Entertainment / Must-Watch Patriotic Films From India & Pakistan For Your Independence Day Celebrations

Must-Watch Patriotic Films From India & Pakistan For Your Independence Day Celebrations

Entertainment Aug 14, 2024

by Mehak Kapoor | Features Editor - Entertainment

On August 15, 1947, by the Indian Independence Act of 1947, India and Pakistan emerged as independent nations. This year marks their 78th Independence Day, celebrating 77 years of freedom from British colonial rule. The Act established two sovereign dominions, India and Pakistan, by partitioning the Bengal and Punjab provinces. It declares, “As from the fifteenth day of August, nineteen hundred and forty-seven, two independent Dominions shall be set up in India, to be known respectively as India and Pakistan.”

In India, August 15 is designated as Independence Day every year, marking the end of British colonial rule in 1947. Meanwhile, Pakistan annually observes its Independence Day on August 14 as a national holiday.

I vividly remember celebrating Independence Day in India. My parents would wake us up early to watch the National Day parade. We enjoyed traditional dishes like Aloo Puri (Potato Curry with Indian fry bread) or Chole Bhature (Chickpea Curry with Fried Flatbreads) for breakfast. Later, my dad, siblings, and I would head to fly kites. Independence Day is honoured with great enthusiasm in India, with the sky filled with colourful and creative kites, music in the air, and people joyfully partaking in the festivities.

Television channels broadcast patriotic Hindi and regional films, daily soaps, and songs about independence and the struggles faced by Indian citizens. Our country endured many hardships; I remember my mother recounting the ordeals her parents, especially her mother, faced when they were looted by the English, losing everything to colonial exploitation. Many people have similar narratives, recounting their struggles and the impact of colonial rule on their families and loved ones. My grandparents shared numerous stories of bombings and regular high-red alerts.

Hindi cinema has brought these stories to life, depicting the tales of independence and the harsh realities faced by our country, preserving them for future generations to understand and appreciate. Jai Hind!

Let’s embark on a patriotic journey through the lens of art and creativity: films.

Border

**Unmissable Patriotic Films to Ignite Your Independence Day Spirit**

Border is a 1997 Hindi epic war film crafted by J.P. Dutta, who was the writer, producer, and director. Set during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, it portrays the Battle of Longewala. I recall watching this film and being moved to tears. Its accuracy in historical depiction, stellar performances, and outstanding music all contribute to its excellence. The film features Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Akshaye Khanna, Sudesh Berry, and Puneet Issar in prominent roles, with a supporting cast that includes Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Tabu, Raakhee, Pooja Bhatt, and Sharbani Mukherjee.

LOC: Kargil

A 2003 historical war film, LOC: Kargil, portrays the Kargil War between India and Pakistan. The film is directed and produced by J. P. Dutta. It depicts the Indian Army’s victorious Operation Vijay, which was initiated in May 1999 following the Pakistani incursion and occupation of key positions in the Kargil sector. The operation aimed to drive out the Pakistani forces from the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC). Featuring a large ensemble cast and a soundtrack by Aadesh Shrivastava and Anu Malik, the film portrays the bravery and sacrifices of Indian soldiers during this pivotal battle.

Lagaan

Lagaan (meaning, ‘land levy’), is an epic historical musical sports drama film from India, released in 2001. It was penned and helmed by Ashutosh Gowariker. The narrative is set in 1893, during the latter part of the Victorian era under British colonial control in India. The storyline revolves around a Central India community struggling with outrageous taxes and enduring several years of drought. An arrogant British Indian Army officer provokes them to engage in a cricket match as a bet to forgo their tax dues. The villagers embark on the formidable journey of mastering a foreign sport and competing for a triumph.

The Legend of Bhagat Singh

The Legend of Bhagat Singh is a biographical historical film, released in 2002 and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. The movie portrays the life of Bhagat Singh, a freedom fighter who, along with his comrades from the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association, battled for India’s freedom. The film traces Bhagat Singh’s journey from his early years, where he witnessed the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, to his execution on March 24, 1931, before the official trial.

Swades

Swades: We, the People (meaning ‘Homeland’) is a 2004 Hindi-language drama directed, co-written, and produced by Ashutosh Gowariker. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Gayatri Joshi, and Kishori Ballal, the film’s plot was inspired by Zee TV’s Vaapsi episodes. The storyline, involving the protagonist establishing a small hydroelectric project to produce power, is said to be influenced by the 2003 Kannada film Chigurida Kanasu, which was based on the novel of the same name by Jnanapith awardee K. Shivaram Karanth, as well as Bapu Kuti by Rajni Bakshi. The music was composed by A. R. Rahman, with lyrics by Javed Akhtar.

