Indian and Bollywood action movies of epic scale
RRR is a fictional retelling of two freedom fighters Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem. The film gives us an explosive tale of what would have happened if they had joined hands to fight the British during their rule in India.
Bheem sets off to get revenge on Scott Buxton, a British officer after they kidnap a tribal girl. Raju, an officer is sent to stop Bheem but their interactions lead to a change in plans as Raju starts sympathising with him.
If you enjoyed the thrilling, action-packed, adrenaline rush of a movie that RRR was, well you’re in luck. With over 2,000 Indian movies being made in a year, there are bound to be some that can help you fill that sense of wanting more. Well, here are 10 similarly epic Indian movies to watch if you enjoyed RRR.
Lagaan
Similarities – British rule, underdog hero
Lagaan is set in the time period when the British rule in India was at its strongest as it follows a group of villagers who struggle due to a severe case of drought and constant taxation. After Bhuvan mocks a group of British for their childish cricket match, the villagers and the British officers come up with a deal.
If the Indian farmers win, no tax will be levied for the next two years. But if they lose, the officers will charge triple the tax raising the stakes of the game.
Baahubali
Similarities – Action, period setting
Directed by the same director of RRR, Baahubali is another South Indian epic film but this time based on Indian mythology. As an infant, Baahubali is saved after his mother prays to Lord Shiva before her death. He is found and adopted by a tribal family and named Shivudu as he has superpowers.
While he grows up to be a mischievous teenager, one day he spots Avantika, a rebel fighting off the guards of the tyrant king Bhallaladeva. As he falls for her, he decides to join her resistance.
K.G.F: Chapter 1
Similarities – Action, period drama
The K.G.F films are set in the 70s. When the West was dealing with the economic effects of the Cold War, India was similarly dealing with greedy and powerful men who were trying to monopolize the gold mines at the Kolar Gold Fields.
The series follows Rocky, a poor chap who goes from being a lackey to a highly respected mercenary. To keep his place, he must now listen to the orders of his mafia boss and kill the true heir of the KGF so they can take over the gold mines.
Sardar Udham
Similarities – British rule, revenge
Sardar Udham is a heartwrenching tale of the Indian freedom fighter Udham Singh who was spurred to action following the inhumane massacre in Jallianwala Bagh during the British rule. Following the event, he stalks those responsible and reaches London.
In a non-linear fashion, we see Udham teaming up with the Indian resistance in the city while gradually getting close to Michael O’Dwyer, the governor who had ordered the massacre.
Ponniyin Selvan: I
Similarities – Historical, action
The historical drama is set during the prosperous rule of the Chola dynasty in South India where the princes Aditha Karikala and Ponniyin Selvan are busy, expanding their kingdom’s territory. However, a whisper of a conspiracy to put their uncle Madurantaka on the throne has Aditha racing against time to stop the treachery with the help of his brother, his sister and his friend Prince Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan.
Jodhaa Akbar
Similarities – Historical, action
Jodhaa Akbar is an epic romantic drama based on the love story of Mughal Emperor Akbar and his Hindu wife, Jodhaa. For the sake of a diplomatic alliance, Raja Bharmal marries off his daughter, Jodhaa to Akbar. However, she is in love with Ratan Singh and does her best to get her marriage to Akbar cancelled but to no avail. Akbar on the other hand is busy with treachery and betrayals in his court leaving him no time to woo his queen.
Sholay
Similarities – Action, bromance
The iconic 1975 Western film follows Jai and Veeru, petty thieves who join hands with the inspector, Thakur after he begrudgingly asks for their help in catching the dacoit Gabbar Singh. Along with the reward of 50,000 Rupees, Thakur promises them additional money which convinces Jai and Veeru to head to the village being terrorized by Gabbar. On their way, they fall for Basanti and Radha while an incident with Thakur has them taking their mission seriously.
Eklavya
Similarities – Retelling, action
The film is a fantastical retelling of the mythical story of Eklavya but set in modern-day India where royalty and kingdoms still exist. Eklavya is an old royal guard who continues protecting the royal family of Devigarh even through their downfall. But the return of Prince Harshwardhan sets off a chain of incidents that slowly start exposing everyone’s secrets. Meanwhile, the king’s brother, Jyotiwardhan schemes to take over the kingdom.
Devdas
Similarities – Period drama
If you wished for more of Raju and Sita or even Bheem and Jenny, then turn to Devdas for the romantic angle. Set in the 1900s Bengal, Devdas and Paro have a joyous reunion when he returns from London after his studies to marry her.
However, a wrench is thrown in their plans when Devdas’ family rejects their marriage. While pining for Paro, Devdas turns into an alcoholic while befriending the courtesan Chandramukhi who also happens to be Paro’s friend.
Raajneeti
Similarities – Retelling
Raajneeti is yet another mythical retelling that takes the Indian epic Mahabharata and sets it in modern-day India. The Rashtrawadi party is led by Bhanu Pratap but after he has a stroke, his brother Chandra takes over the reins.
However, Chandra’s son Prithvi starts dominating which annoys his cousin and Bhanu’s son Veerendra. Chandra further adds fuel to the fire by pushing Veerendra out of the picture. Things start getting messy when Prithvi’s younger brother, Samar returns from USA and decides to take revenge on Veerendra who kills Chandra out of anger.
So there we have it, our 10 movie alternatives to watch when you’re finished watching RRR.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!