plays the titular role in the film. Shabaash Mithu releases on February 4. The movie will chronicle the highs and lows, setbacks and moments of euphoria of Raj’s life.

Major

Directed by Sashi Kiran Tikka, the film traces the journey of Indian army officer Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan.

Adivi Sesh plays the lead role in the film that he also wrote. Major Unnikrishnan fought for the citizens of India and was martyred at the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai.

Sobhita Dhulipala, Saiee Manjrekar, Prakash Raj, Revathi and Murli Sharma are also part of the film. The movie was simultaneously shot in Telugu and Hindi languages. It has also been dubbed into Malayalam.  

Gangubai Kathiawadi

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ambitious movie is set for a theatrical release on February 18. The film features Alia Bhatt in the titular role and also stars Ajay Devgn in a pivotal role. Bhansali has adapted the film from a portion of Hussain Zaidi’s book, Mafia Queens of Mumbai and traces the story of a powerful, loved and respected brothel owner from Kamathipura, India. Gangubai Kathiawadi also stars Vijay Raaz, Indira Tiwari, and Seema Pahwa.

The film is set for a world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival that is set to be held from 10 to 20 February 2022.

Rocketry The Nambi Effect

R Madhavan’s movie is based on the life of Indian scientist S Nambi Narayan who was was accused of espionage. Narayan was a former aerospace engineer of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Directed by Madhavan himself, the film is set for an April 1 release.

Maidaan

Ajay Devgn essays the titular role of Syed Abdul Rahim in the film on football in India. The movie is set for a theatrical release on June 3.

The film is directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma who has earlier directed Badhai Ho. The film also features Priyamani, Gajraj Rao, and Rudranil Ghosh.

Maidaan is produced by Zee Studios, Boney Kapoor, Akash Chawla, and Arunava Joy Sengupta, screenplay and dialogues are written by Saiwyn Quadras and Ritesh Shah respectively.

Pippa

Ishaan Khatter will be seen in the movie that traces the life and struggles of Indian army officer Brigadier Mehta. It is set for a December 9 release. Brigadier Mehta fought on the eastern front during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. The war eventually led to the liberation of India’s neighbouring country Bangladesh. Mrunal Thakur, Priyanshu Painyuli and Soni Razdan will also be seen in the film that is directed by Raja Krishna Menon.