What do Indian directors almost always do wrong when making a biopic?

120 Bahadur is based on legend of Rezang La in Ladakh.

Famous : 120 Bahadur is based on legend of Major Shaitan Singh and his valiant troops.

These 20 brave hearts. from Kumaon Regiment took on a division of Chinese army during 1962 war.

They fought to their last breath and their bodies were located holding guns and national flag.

Their unseen bravery earned him super heroic status.

Interestingly, their bravery earned praise from Chinese army also.

Film : Well, Farhan Akhtar made 120 Bahadur based on battle of Rezang La.

Well, he enacted role of Major Shaitan Singh who earned Param Vir Chakra (posthumous)

It had many actors who supported main lead.

Flop : But, biopic met with controversy. There were protests against it in some states.

Family members, close acquaintances and army veterans didn’t like this movie.

Many felt , it was romantic themed rather than serious war movie.

Critics point out, it was neither promoted well nor had good music and direction.

Facts : Biopics are based on well researched subjects.

It is about legends that often change fate of a historic event.

A biopic is not merely about a protagonist ; but people; who impact him.

A biopic needs seasoned film maker; who can articulate facts without any controversy.

Prayer : Salutations to 120 brave hearts ! Jai Hind !

Pic Credits : Google Images / Web

What is wrong with Indian biopic movies?

 This person is Ravana.

He is the prime antagonist of the epic Ramayana.

However, there are some people, who are interested to tell the whole Ramayana from Ravana’s point of view. They show him as the tragic hero, who climbed to a great height with his will-power, knowledge and skill and then liberally let his ego consume him to bring his downfall.

They were of the belief that there could be strong reasons why a learned scholar and a great ruler turned evil. So they were more interested to explore this angle and drama within this journey of transformation. A lot of films, novels and sitcoms were made this way.

There is nothing wrong in it.

However,

All of these works ignore one aspect during this process.

That Ravana was a serial rapist and he raped many women, before he was cursed to not touch any woman without her consent.

Why?

Because the moment you show someone as serial rapist you cannot empathise with them. You mind will instantly shift to the victims and the pain inflicted on them. You cannot see him as hero no matter what the redemption is.

Likewise, Indian biopic movies, by and large, omit the nasty traits or habits of the protagonist. They make him supremely talented/do-gooder from the beginning.

They don’t dare to show him to be opportunistic, selfish, uncaring etc.

This is where most of Hollywood films are different. Be it The Founder or Amadeus or Chaplin, they humanise the protagonist and show his flaws while Indian films deify them.