Anyone can appreciate a good success tale. Even more so when they are based on true stories, the tenacity and resolve of the main characters, the obstacles that will inevitably stand in their way, the falls that come before the rise, and eventually, the breakthrough, all make for captivating viewing. We’ve put up a watchlist of some outstanding rags-to-riches films, both fictitious and based on actual occurrences, to motivate you this weekend if you’re feeling a little stuck in your rut.
Super 30 (2019)
Streaming on Disney Hotstar
This movie, which is based on the life of renowned mathematician Anand Kumar, follows Kumar’s development from a disadvantaged student to one of the nation’s most esteemed lecturers. Financial constraints lead Anand (Hrithik Roshan) to give up on his desire to attend Cambridge, but he is given the opportunity to change his life by mentoring ambitious IIT students at a tutoring facility. He rapidly realises that the education sector only values profit, and he resigns from his position as a result. He makes the decision to create his own coaching for a group of 30 gifted but disadvantaged youngsters, promising to get them into the college of their choosing without ever costing a dime.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Streaming on Amazon Prime
Chris Gardner, a salesperson, is struggling to support his family and make ends meet. His wife leaves him and his five-year-old boy as a result of his failings. Things start to look better for Chris when he receives an offer for a six-month unpaid internship with a brokerage firm as he struggles to market bone density scanners. He works hard and has a chance to land a full-time position while regularly dropping his youngster off at a creche facility. Chris has been one of the most motivating characters on film to date because he never let his circumstances to affect how well he performed at work. Based on a true memoir, the movie.
Guru (2007)
Streaming on Netflix
Gurukant Desai, who resides in a small community and has lofty aspirations, is ambitious. His father frequently tells him that it is pointless to dream and to reject his aspirations. He goes to Turkey and begins working in the spice trade, but he soon leaves because he wants to be his own boss. He gets married, settles in Mumbai, and starts a fabric trade company. Guru’s business expands rapidly, but his goals don’t, so he starts utilising illicit methods to boost profits. A newspaper journalist exposes him because the same doesn’t set well with the people around him. Guru, on the other hand, vows to fight back in order to retake his company and refuses to back down. The movie is reportedly partially inspired on tycoon
Scarface (1983)
Available to buy on Amazon Prime Video
In the 1980s, Tony Montana (Al Pacino) discovers himself in a Florida refugee camp. As soon as he manages to land a job, he is presented with the opportunity to obtain a green card by working for drug trafficker Frank Lopez. Tony follows in his footsteps and establishes a name for himself in the industry with his new, aggressive methods of operation. Still not content, he wants to accomplish whatever Frank does on his own. Even while he eventually succeeds in doing so, once in power he becomes uncontrollable. Tony worked tirelessly to create an empire, but his hasty decisions and short fuse cause it to tumble. The movie illustrates the classic example of using unethical means to become wealthy and then having to deal with the consequences.
Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year (2009)
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Despite not being particularly intelligent, Harpreet Singh Bedi is a recent commerce graduate and an honest person. He encounters the murky side of business after landing a job as a salesman at AYS Computers, where bribery and misleading advertising are the norm. Unable to process this, Harpreet resolves to launch Rocket Sales Corporation, a new business he would run from within AYS. To Sunil Puri’s chagrin, the company begins to compete with AYS. Due to their commitment to client satisfaction, Rocket Sales’ reputation surpasses that of all rivals. However, when Sunil learns the truth, things spiral out of control.
Limitless (2011)
Available to buy on Amazon Prime Video
Eddie Morra is a failed author who tries to achieve success in his ambitions and leads a less than ideal life. He meets up with Vernon, his former brother-in-law, who gives him NZT-48, an experimental medicine, to aid with his blockage. Eddie discovers after using the drug that he now has the ability to manipulate others and utilise his brain at an incredibly high level of efficiency. When Vernon is not found, he goes in search of more medication. He does call the police, but he also steals the drug and a sizable sum of cash from his home. Eddie chooses to invest the funds in stocks using his newly acquired skills and experiences great success. When he realises that he is being sought after, things, however, take a dramatic turn.