Netflix India is back with a big-budget documentary. Needless to say, Netflix has the art of making some of the best documentaries in the world. Perhaps the only competitor in documentaries Netflix has is BBC.
Regardless, the latest documentary on Veerappan is titled “The Hunt For Veerappan”. You must be aware that Ramgopal Verma has already made a full feature film on the infamous dacoit but if you are interested in good films based on dacoits then we have handpicked three movies for you.
“Bandit Queen” (1994) – YouTube
Directed by Shekhar Kapur, “Bandit Queen” is a stark and unflinching portrayal of the life of Phoolan Devi, one of India’s most infamous dacoits. Seema Biswas’s powerful performance brings to life the struggles, atrocities, and eventual transformation of Phoolan Devi from a victim of abuse to a fierce bandit leader. The film unapologetically delves into the harsh realities of caste-based discrimination, sexual violence, and oppression, while also highlighting Phoolan Devi’s journey towards seeking justice and retribution.
“Paan Singh Tomar” (2012) – Netflix
Tigmanshu Dhulia’s “Paan Singh Tomar” is a gripping biographical film that tells the true story of an athlete turned dacoit. Irrfan Khan’s remarkable portrayal of Paan Singh Tomar, an Army officer who becomes a feared rebel, offers an intimate look at the circumstances that drive individuals to take up arms against the establishment. The film masterfully captures the conflict between an individual’s loyalty to his nation and his fight against a system that has failed him. “Paan Singh Tomar” is a poignant exploration of the complexities of human nature and the choices one makes when pushed to the brink.
“Sonchiriya” (2019) – Zee5
Set against the backdrop of the Chambal ravines, “Sonchiriya,” directed by Abhishek Chaubey, presents a raw and realistic portrayal of a gang of dacoits during the 1970s. The film brings together a stellar ensemble cast, including Sushant Singh Rajput, Bhumi Pednekar, and Manoj Bajpayee, who deliver powerful performances. “Sonchiriya” delves into themes of redemption, camaraderie, and the cyclical nature of violence, as the characters grapple with their pasts while navigating a treacherous present.