Narendra Modi Turns 75: Best Of Films And Web Series Depicting The Prime Minister’s Incredible Journey

Narendra Modi 75th birthday with films and web series showcasing his life journey

As India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 75 on Friday, his inspirational life journey serves as a beacon for millions of people in the country and beyond. From a tea seller in Gujarat to the leader of the world’s largest democracy, Modi has had a tremendous journey full of ambition, inspiration, and empowerment. Over the decades, filmmakers and digital creators have re-imagined this story in movies and web series to reflect different shades of his personality and political career.

A Life of Grit and Vision

Narendra Damodardas Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat, to a family of modest means and generations of Hindu practitioners. His days assisting at his father’s tea stall as a child have often been cited as an indication of his humble upbringing.

Modi’s meteoric rise from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was marked by both successes and failures. His tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014 laid the foundation for his governance style and development ideology—principles he continues to emphasize as he guides the country.

The dramatic arc of Modi’s life—from a small-town boy to the 14th Prime Minister of India—naturally caught the fancy of storytellers in Indian cinema and digital media. Below are some of the best films and web series that capture his incredible journey.

PM Narendra Modi (2019)

The best-known film about the Prime Minister is the 2019 biographical drama PM Narendra Modi. Directed by Omung Kumar and starring Vivek Oberoi in the lead role, the film depicts Modi’s journey from childhood to the 2014 general elections.

It documents significant landmarks, including:

His early days as an ordinary pracharak (ideologue) of the RSS
His tenure as the first power minister in Gujarat
His gradual discovery and rise within the national political party

Reviews were mixed, but the movie was widely discussed for its timing and its audacious attempt to portray the life of a sitting Prime Minister on screen.

Modi: Journey of a Common Man (2019 Web Series)

Streaming on Eros Now, Modi: Journey of a Common Man takes a more episodic approach to the Prime Minister’s life. Directed by Umesh Shukla, the series spans two seasons and covers both personal and political milestones.

Begins with Modi’s peripatetic youth, during which he travelled widely across India
Follows his political apprenticeship and steady rise to power

Actor Ashish Sharma portrays the adult Modi with a performance praised for its realism and meticulous attention to detail.

Let’s Go Forth and Live (2018 Short Film)

Years before the feature-length biopic and web series, a short film titled Chalo Jeete Hain offered a sharp look at Modi’s childhood. Directed by Mangesh Hadawale and produced by Mahaveer Jain and Bhushan Kumar, the 32-minute film explores:

The empathy of a young Narendra, who always wanted to help others
The core values that inspired his lifelong commitment to public service

Praised for its simplicity and inspirational story, the short resonated with audiences young and old.

Gujarat Files and Other Documentaries

While dramatized portrayals convey the drama of Modi’s life, several documentaries and journalistic explorations offer additional insights. His governance style, economic policies, and political strategies have been the subject of independent films and television specials.

Although not all are officially sanctioned or strictly biographical, these works help shape a fuller picture of how Modi has influenced India’s political climate.

Themes Reflected in These Productions

These films and series about Narendra Modi share common threads:

Determination and perseverance
Nationalism and transformative leadership
The ability to connect with ordinary citizens while bringing about large-scale economic and infrastructural changes

Whether dramatized into fast-paced drama or presented with documentary precision, these portrayals underscore a trajectory that resonates with India’s aspirations for modernity and self-reliance.

A notable feature across these productions is the emphasis on Modi’s lower-middle-class background. From selling tea at a railway station to leading the world’s largest democracy, his journey is an inspiring testament to how motivation and drive can overcome formidable hurdles.

Cultural Impact and Audience Reception

The release of these films and their soundtracks often coincided with controversy, drawing significant media coverage.

Supporters praised them as fitting tributes to a leader who transformed Indian politics.
Critics questioned their timing and potential political messaging.

Despite criticisms, these works succeeded in making Modi’s life story widely accessible, sparking conversations about leadership, governance, and the changing norms of Indian democracy.

The film PM Narendra Modi was delayed because of its planned release during the 2019 general elections, becoming a talking point on the intersection of art, politics, and freedom of expression. Meanwhile, Modi: Journey of a Common Man found strong traction on digital platforms, especially among younger audiences who favor long-form storytelling.

Narendra Modi at 75: A Legacy in Continual Motion

As Narendra Modi turns 75, he continues to shape India’s destiny on the global stage. His tenure has been marked by major policy drives such as:

Swachh Bharat Mission
Digital India
Make in India

He has also overseen key international outreach initiatives that have enhanced India’s global standing. Supporters credit him with spurring economic growth and fostering national pride, while critics urge ongoing scrutiny of his policies and governance.

These films and web series, while not exhaustive, serve as important cultural snapshots of how his life and leadership are perceived. They provide not only entertainment but also informal chronicles of a period marked by significant change in Indian society and politics.

Looking Ahead

Cinematic and digital interpretations of Narendra Modi’s journey will likely continue to evolve as his career progresses. Future projects may explore: