This Republic Day, dive into Bollywood films that celebrate India’s history, sacrifice, and strength. From freedom struggles to stories of bravery and unity, these films inspire pride and remind us of the sacrifices that shaped the nation. Perfect for reflecting on what it means to be Indian.
Lagaan (2001)
Ashutosh Gowariker’s Lagaan is more than just a story about cricket; it’s a metaphor for resistance, unity, and resilience. Set in a small village in colonial India, the villagers are burdened by heavy taxes imposed by British rulers. The protagonist, Bhuvan (played by Aamir Khan), leads the villagers in a high-stakes cricket match against their British oppressors, with the promise of abolishing the unjust “lagaan” (tax).
Rang De Basanti (2006)
Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Rang De Basanti is a cinematic masterpiece that bridges India’s past and present. The movie begins with a group of carefree college students reluctantly participating in the reenactment of freedom fighters’ lives for a documentary. As they delve deeper into the characters of Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and others, their sense of patriotism is awakened.
Swades (2004)
Swades, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, tells the heartfelt story of Mohan Bhargava (played by Shah Rukh Khan), an Indian scientist working for NASA who returns to his homeland in search of his childhood caretaker. Upon witnessing the struggles of a rural Indian village, Mohan decides to take matters into his own hands, empowering the villagers through education and sustainable development.
Border (1997)
J.P. Dutta’s Border is a tribute to the bravery of Indian soldiers during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Based on the Battle of Longewala, the movie captures the intense camaraderie, emotional turmoil, and heroism of soldiers defending their post against overwhelming odds. With a star-studded cast led by Sunny Deol, Sunil Shetty, and Akshaye Khanna, Border paints a vivid picture of war’s sacrifices.
Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019)
Aditya Dhar’s Uri: The Surgical Strike is an adrenaline-packed retelling of the 2016 surgical strike conducted by the Indian Army in response to the Uri terrorist attack. The movie follows Major Vihaan Singh Shergill (played by Vicky Kaushal) as he leads his team on a dangerous mission to eliminate terrorist camps across the Line of Control (LoC).
Mother India (1957)
Directed by Mehboob Khan, Mother India is an epic saga that symbolizes the resilience, sacrifice, and morality of post-independence India. The story revolves around Radha (played by Nargis), a poor farmer who endures immense hardships to uphold her values and raise her children with dignity.
The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002)
Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, this biographical drama chronicles the life of revolutionary freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, played by Ajay Devgn. The movie delves into Bhagat Singh’s early life, his ideological evolution, and his role in the fight for India’s independence. Through powerful dialogues and an inspiring narrative, The Legend of Bhagat Singh pays homage to the revolutionary’s unwavering commitment to justice and freedom, even at the cost of his life.
Sardar (1993)
Sardar, directed by Ketan Mehta, is a biopic on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of India’s most revered leaders. The movie captures Patel’s instrumental role in uniting India’s 562 princely states post-independence, a monumental task that required diplomacy, strategy, and firm resolve.
LOC Kargil (2003)
Another war epic by J.P. Dutta, LOC Kargil brings to life the events of the 1999 Kargil War, where Indian soldiers displayed unparalleled bravery in reclaiming territory infiltrated by enemy forces. The movie features an ensemble cast and focuses on the personal sacrifices and heroic acts of soldiers, shedding light on the harsh realities of war. It remains a heartfelt tribute to India’s armed forces.
Krantiveer (1994)
Starring Nana Patekar, Krantiveer is a hard-hitting social drama that revolves around an ordinary man who rises to challenge corruption and societal injustice. His fiery speeches and actions inspire people to stand up against exploitation and take pride in their identity as Indians.
Shaheed (1965)
Shaheed is one of the earliest and most heartfelt tributes to Bhagat Singh. Starring Manoj Kumar, the film authentically depicts the revolutionary’s journey, his ideals, and his ultimate sacrifice for India’s freedom.
Raazi (2018)
Directed by Meghna Gulzar, Raazi is based on the real-life story of an Indian spy, Sehmat, who marries into a Pakistani family to gather intelligence during the 1971 war. Alia Bhatt delivers a stellar performance as a woman torn between duty and emotions.
[Contributed By Anushka Gaikwad]