75th Independence Day special: Watch these 5 Telugu biopics, based on the lives of freedom fighters, for a dose of patriotism

Patriotism is the theme that unites everyone irrespective of their caste, language, region, and religion. Remembering the sacrifices made by freedom fighters is a great way of honouring the freedom that we currently enjoy. And what better medium than films to help commemorate these national heroes. While the Telugu film industry hasn't focussed much on this genre, the few films that it has managed to make to document the lives of these martyrs, are worth a watch. Take a look:

This biographical war film, originally made in Tamil by BR Panthulu, enjoyed critical acclaim as well as commercial success. A biopic on Veerapandiya Kattabomman, an 18th-century Tamil Palayakarrar, and chieftain in Tamil Nadu, who refused to accept the sovereignty of the British East India Company and waged a war against them, it film featured 'Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Padmini, S.Varalakshmi, Ragini' in important roles. It was one of the biggest hits in South India upon release and was later dubbed in Telugu.

This one is a biographical action film on an Indian revolutionary who was involved in the Indian independence movement. Alluri led the Rampa Rebellion of 1922, during which a band of tribal people and other sympathisers fought against 'British Raj' in the border areas of the East Godavari and Visakhapatnam regions of Madras Presidency. Directed by V Ramachandra Rao, written by Tripuraneni Maharadhi, the film featured Krishna, Vijaya Nirmala, and Jaggayya. It continues to be one of the most talked-about movies even today.

Andhra Kesari is a historical biographical film based on the valour of Tanguturi Prakasam. Vijayachander, who directed and produced the film, also played the titular role of Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu who was the first Chief Minister of the Madras Presidency, and also the first Chief Minister of Andhra state. He was generally referred to as the Lion of Andhra-Andhra Kesari’, which inspired the name of the film.

Directed by V. Vijayendra Prasad, the film, which revolved around the life of freedom fighter Suddala Hanmanthu who lead the Razakar movement against the British Raj, was produced and headlined by Akkineni Nagarjuna. It also featured Sneha and Baby Annie. Rajanna was well-received upon its release, and also won several Nandi awards and one Filmfare Award for Baby Annie in the Best Supporting Actress category.

Based on the life of 2nd century AD and Satavahana ruler 'Gautamiputra Satakarini', who was one of the most powerful Kings of the 'Satavahana Dynasty, the film featured Nandamuri Balakrishna, Shriya Saran, Hema Malini in the lead. It also marked the 100th film of actor Balakrishna.The film was well-received by the audience for its cultural significance and narration.