As India celebrates 78 years of independence, let these patriotic films rekindle your love for the nation.
As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, it's a time to reflect on the nation's journey and the sacrifices that paved the way for freedom. To commemorate this occasion, the government has introduced the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, encouraging citizens to proudly display the national flag at their homes. Embracing the spirit of this celebration, one of the most powerful ways to connect with India's rich history is through cinema. Patriotic films not only tell stories of courage and resilience but also inspire a sense of national pride. Whether you're in the mood for a stirring historical drama or a contemporary tale of heroism, patriotic films capture the essence of India's fight for independence and the values that continue to shape the nation. Let's celebrate this Independence Day by watching these impactful patriotic films.
Set against the backdrop of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, ‘Border’ is an epic war film written, produced, and directed by J.P. Dutta. Based on the Battle of Longewala, the film features a stellar cast including Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Akshaye Khanna, Sudesh Berry, and Puneet Issar. The movie vividly portrays the courage and sacrifices of Indian soldiers, making it a must-watch for military history enthusiasts. On August 15, 2017, in honor of India's 70th Independence Day, the Indian Directorate of Film Festivals and the Ministry of Defence screened ‘Border’ during the Independence Day Film Festival, celebrating its enduring popularity and 20th anniversary.
‘The Legend of Bhagat Singh’ is a biographical period film directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, centered on the life of Bhagat Singh, a revolutionary who played a pivotal role in India's fight for independence alongside the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association. Ajay Devgan stars as the titular character, with Sushant Singh, D. Santosh, and Akhilendra Mishra in key supporting roles. The film serves as both a tribute to Bhagat Singh’s legacy and an exploration of the broader Indian independence movement, offering a powerful depiction of the sacrifices made in the struggle for freedom.
Another historical biographical drama, Mangal Pandey: The Rising, is directed by Ketan Mehta and focuses on the life of Mangal Pandey, an Indian soldier whose actions helped ignite the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence. Rooted in true events, the film brings to life the early struggle against imperialism, marking the beginning of India's fight for freedom.
A relatively recent war film, ‘Kesari,’ written and directed by Anurag Singh, chronicles the events leading up to the Battle of Saragarhi in 1897. This historic battle saw 21 Sikh soldiers from the 36th Sikh Regiment of the British Indian Army stand against 10,000 Afridi and Orakzai Pashtun tribesmen. Widely regarded as one of the greatest last stands in history, the film highlights themes of courage, brotherhood, and sacrifice, paying tribute to the valor of Indian soldiers. ‘Kesari’ stars Akshay Kumar, with Parineeti Chopra, Vikram Singh Chauhan, Vansh Bhardwaj, Jaspreet Singh, and others in supporting roles.
Directed by Shoojit Sircar, ‘Sardar Udham’ is a biographical drama based on the life of Udham Singh, who assassinated Michael O'Dwyer in London to avenge the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar. Vicky Kaushal stars in the title role, delivering a powerful portrayal of Udham Singh's emotional and political journey. The film delves into how Udham Singh survived the massacre on the day of Baisakhi and into his subsequent quest for justice. Through his personal sacrifices, the story highlights the deep impact of the tragedy and his unwavering commitment to India's fight for independence.
