5 Bollywood films that captured the spirit of student politics 

In India’s social and political context, student movements have always had a special place. While university campuses have had their share of struggle and activism, the voices of students keep on echoing the reasons of an entire society.  

With students in Delhi once again dominating news headlines in connection with protests against education and youth issues, the notion of student involvement in shaping public perception loudly returns to its previous position. 

Bollywood has depicted the world of university activism, ideological conflict, and political awakening through a number of great films. These films do not only show college life; they focus on many other issues including ambition, power, corruption, social justice and the complicated relations between the youth and politics. 

Here are five movies on student politics. 

1. Yuva (2004) 

Cast: Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan, Vivek Oberoi, Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Esha Deol 
Director: Mani Ratnam 

Yuva, directed by Mani Ratnam, focuses on the lives of three young men: Michael (Ajay Devgn), an enthusiastic youth, Arjun (Vivek Oberoi), a man eager for success, and Lallan (Abhishek Bachchan), a man of violence and crime. This film is about whether young people can participate in the making of society or become casualties of an immoral political system. Considering its performances and A.R. Rahman’s music, Yuva is one of the most intense films regarding youth and politics. 

Why is it worth watching: Due to the very real perspective of how ambition meets politics and idealism when youth hit the reality. 

2. Rang De Basanti (2006) 

Cast: Aamir Khan, Siddharth, Sharman Joshi, Kunal Kapoor, Soha Ali Khan, R. Madhavan, Atul Kulkarni 
Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra 

Rang De Basanti is one of the most renowned films about people’s awakening ever made in Bollywood. This movie tells the story of a group of students who are not interested in politics at all, until the day they decide to participate in the documentary about Indian freedom fighters, which changes their lives forever. Since then, these friends acquire a sense of responsibility towards political system after witnessing corruption when tragedy strikes. This film draws wonderful connections between the historical past of India and the modern issues faced by young people. 

Why is it worth watching: Because it captures the moment when an apolitical generation finds its voice and decides to challenge the system. 

3. Aarakshan (2011) 

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Manoj Bajpayee, Deepika Padukone, Prateik Babbar 
Director: Prakash Jha 

Prakash Jha’s Aarakshan highlights the issue of caste-based reservations. The protagonist is a head of a college and the narrative follows him as well as the people in his life who are exposed to contradictions of thinking, commercialization of education and social divisions. The film made headlines upon its release as it dealt with various aspects of the reservation policies and how it influences the lives of students and institutions.  

Why is it worth watching: It attempts to deliver one of the most challenging subjects of India’s social and educational dilemma. 

4. Raanjhanaa (2013) 

Cast: Dhanush, Sonam Kapoor, Abhay Deol, Swara Bhasker, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub 
Director: Aanand L. Rai 

Raanjhanaa is a romantic movie, however the second part of it is dedicated to the issue of student politics. The story revolves around Kundan (Dhanush) whose life changes when he meets Zoya (Sonam Kapoor) who becomes involved in political activities in Delhi. The film illustrates that personal feelings, ambitions and political aspirations are interconnected in the lives of young people.  

Why is it worth watching: It shows how student politics can affect the character, relationships and goals of people. 

5. Haasil (2003) 

Cast: Jimmy Sheirgill, Irrfan Khan, Hrishitaa Bhatt, Ashutosh Rana 
Director: Tigmanshu Dhulia 

Haasil paints an honest picture of campus politics, with student elections, power plays, and influence of outside political parties. The plot revolves around Aniruddha (Jimmy Shergill) who finds himself torn between an innocent love and climbing the ladder of power. There is no doubt that Irrfan Khan’s portrayal of Ranvijay Singh is the most interesting aspect of the movie as he manages to bring real drama in the game of student politics.  

Why is it worth watching: It gives you the best insight into the reality of the college politics without any glossing over the realities of power struggle. 

At a time when student voices are once again dominating national conversations, these films serve as reminders of how cinema has often reflected the hopes, frustrations and ambitions of India’s youth.