Farhan Akhtar is commemorating 21 years of his film Lakshya, a coming-of-age war drama that continues to resonate with audiences for its powerful narrative about self-discovery and national duty. Akhtar took to social media to mark the anniversary, sharing a motion poster and expressing his thoughts on the film's enduring legacy.

Lakshya, released in 2004, tells the story of Karan Shergill, played by Hrithik Roshan, a young man from a privileged background who lacks direction in life. He joins the Indian Army, and through his experiences, transforms into a courageous officer, discovering his purpose and embracing discipline and sacrifice. The film, set against the backdrop of the Kargil War, is not just a war story but also a personal journey of growth and self-realization.

Akhtar's social media post included the caption: "Celebrating 21 years of a story about finding purpose, one step at a time. #21YearsOfLakshya," which encapsulates the film's core message. The post also tagged the cast, acknowledging their contribution to the film's memorable journey.

Lakshya was inspired by conversations between Javed Akhtar (writer) and veterans of the 1999 Kargil War, which gave the film authenticity. While the film faced commercial challenges upon its initial release, it garnered critical acclaim for its narrative strength, performances, and technical finesse. The film received four nominations at the 50th Filmfare Awards, including Best Director for Farhan Akhtar and Best Actor for Hrithik Roshan. It won two awards: Best Choreography for Prabhu Deva's "Main Aisa Kyun Hoon" and Best Cinematography for capturing the landscapes of Delhi and the war front.

Over the years, Lakshya has become a defining film in Indian war cinema. Its re-release on its 20th anniversary in 2024 further cemented its status as a film that entertains and inspires. The movie features music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, and a supporting cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Boman Irani, and Om Puri.

As Lakshya celebrates its 21st anniversary, its themes of purpose, patriotism, and self-discovery remain relevant. Excel Entertainment, Farhan Akhtar's production house, is also working on another film centered on the Indian Army. Titled 120 Bahadur, the film is based on the Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Indo-Sino War. 120 Bahadur is slated to hit theaters on November 21, 2025.