Biopics serve as windows into the lives of individuals who have left an indelible mark on history, often navigating through turbulent waters of controversy. These movies offer not just a glimpse into their achievements and struggles, but also bring to screen certain infamous individuals who have rattled society. From leaders who reshaped nations to artists who challenged societal norms, the following biopics feature controversial individuals who gained infamy for numerous reasons.
1. The Wolf of Wall Street – Amazon Prime Video
Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, this biographical movie chronicles the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort, a New York stockbroker who indulges in a hedonistic lifestyle fueled by greed and corruption. The movie begins with Belfort’s humble beginnings and follows his meteoric rise as he establishes Stratton Oakmont, a brokerage firm that engages in securities fraud and corruption on Wall Street. Belfort’s success brings him immense wealth, leading to a life of excessive partying, drug addiction, and reckless behaviour. His extravagant lifestyle is marked by opulent mansions, yachts, and wild escapades. However, his greed for money and power draws the attention of the FBI. As the investigation into his illegal activities intensifies, Belfort’s empire crumbles, leading to his imprisonment. The movie is based on Belfort’s biography of the same name.
2. Haseena Parkar – YouTube
Starring Shraddha Kapoor in the title role, this biopic gives a fascinating glimpse into the life of Haseena Parkar, underworld don Dawood Ibrahim’s sister. The movie shows Haseena’s transformation from a young woman living a normal life into a powerful and feared figure in the Mumbai underworld. As Dawood’s criminal empire grows, Haseena finds herself increasingly entangled in his dark world. After her husband’s murder, Haseena takes on an active role in the underworld, eventually becoming known as the ‘Queen of Mumbai’. The biopic also gives a glimpse of her involvement in various criminal activities and her ability to command respect and fear within the male-dominated universe. The biopic is an interesting portrayal of a woman holding her own and carving a path in organised crime.
3. Shahid – Amazon Prime Video
Directed by Hansal Mehta and starring Rajkummar Rao in the title role, this compelling biographical drama tells the story of Shahid Azmi, a human rights lawyer and former militant who dedicated his life to defending those falsely accused of terrorism. The movie traces Shahid’s journey from his troubled youth to his tragic assassination in 2010. The narrative begins with Shahid witnessing the communal violence during the 1992 Bombay riots. Angered by the injustice and hatred, Shahid joins a militant training camp but abandons it after he sees violence. His life changes when he meets an older political prisoner while serving time in jail for his crimes. Shahid studies law and the movie then focuses on his career as a defence attorney in Mumbai, where he takes on cases of individuals wrongly accused of terrorism, often Muslim youngsters.
4. The People vs. Larry Flynt – Amazon Prime Video
This movie chronicles the tumultuous life of Larry Flynt (played by Woody Harrelson), the controversial publisher of Hustler magazine. The movie shows Flynt’s battles over freedom of speech and his fight against censorship, set against the backdrop of his rise from obscurity to notoriety. As the magazine’s popularity soars, Flynt becomes a target for moral and legal challenges, particularly from religious groups and conservative politicians. At the heart of the narrative is Flynt’s legal battle with evangelical minister Jerry Falwell (played by Richard Paul). The biopic also explores Flynt’s personal life, particularly his relationship with his wife Althea (Courtney Love), whose own struggles with addiction and illness add layers of complexity to Flynt’s character. Despite his often abrasive and unapologetic demeanour, Flynt is portrayed as a staunch defender of individual liberties.
5. The Dirty Picture – Amazon Prime Video
Vidya Balan delivers her career-best performance in this tantalising biopic inspired by the life of Silk Smitha, a South Indian actress and dancer known for her erotic roles and provocative dance numbers in the 1980s. The movie explores the rise and fall of a woman who challenged societal norms and became an iconic figure in the film industry through her unabashed sexuality and charisma. The movie also focuses on her turbulent relationships with important people from the entertainment industry, including director Abraham (Emraan Hashmi), ageing superstar Suryakant (Naseeruddin Shah), and writer Ramakanth (Tusshar Kapoor). Her life is marked by a series of personal and professional highs and lows, as she struggles with loneliness, exploitation, and the pressures of stardom.
6. J. Edgar – JioCinema
Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, this biopic explores the complex life and career of J. Edgar Hoover, the long-serving Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The movie delves into Hoover’s influence on American law enforcement, his personal life, and the controversies that surrounded him during his nearly five-decade tenure. Key events highlighted in the movie include Hoover’s crackdown on gangsters in the 1930s, his innovative use of forensic science, and his pursuit of communist and radical elements during the Cold War era. His relationship with his mother (Judi Dench) is also explored, highlighting the personal influences that shaped his character. The movie addresses his controversial tactics, such as his extensive use of illegal surveillance, his secret files on political leaders, and his manipulation of information to maintain power. Nonetheless, the biopic is a thought-provoking look at one of the most influential and controversial figures in American history.
7. Daddy – Amazon Prime Video
This biographical crime drama explores the life of Arun Gawli (played by Arjun Rampal), a notorious gangster turned politician from Mumbai. The movie chronicles Gawli’s rise from the slums of Mumbai to becoming one of the most feared figures in the city’s underworld, and his subsequent transformation into a political leader. The story begins in the 1970s and 1980s, a period of significant turmoil in Mumbai’s criminal landscape. It shows how the shutting down of the mills leads Gawli to the world of crime. The biopic presents a gritty look at Gawli’s life, focusing on his transition from a feared gangster to a political figure. The movie shows how, at times, lines are blurred between crime and politics – Gawli is seen by some as a Robin Hood-like figure and by others as a dangerous criminal.