Gadar: Ek Prem Katha

One of my favourite films, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, is a 2001 romantic historical action drama directed by Anil Sharma and written by Shaktimaan Talwar. Set during the 1947 Partition of India and loosely based on the life of Boota Singh, it stars Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel, and Utkarsh Sharma in the lead roles, with Amrish Puri, Lillete Dubey, and Vivek Shauq in supporting roles. Since the 1990s, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha has become the second most-watched Hindi film attracting over 50 million viewers.

Lakshya

Lakshya (meaning ‘aim’) is a 2004 Indian war drama helmed by Farhan Akhtar and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani. The movie stars Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, and Preity Zinta in pivotal roles. Inspired by a story from the director’s father, it centres on the 1999 Kargil War. The plot follows Karan Shergill, an unmotivated and sluggish young man from a wealthy Delhi family, who enlists in the Indian Army and evolves into a fearless soldier as war erupts. Karan wields a Sterling Mark IV submachine gun and a VZ58-pattern rifle, showcasing exemplary leadership in the Indian Army during the war with Pakistan. “Main Aisa Kyon Hoon” is my favourite track from this film.

Chittagong

Released in 2012, this Indian historical war drama directed by Bedabrata Pain features Manoj Bajpayee in the central role. The film draws inspiration from the Chittagong Uprising in British India. Set in East Bengal (now Bangladesh) during the 1930s British Colonial era, it portrays a lesser-known episode where courageous schoolboys and young women, led by teacher Masterda Surya Sen, played by Manoj Bajpayee, challenge the Empire. The narrative centres on a timid 14-year-old named Jhunku. Subodh Roy, also known as Jhunku, was a notable Indian revolutionary socialist and politician who significantly contributed to the Indian independence struggle.

Rang De Basanti

You’ll be captivated by this film and the bravery of its characters. Rang De Basanti directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, this film stars Aamir Khan, Siddharth Narayan, Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Kapoor, Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Atul Kulkarni, and Alice Patten in prominent roles. It revolves around a British documentary filmmaker who is set on creating a film about Indian freedom fighters. She recruits a group of five young men to portray these historical figures. As they perform in the documentary and navigate their lives, the film reveals striking parallels between their experiences and those of the freedom fighters they depict.

Mangal Pandey: The Rising

Mangal Pandey: The Rising (known internationally as The Rising: Ballad of Mangal Pandey) is a 2005 Indian historical biographical drama that depicts the life of Mangal Pandey, an Indian soldier who played a key role in igniting the Indian Rebellion of 1857, The First War of Indian Independence. Directed by Ketan Mehta and produced by Bobby Bedi, the film features a screenplay by Farrukh Dhondy. Aamir Khan stars in the leading role. The movie debuted in the Marché du Film section at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival and was the fourth highest-grossing film of that year.

Roja

I adore this film! Roja, a 1992 romantic thriller directed and co-written by Mani Ratnam, stars Arvind Swamy and Madhoo. The narrative centres on a modest village woman from Tamil Nadu who embarks on a perilous quest to locate her husband after he is kidnapped by militants during a covert operation in Jammu and Kashmir. The film was re-released internationally in light of growing concerns about terrorism. It is the first entry in Mani Ratnam’s trilogy that delves into personal relationships against a backdrop of Indian politics, with Bombay and Dil Se. Roja garnered three National Film Awards, including Best Film on National Integration, which earned Mani Ratnam widespread acclaim. It also received global recognition with a nomination for Best Film at the 18th Moscow International Film Festival.

Sardar

The 1993 biographical drama Sardar centres on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a pivotal figure in India’s independence struggle. Directed by Ketan Mehta and written by Vijay Tendulkar and Hriday Lani, the film was showcased on 12 August 2016 at the Independence Day Film Festival, celebrating the 70th Indian Independence Day. It begins with a young Patel dismissing Gandhi’s efforts but shifts as he meets Gandhi and joins his movement. Patel organised key Satyagrahas (insistence or holding firmly to), influenced the acceptance of the partition proposal, and worked to integrate princely states into India. The film concludes with Patel reflecting on India’s unity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

Uri: The Surgical Strike

How’s The Josh? Uri: The Surgical Strike, a 2019 military action film, is helmed by director Aditya Dhar and produced by Ronnie Screwvala. The film portrays the 2016 counterattack in Uri, showcasing performances by Vicky Kaushal, Yami Gautam, Paresh Rawal, Kirti Kulhari, and Mohit Raina. It centres on Major Vihaan Shergill, played by Kaushal, from the Para (Special Forces), who was instrumental in the operation. The strike on September 28, 2016, was a direct comeback to a terrorist attack on a military camp in Uri, Kashmir, on September 18, which claimed the lives of 19 soldiers due to militants based in Pakistan. In recognition of this event, the government designated September 29 as Surgical Strike Day. The film earned across-the-board acclaim for its acting, screenplay, action scenes, sound design, and direction, and received several honours, including four National Film Awards.

