10 Period Movies To Watch If You Loved 'Umrao Jaan'

Whenever Umrao Jaan is talked about, Pakeezah is usually mentioned promptly after. Meena Kumari delivers a moving performance as Sahibjaan, a courtesan who dreams of acceptance and respect. While Rekha plays her character with subtlety and pain in Umrao Jaan, Meena Kumari’s grace and courage is magnetic and the soul of the film. 

The film’s cinematography and score lingers long after the movie’s over. Though the film leans into melodrama, which modern viewers may take some time to adjust to, Pakeezah will sweep you away with its poetic appeal. Fans of tragic romance and classical cinema will love this film. Regarded as one of Indian cinema’s finest period films—Pakeezah is a must-watch for fans of that genre.

Jodhaa Akbar tells the story of Mughal emperor Jalaluddin Akbar (Hrithik Roshan) and his marriage to Rajput princess Jodhaa Bai (Aishwarya Rai)—a political alliance that unexpectedly blossoms into an epic romance. This movie is ideal for fans who love historical romances with a dash of slow-burn interfaith romance. At the crux of it all, Jodhaa Akbar shows how two very different people can come together and grow to respect and understand each other. 

Hrithik and Aishwarya’s chemistry is electric, and fans who loved their pairing in Dhoom 2 will enjoy this movie, albeit their romance is more restrained in Jodhaa Akbar. If you’re someone who loves strong-willed women being portrayed on screen (Umrao Jaan and Jodhaa Bai respectively), then this movie will take you on an emotional and hopeful journey. 

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for his grandiose sets and majestic visuals, and he delivers the same in Bajirao Mastani, a romantic tragedy between Maratha Peshwa Bajirao, played by Ranveer Singh, and the warrior-princess Mastani, played by Deepika Padukone. 

The movie is a must-watch for its performances: Ranveer brings regal intensity, Deepika lends dynamic grace, and Priyanka adds emotional depth as a deeply underrated character. Fans who loved watching Ranveer and Deepika play the leads in Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela and Padmaavat will also enjoy watching them as doomed lovers in Bajirao Mastani. Watch this movie for its beautiful music, dance sequences, and opulence brought to life with 22 intricate sets. However, if you’re looking for a movie where love wins against all odds, then Jodhaa Akbar might be a better pick. 

Padmaavat explores Queen Padmavati’s story and highlights her beauty, bravery, and the ultimate sacrifice she and the Rajput women make to honour their dignity. Once again, the performances from both lead and supporting actors hit the mark; with Ranveer’s portrayal of the antagonist Khilji especially guaranteeing goosebumps. 

Both Umrao Jaan and Queen Padmavati are known for their silent strength, and both face men who wish to possess them. However, Padmaavati chooses death over surrender (spoiler!), giving this movie a darker edge over Umrao Jaan. Though the movie has raised questions about how historically accurate the story is, if you like stories about women resisting patriarchy, like Cleopatra, look no further, Padmaavat is a great pick. 

Anarkali tells the tragic love story of Prince Salim, played by Pradeep Kumar, and an ordinary girl named Nadira Begum, later renamed as Anarkali, played by Bina Rai. The film captures the emotional agitation of being split between performing royal duty and being with the one your heart desires, as Salim defies his father, King Akbar’s wishes over his love for Anarkali.

Told from Anarkali’s perspective, Anarkali is a subdued film that still deserves accolades. With unforgettable music and deeply human characters, this film captures the essence of forbidden love perfectly. It’s a companion piece with Mughal-e-Azam where the love story is retold from Akbar’s point of view. For people who prefer quieter heartbreaks to intense confrontations, Anarkali is an ideal choice. If you liked Devdas, then this movie belongs on your list. 

Considered India’s magnum opus, Mughal-e-Azam tells the story of the doomed romance between Prince Salim, the son of an emperor, and Anarkali, a beautiful courtesan he is determined to be with. Their forbidden relationship is exposed by a jealous court dancer, leading to the Emperor’s displeasure. While both Umrao Jaan and Anarkali fall in love with powerful men, Umrao Jaan loves quietly in contrast to Anarkali’s love which is loud. 

For fans who enjoy watching movies with star-crossed lovers like Anna Karenina or The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Mughal-e-Azam is a timeless gem you don’t want to miss. With stand-out performances by Madhubala and Dilip Kumar, who still receive applause for their fantastic portrayals of Anarkali and Prince Salim, respectively, the film remains an unforgettable masterpiece of historical romance. 

Parineeta is a period musical love story between beautiful Lalita (Vidya Balan) and defiant Shekhar (Saif Ali Khan) set in Kolkata in the ‘60s. If you like classic literature adaptations like Lootera, you will love this movie which is also based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novella. 

Or if you’re looking for grounded and warm movies with muted aesthetics like Pride and Prejudice or Mirza Ghalib, Parineeta is a soulful watch. The film is worth watching for its music and Shekhar’s character development, though his possessiveness does leave you frustrated at times. Ultimately, Parineeta is a gentle and intimate movie that has the audience rooting for the main characters and their reconciliation. 

Lagaan is a powerful sport and musical period film set in 1893 during the British Raj in India. When the villagers are challenged by an arrogant British colonial ruler to a cricket match, Bhuvan (Aamir Khan), a man with nothing to lose, takes center stage with an unlikely team. Lagaan is a perfect choice for people who love sports based movies where the underdog wins like Chak De! India or The Longest Yard. 

If you also love movies with social narrative themes like unity, hope, and justice, this one’s for you. Unlike Jodhaa Akbar or Taj Mahal, Lagaan’s romance subplot may feel a bit removed from the central narrative; even then, the movie creates an emotional impact. Lagaan continues to be a crowd-pleaser even 25 years later thanks to fast pacing, A.R. Rahman’s exceptional soundtrack, and build up to the climax. 

Mirza Ghalib, a revered Urdu language poet, is brought to life in this black-and-white hidden gem with Bharat Bhushan in the titular role. The movie needs to be next on your watch list if you love old Hindi cinema or delicate, but emotionally complex storytelling like Satyajit Ray’s Charulata. Suraiya gave a career-defining performance as Chaudvin, a woman who falls in love with Ghalib and his poetry without ever seeing him. 

The touching ghazals are the heart of the movie, giving a timeless and atmosphere to the entire film. Like Umrao Jaan, Mirza Ghalib’s life is also shaped by art and unfulfilled love. Though the pacing can feel slow to some viewers, that is Mirza Ghalib’s charm and is a must-watch for anyone who wants to be immersed in Ghalib’s world rooted in beauty and loss.  

Taj Mahal tells the love story of Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, for whom he built one of the Seven Wonders of the World as a testament of his undying love. Bina Rai and Pradeep Kumar reunited for this film 10 years after Anarkali, with their on-screen chemistry being praised once again. Though the movie might not be a hundred percent accurate historically, the payoff is still worth watching for. 

Fans of old-school romances with grand, sweeping gestures, then this one is for you. If you liked movies like Veer-Zara or Doctor Zhivago, Taj Mahal’s love story will tug on your heart strings. The film offers a regal atmosphere and an award-winning musical score that amplifies the grandeur of the couple’s relationship and showcases an eternal love, much like Anarkali and Salim from Mughal-e-Azam.