Archive · 22 Jul 2026
7 Bollywood Movies Exploring Student Politics
There are seven Bollywood movies that talk about student politics.
These movies show different stories about students who get involved in politics, sometimes because of big problems like unfair rules or corruption.
Some movies show students fighting for their rights, while others show how politics can divide people.
These films help us understand how politics can affect students and their lives.
Raanjhanaa (2013) depicts a student-led political party protesting government corruption.
Aarakshan (2011) explores the caste-based reservation debate and violent clashes on campus.
Gulaal (2009) delves into campus elections and a violent separatist movement in Rajasthan.
Rang De Basanti (2006) follows friends who become anti-establishment rebels after a friend's death due to government corruption.
Hazaaron Khwahishein Aisi (2005) portrays the political ideologies of students during the Indian Emergency.
- Who
- Bollywood filmmakers and actors.
- What
- Seven Bollywood movies that explore student politics.
- When
- Films released between 2004 and 2013.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- To depict the complexities and issues surrounding student politics and its impact on society.
Pro-Reservation
Anti-Reservation
Caste-Based Reservation
Pro-Reservation
Supports caste-based reservation as a means to uplift marginalized communities and ensure representation in education and politics.
Anti-Reservation
Opposes caste-based reservation, arguing that it perpetuates division and should be based on merit rather than caste.
- Raanjhanaa
- 2013, political drama set in Delhi's JNU-inspired campus culture.
- Aarakshan
- 2011, socio-political drama tackling caste-based reservation and commercialization of education.
- Gulaal
- 2009, gritty drama set in Rajasthan exploring campus elections and separatist movements.
- Rang De Basanti
- 2006, iconic film about university friends turning into anti-establishment rebels.
- Hazaaron Khwahishein Aisi
- 2005, explores political ideologies during the Indian Emergency.
- Yuva
- 2004, focuses on a student union leader entering mainstream politics.