Year Ender 2025: From ‘Chhaava’ to ‘Homebound’: True-Story Films That Made History

The year 2025 stood out for Bollywood as filmmakers focused strongly on real-life stories. Films based on historical events and real personalities not only won the audience’s hearts but also performed remarkably at the box office. Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency portrayed the political turmoil of Indira Gandhi’s era, while Vicky Kaushal won praise as the Maratha warrior Sambhaji Maharaj in Chhaava. Sky Force saluted the bravery of the Indian Air Force, Kesari: Chapter 2 uncovered the untold layers of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and 120 Bahadur paid tribute to the martyrs of Rezang La. Phule inspired audiences with its powerful story of social reform.

Emergency

Bollywood’s cinematic year began with Emergency, released on January 17. Directed by Kangana Ranaut, the film is based on the life of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the Emergency period of 1975–77. Kangana herself portrayed Indira Gandhi, while Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Mahima Chaudhary, and Milind Soman appeared in key roles. Despite being surrounded by controversies due to its political theme, the film was appreciated for boldly depicting one of the darkest phases of Indian history.

Sky Force

Released on January 24, Sky Force elevated patriotic emotions among audiences. Starring Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya, the film is based on the true story of the Indian Air Force’s first air strike on Pakistan’s Sargodha airbase during the 1965 Indo-Pak war. Sara Ali Khan and Nimrat Kaur also played important roles. With its gripping narrative and emotional depth, the film received widespread appreciation from both viewers and critics.

Chhaava

Released on February 14, Chhaava brought the saga of Maratha valor to the big screen. Vicky Kaushal portrayed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, while Rashmika Mandanna appeared as his wife. Akshaye Khanna delivered a powerful performance as Aurangzeb. Based on Shivaji Sawant’s novel, the film showcased Sambhaji Maharaj’s bravery and his conflict with the Mughal empire. Grand battle sequences and strong performances helped the film emerge as a blockbuster.

The Diplomat

Released on March 14, The Diplomat is a political thriller inspired by real events. Starring John Abraham and Sadia Khateeb, the film narrates the story of Uzma Ahmed, an Indian woman who was forced into marriage in Pakistan and later rescued with the help of Indian diplomats. Directed by Shivam Nair, the film effectively balances diplomacy, courage, and human emotions.

Kesari: Chapter 2

Released on April 18, Kesari: Chapter 2 shed light on the untold story of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Akshay Kumar played the role of C. Sankaran Nair, who fought a historic legal battle against the British Empire after the massacre. The film powerfully portrayed the 1919 tragedy and the struggle for justice.

Phule

Released on April 25, Phule is based on the lives of 19th-century social reformers Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule. Directed by Anant Mahadevan, the film starred Pratik Gandhi as Jyotirao Phule and Patralekhaa as Savitribai Phule. It focuses on issues like caste discrimination, women’s education, and widow remarriage, highlighting the couple’s revolutionary contribution to social reform.

The Bengal Files

Directed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, The Bengal Files was released on September 5. The film is based on the 1946 Direct Action Day, the Great Calcutta Killings, and the Noakhali riots. Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Anupam Kher, and Darshan Kumar played key roles. Due to its sensitive subject matter, the film sparked intense debates and controversies.

120 Bahadur

Released on November 21, 120 Bahadur paid tribute to India’s real heroes. Farhan Akhtar portrayed Major Shaitan Singh, who displayed extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Rezang La in the 1962 Indo-China War. The film received a positive response from audiences.

Haq

Released on November 7, Haq is a powerful courtroom drama starring Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi. The film is inspired by the Shah Bano Begum case and highlights the historic legal battle for Muslim women’s rights and maintenance.

Homebound

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound portrays the painful journey of migrant workers during the COVID-19 lockdown. The film stars Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa in lead roles. Its sensitive storytelling and strong performances earned widespread appreciation.

The year 2025 clearly proved that when cinema connects with reality, its impact becomes far deeper. From Emergency to Homebound, these films brought stories of history, courage, struggle, and social change alive on the big screen. Despite controversies and debates, they compelled audiences to reflect and reaffirmed that true stories remain the most powerful form of cinema.