Upkar

Upkar – 1967, directed by Manoj Kumar in his directorial debut, was a major box office hit and the highest-grossing film of the year. The film received critical acclaim, winning multiple Filmfare Awards including Best Film, Best Director, Best Story, Best Dialog, and Best Lyrics. Inspired by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s motto Jai Jawan Jai Kisan (Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer), Upkar highlights village life and the roles of farmers and soldiers during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. The cast includes Prem Chopra, Asha Parekh, Kamini Kaushal, Pran, and Madan Puri.

The Ghazi Attack

Unmissable Patriotic Films to Ignite Your Independence Day Spirit

Ghazi, a 2017 war film written and directed by Sankalp Reddy, was produced in the Telugu film industry and shot in both Telugu and Hindi, with the Hindi version titled The Ghazi Attack. Featuring Kay Kay Menon, Atul Kulkarni, Rana Daggubati, Taapsee Pannu, and Satya Dev, the film premiered on February 17, 2017. Ghazi draws inspiration from the enigmatic sinking of PNS Ghazi during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The narrative revolves around an Indian Navy submarine, its commanding officer, and his crew, who spent 18 days submerged. The film highlights the bravery of the crew aboard the Indian submarine INS Karanj (S21), which, according to Indian sources, defeated the Pakistani PNS Ghazi when it entered Indian waters with the intent to attack INS Vikrant near Visakhapatnam.

Haqeeqat

Unmissable Patriotic Films to Ignite Your Independence Day Spirit

Haqeeqat (Reality) is a 1964 Indian war drama directed, written, and produced by Chetan Anand. Featuring Dharmendra, Balraj Sahni, Priya Rajvansh, Sudhir, Sanjay Khan, and Vijay Anand in key roles, this film is among the early Indian war movies. It depicts the 1962 Sino-Indian War, focusing on a small platoon of soldiers stationed in Ladakh facing a significantly larger enemy force. The story is centred around the Battle of Rezang La, showcasing the final stand of Ahir Company, 13 Kumaon, commanded by Major Shaitan Singh. Beyond its war narrative, the film explores the profound effects of conflict on ordinary soldiers. Dedicated to Jawaharlal Nehru and the soldiers in Ladakh, Haqeeqat is acclaimed as one of India’s finest black-and-white war films.

Jinnah

Jinnah is a 1998 epic biographical film from Pakistan, chronicling the life of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. Directed by Jamil Dehlavi and co-written with Akbar S. Ahmed, the film features Christopher Lee in the titular role. This poignant drama explores the events leading up to the partition and liberation of the subcontinent. It remains a compelling choice for an Independence Day viewing each year.

Waar

Waar (meaning strike) is a 2013 Pakistani action-thriller directed by Bilal Lashari in his debut feature. Written by Hassan Rana and produced by Syed Mujtaba Tirmizi, the film features Shaan Shahid as Major Mujtaba Rizvi, a former Pakistan Army officer. Supporting roles are played by Meesha Shafi, Ali Azmat, Shamoon Abbasi, Ayesha Khan, and Kamran Lashari. The plot centres on Major Rizvi’s return from retirement to thwart a major terrorist threat against Pakistan.

Shaheed

Shaheed, 1965 is a patriotic film directed by S. Ram Sharma and starring Manoj Kumar, Kamini Kaushal, and Pran. It depicts Bhagat Singh’s journey from witnessing British oppression to joining the freedom struggle, avenging Lala Lajpat Rai’s death, and bombing the Central Legislative Assembly. Imprisoned and tortured, Bhagat and his comrades launched a hunger strike. Eventually, Bhagat, Rajguru, and Sukhdev are secretly executed by the British, their final words echoing: Long live the Revolution! To connect better with Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, do watch Rang De Basanti*.

Wishing everyone a joyous Independence Day! Jai Hind & Pakistan Zindabad!

Mehak Kapoor | Features Editor - Entertainment

Author

Mehak Kapoor (@makeba_93) is a seasoned entertainment and lifestyle journalist with over a decade of experience in anchoring and content creation for television and digital platforms. Passionate about storytelling and factual reporting, she enjoys connecting with diverse audiences. Outside of work, ...

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Must-Watch Patriotic Films From India & Pakistan For Your Independence Day Celebrations

by Mehak Kapoor | Features Editor - Entertainment

Mehak Kapoor | Features Editor - Entertainment

COMMENTS

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