Thackeray is a biographical drama film based on the life of Balasaheb Thackeray, a prominent Indian politician and founder of the party Shiv Sena. The film traces the journey of Thackeray from a humble cartoonist to one of the most powerful political figures in Maharashtra.
Born in Pune in 1926, Thackeray started his career as a cartoonist in the 1940s and worked for several newspapers. In 1966, he founded Shiv Sena, a Marathi ethnocentric party that aimed to protect the rights of Maharashtrians. Thackeray's leadership of Shiv Sena was characterized by his populist rhetoric and aggressive campaign against perceived outsiders.
As the film unfolds, we see Thackeray's rise to power, his controversial statements, and his influence on the political landscape of Maharashtra. While he was admired by many for his nationalist views and his efforts to champion the cause of the Marathi people, his detractors criticized him for his divisive politics and his espousal of violence.
The film features Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the lead role of Balasaheb Thackeray. Directed by Abhijit Panse, Thackeray was released in January 2019 and received mixed reviews from critics. Nevertheless, it was a commercial success and remains an intriguing portrayal of one of India's most colorful and controversial political figures.