Labour Day is an annual holiday to celebrate the achievements of workers. If you’re lucky enough to have time off on this day, put in a few extra hours with watching these iconic Bollywood films based on labours’ rights and struggles.

1.     Naya Daur (1957)

The film has gained a cult status since a few years which is based on the life of struggling ‘taangewallas’ one of whom is Dilip Kumar. His portrayal as an underdog who wins the race against the powerful has made his character memorable. And who can forget the lovely Vyjayanthimala and the songs of the films like ‘Saathi Haath Badhana’

 

2.     Paigham (1959)

Again a Dilip Kumar-Vayjayanthimala starrer struck a chord in the hearts of audience, this time with a plot surrounding factory labourers and their union formed to protest against the owners.

 

3.     Namak Haraam (1973)

This Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan starrer deals with the rise of unions with the backdrop of Mumbai's textile mills and inflation in the early 1970s. Where Khanna’s character Somu is moved by the plight of the workers and is influenced by their ideas.

 

4.     Deewaar (1975)

Reflecting the tumultuous socio-political climate of 1970s India, Deewaar is considered a ground-breaking cinematic masterpiece. The film had a significant impact on Indian cinema, as well as wider Indian society, with the film's anti-establishment themes and Amitabh Bachchan's criminal anti-hero vigilante character resonating with audiences, cementing Bachchan's popular image as the "angry young man" of Bollywood cinema.

 

5.     Kaala Patthar (1979)

This is a disaster drama film, based on the Chasnala mining disaster which happened on 27 December 1975 in a coal mine in Chasnala near Dhanbad where an explosion in the mine followed by flooding killed 372 miners. Kaala Patthar is the fourth collaboration between Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor and director Yash Chopra after the hugely successful Deewaar.

 

6.     Coolie (1983)

The film stars Amitabh Bachchan as Iqbal, a railway coolie, with supporting roles played by Rishi Kapoor, Rati Agnihotri, Kader Khan, Waheeda Rehman, Suresh Oberoi and Puneet Issar. The film made over Rs. 10 million per territory, a rare achievement for the time and is notorious for a fight scene with co-star Puneet Issar, during which Amitabh Bachchan had a near-fatal injury due to a mistimed jump.

 

7.     Mazdoor (1983)

Mazdoor was produced by B. R. Chopra and directed by his son Ravi Chopra. The film stars Dilip Kumar, Nanda, Nazir Hussain, Raj Babbar, Suresh Oberoi, Rati Agnihotri, Padmini Kolhapure, Iftekhar, Madan Puri and Johhny Walker. This was veteran actress Nanda's final film appearance before her retirement from acting.

 

8.     Laadla (1994)

This film was widely recognized for Sridevi’s villainous role which was of a rich, arrogant, spoilt business woman, while Anil Kapoor plays a character of a factor labour and union leader who teaches Sridevi a lesson.

 

9.     Koyla (1997)

A mute slave Shankar played by Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri (Madhuri Dixit) a village girl fight for their love with Raja (Amrish Puri), who is a ruthless, evil villain eyeing Gauri. Puri got received a lot of praises for his negative character.  

 

So guys which among these films have you watched? Do share your comments below.