10 period dramas that you can watch anytime!

The grandeur of period films is unparalleled. The period films give a glimpse into a world that we have only read about in the history books. The efforts taken by the entire team to portray the regalness of the actors portraying the roles and the attention to detail when it comes to the sets and the language spoken in the film is truly commendable. While most period films receive adoration from the audience, there are a few films that can be watched again and again. Here are 10 such period films, you can add to your list: 

1. Jodhaa Akbar

The film starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as Jodhabai and Hrithik Roshan as Akbar was received by the audience with open arms. The fight choreography and the action shown in the film will leave you in awe of the dedication the actors put in for their roles. If you do not mind a longer runtime, Jodhaa Akbar is perfect for a quiet night in. 

2. Padmaavat

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his sets and the same was true for Padmaavat. The setting of the film is enough to reel you in. Add to that a stellar cast and one of the best villains in the history of cinema portrayed by Ranveer Singh, watching Padmaavat once is not enough. 

3. The Legend of Bhagat Singh

While there are many films based on India’s struggle for Independence, this film with Ajay Devgn playing Bhagat Singh is inarguably the best. The freedom fighter's passion for independence and the sacrifice he made for the nation will move you to tears. What’s more commendable is that the film does not shy away from showing the dark side of politics at the time of independence. 

4. Bajirao Mastani 

The story of Bajirao Mastani was lauded by audiences especially for Priyanka Chopra’s performance as Kashibai. The film is grand and simple at the same time striking a perfect contrast between the royal life and the innocent love between Peshwa Bajirao and Mastani. 

5. Mughal-e-Azam 

The famous story of Anarkali being imprisoned in the walls of Akbar’s palace has been told for generations and that is what made Mughal-e-Azam a magnum opus. The film is grand and the art directors have outdone themselves, especially considering the film was shot in the 60s. It won’t take you long to become a fanatic of the film. 

6. Asoka 

Asoka takes a different approach towards a period film. The film portrays the passionate prince who is not afraid to kill people to get what he wants, developing his character throughout the film until he becomes disillusioned with war and bloodshed. Shahrukh Khan has done an incredible job portraying Asoka. 

7. Devdas 

Devdas, based on the novel by Sharath Chandra Chattopadhyay has been adapted numerous times but it was Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s version in 2002 that caught the audience’s attention. The grandeur portrayed in the film contrasted with the inner turmoil of Devdas drowning himself in alcohol and sorrow. 

8. Lagaan

Lagaan may not be based on a true story with regards to the cricket match but the setting of the film was based on real-life circumstances faced by the rural population under British rule. The unfair tax laws that act as a catalyst for the match are heart-wrenching to watch. Lagaan remains an incredible rendition of pre-independence times. 

9. Mangal Pandey- The Rising

Based on the 1857 soldier mutiny, Aamir Khan stayed in character for close to 3 years for this film. Mangal Pandey captured the anger of the Indian soldiers in the East India Company when they discovered that the gun cartridges contained pig and beef fat. Although the film did not do well at the box office, it definitely deserves all the critical acclaim it accumulated. 

10. Border 

Border is based on the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The film occurs mostly in the warzone and has a stellar cast. Much like the war films of today, it does an excellent job of portraying the plight of the soldiers who have been given the responsibility of protecting the citizens of their country.