The Worst Movie Portrayals of Historical Figures: From Akshay Kumar in 'Samrat Prithviraj' to Zack Snyder’s '300'

In the world of cinema, historical fiction can often take liberties with the truth, particularly when attempting to craft an engaging and entertaining story. However, certain portrayals are so far removed from reality that they not only tarnish the legacy of the real historical figures but also damage the integrity of the film itself. Let's explore some of the worst movie portrayals of historical figures, from the comedic missteps in Bollywood films to the visual over-dramatizations in epic blockbusters.

Bollywood’s 'Samrat Prithviraj'

Akshay Kumar's portrayal of King Prithviraj in the Bollywood movie 'Samrat Prithviraj' stands out as one of the most egregious examples of historical inaccuracy. Even with his impeccable look, the character feels like a pseudo-comedy mishap, with a goofy demeanor that defies the gravity of the role. The film's decision to graft a fake Pringles mustache onto what should have been a regal face is a perfect example of how a budget-conscious approach can lead to an unintentionally laughable end product.

Comparing With Other Historical Portrayals

When compared to other Bollywood performances like Aurangzeb and Shivaji in the movie 'Tanhaji,' or historical kings such as Alauddin and Raja Uday in 'Padmavat' and Mughal-e-Azam, the disparity in authenticity becomes even more pronounced. Actors like Kamal Haasan as Aurangzeb, Mohanlal as Shivaji, and Rajendra Kumar as Akbar (Mughal Emperor Akbar) exude the essence of royalty, their presence evokes the aura of their historical figures, and their performances bring a degree of conviction that legends like these deserve.

On the other hand, the portrayal of Akbar in 'Jodha Akbar' and Gambhir Singh as Raja in 'Pazhassi Raja' or Navas in 'Kulam' as Prince Thambi showcase the necessary gravitas and the complexity required to portray a king. The raw emotion, the underlying political intrigue, and the historical depth bring them to life in a way that resonates with audiences.

The 2006 Film '300': A Masterclass in How to Misrepresent History

Directorial liberties are also evident in the 2006 film '300,' directed by Zack Snyder. In this film, the Spartans are portrayed as hyper-masculine, nearly mythical beings, with minimal armor and constant shirtlessness, all for the sake of visual impact. This over-dramatic depiction *sacrifices historical accuracy* for the sake of mythos, making the Spartan warriors appear *more like caricatures than real soldiers*.

Historical Inaccuracy in '300'

The Spartans' Armor: In reality, Spartans wore full body armor in battle, not the minimal outfits seen in the film. Xerxes' Characterization: The Persian King Xerxes is depicted as an androgynous, overly adorned figure with a near-divine persona, which is a far cry from the powerful, respected king he was historically. The Size of the Persian Army: The film inaccurately portrays the Persian army as larger and more monstrous than it was in reality. The Role of the Immortals: The Immortals are depicted as demonic fighters, but they were conventional military units in real life. The Fabrication of Spartan Society: The film glorifies Spartan society without acknowledging its more brutal aspects, such as the reliance on helot slavery and infanticide. The Role of Other Greek States: Other Greek states, such as Thessaly and various others, are largely ignored, despite their crucial roles in the Greco-Persian Wars. Ephialtes' Depiction: The character Ephialtes is shown as a deformed outcast, which is historically inaccurate; he was a local Greek who betrayed the Spartans for personal gain.

The Portrayal of William Wallace in 'Braveheart'

Despite its massive popularity, 'Braveheart' falls short in its historical accuracy, particularly in several ways:

Historical Inaccuracies in 'Braveheart'

Incorrect Attire: William Wallace is depicted as wearing kilts, a fashion that did not emerge until centuries later, and the blue face paint is also anachronistic and inaccurate. Fabricated Romance: The film falsely suggests a romance between Wallace and Princess Isabella of France, with Isabella being much younger than Wallace and not residing in Scotland at the time. Battle Inaccuracies: The Battle of Stirling Bridge is not accurately depicted, with the bridge itself being a crucial element of the tactical maneuvering that led to Wallace's victory. Simplified Politics: The complex political landscape is oversimplified, reducing the Wars of Scottish Independence to a straightforward conflict of good versus evil. Simplified Distortion of Character: Wallace is portrayed as a humble commoner, but historical records show he was a knight and a landowner, with significant resources at his disposal.

These films, among others, serve as a stark reminder that while historical fiction can be a powerful and engaging narrative device, it is incumbent upon filmmakers to instill a duty of care towards historical accuracy. By doing so, they not only enhance the educational value of their content but also respect and honor the memory of the individuals they portray.