10 Historical Films About Ancient Indian Kingdoms

Description: This film is set in the 19th century and follows the life of Veer Pratap Singh, a Pindari warrior, who fights against British rule and for the rights of his people.

Fact: Salman Khan, the lead actor, performed most of his stunts himself, including riding horses and engaging in sword fights.

Description: This biopic captures the life of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, one of the leading figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against the British East India Company.

Fact: Kangana Ranaut, who played Rani Lakshmibai, underwent rigorous training in horse riding, sword fighting, and martial arts.

Description: A classic tale of love and conflict between Prince Salim and courtesan Anarkali, set during the reign of Emperor Akbar, showcasing the grandeur of the Mughal court.

Fact: It was one of the most expensive films of its time, with a budget equivalent to several Hollywood blockbusters. The song "Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya" was filmed in one continuous take.

Description: While not directly about an ancient kingdom, this film portrays the life of Bhagat Singh, a revolutionary freedom fighter, reflecting the spirit of resistance against British rule in India.

Fact: Ajay Devgn, who played Bhagat Singh, did not use any body double for the scenes involving physical action or torture.

Description: Set in the 16th century, this film tells the story of the marriage between Mughal Emperor Akbar and Rajput princess Jodhaa, highlighting the cultural integration and political alliances of the time.

Fact: The film's sets were meticulously recreated to reflect the architectural styles of the Mughal and Rajput periods. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan learned sword fighting for her role.

Description: This epic drama recounts the love story between the Maratha Peshwa Bajirao I and his second wife Mastani, set against the backdrop of political intrigue and warfare in the 18th century.

Fact: The film's climax features a grand battle sequence that took over a month to shoot. Deepika Padukone, who played Mastani, trained in Kathak dance for her role.

Description: Based on the epic poem "Padmavat," this film narrates the story of Rani Padmavati, the queen of Mewar, and her legendary beauty, which leads to the siege of Chittor by Sultan Alauddin Khilji.

Fact: The film's production faced numerous controversies and protests. The set of Chittor Fort was one of the largest ever constructed for a Bollywood film.

Description: This film tells the tale of Tanaji Malusare, a Maratha warrior, and his heroic efforts to recapture the Kondhana fort from the Mughals in the 17th century.

Fact: The film used CGI to recreate the fort of Kondhana, and Ajay Devgn, who played Tanaji, performed many of his own stunts.

Description: The film narrates the story of Prithviraj Chauhan, a Rajput king who fought against the Ghurid Empire in the 12th century, showcasing his valor and leadership.

Fact: Akshay Kumar, who portrayed Prithviraj, had to learn archery for the role, and the film features one of the largest battle sequences in Indian cinema.

Description: This film explores the life of Emperor Asoka, who ruled much of the Indian subcontinent in the 3rd century BCE. It captures his transformation from a fierce warrior to a benevolent ruler who embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War.

Fact: Shahrukh Khan, known for his romantic roles, underwent a significant physical transformation for this role. The film was shot in various locations across India to authentically depict the era.