Narayani M
Veerapandiya Kattabomman (1959)
Sivaji Ganesan stars as the titular 18th century king who goes against the East India Company by rebelling against their policies and initiatives. Veerapandiya Kattabomman, directed by BR Panthulu, also stars industry stalwarts like Gemini Ganesan and Padmini in lead roles.
Must listen to: 'Inbam Pongum Vennila'
Kappalottiya Thamizhan (1961)
Once again, Sivaji Ganesan in his signature style of donning roles that fit him like a glove, becomes the 'Kappalottiya Thamizhan' VO Chidambaram Pillai who founded the Swadeshi Steam Navigation company in 1906 to fight against the monopoly of the British India Steam Navigation Company. The critically acclaimed film, also stars Gemini Ganesan and Savithri.
Must listen to: 'Paarukkullae Nalla Naadu'
Bombay (1995)
Though predominantly a love story unfolding between an interfaith couple Shekhar Narayanan Pillai (Arvind Swamy) and Shaila Banu (Manisha Koirala), Mani Ratnam's drama unfolds in the backdrop of the Mumbai riots fuelled by the Babri Masjid demolition and the religious tensions that rocked the country in 1992. It also presses for the need for communal harmony.
Must listen to: 'Malarodu Malaringu'
Siraichalai (1996)
Originally released in Malayalam as Kaalapaani, Siraichalai, its Tamil dubbed version revolves on the lives of Indian independence activists incarcerated in the brutal and torurous jail premises of Andaman and Nicobar Islands during the British invasion of India. The Priyadarshan-directed historical drama stars Mohanlal, Prabhu, Tabu, Amrish Puri, and Nedumudi Venu, among others.
Must listen to: 'Sempoove Poove'
Indian (1996)
Shankar's vigilante action film revolves around Kamal Haasan's role as Senapathy, a former freedom fighter who rebels against corruption by killing those who indulge in it. It puts him in direct conflict with his son Chandru (also played by Kamal), who lives by corruption.
Must listen to: 'Kappaleri Poyaachu'
Bharathi (2000)
Sayaji Shinde dons the iconic coat and progressive turban to portray Subramania Bharathi, the fiery freedom fighter whose poems envisioned a free India and championed women's empowerment. Directed by Gnana Rajasekaran, the film also stars Devayani and Nizhalgal Ravi.
Must listen to: 'Nirpathuve Nadapathuve'
Hey Ram (2000)
An alternate history film, Kamal Haasan wrote, directed and produced Hey Ram which depicts several key moments from India's freedom struggle including the nation's partition, direct action day and the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by Nathuram Godse. Despite courting controversy and failing at the box office, the film went on to earn a cult status among film aficionados. Shah Rukh Khan made his tamil debut in Hey Ram.
Must listen to: 'Nee Partha'