As India gears up to celebrate its 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025, what better way to honor the spirit of freedom than by watching patriotic films with your family? While many films showcase overt patriotism, some Bollywood movies subtly weave in the theme of love for the nation through their stories and characters. Here are seven offbeat patriotic films that offer a refreshing take on patriotism:
Swades (2004): This film, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, tells the story of Mohan Bhargav (Shah Rukh Khan), an NRI scientist working for NASA, who returns to his homeland to find his childhood caretaker. He rediscovers his roots and is moved by the problems faced by the villagers. The film beautifully portrays his journey of reconnecting with his country and using his knowledge to bring positive change to a rural community, highlighting the importance of individual contributions to national progress.
Rang De Basanti (2006): Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's "Rang De Basanti" connects the past and present by interweaving the stories of freedom fighters with modern-day college students. A British filmmaker documenting Indian revolutionaries inspires a group of youngsters to fight against corruption and injustice. The film evokes a sense of patriotism by showcasing how the spirit of revolution can be reignited in any generation.
Chak De! India (2007): This sports drama, directed by Shimit Amin, goes beyond the typical sports movie by using hockey as a metaphor for national unity and pride. The story revolves around a disgraced hockey player, Kabir Khan (Shah Rukh Khan), who coaches the Indian women's hockey team. He inspires them to overcome their differences and play as one unit for the nation, highlighting the importance of unity and determination in achieving national goals.
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013): This biographical sports drama captures the life of the iconic Indian athlete, Milkha Singh. The film portrays his journey of overcoming personal tragedies and the trauma of partition to become one of India's most celebrated athletes. "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" instills patriotism by showcasing the spirit of perseverance, dedication, and bringing glory to the nation through individual achievements.
Mary Kom (2014): This biopic celebrates the inspiring journey of the Indian boxer, Mary Kom. The film showcases her struggles and triumphs as she rises to become a world champion, highlighting her determination and love for her country. It emphasizes the importance of individual accomplishments in contributing to the nation's pride and inspires viewers to overcome obstacles in pursuit of their dreams.
Raazi (2018): Directed by Meghna Gulzar, "Raazi" is a spy thriller based on the true story of Sehmat, an Indian woman who marries into a Pakistani army family to gather intelligence during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The film stands out for its nuanced portrayal of patriotism, humanizing the enemy while showcasing Sehmat's sacrifices and unwavering commitment to her nation.
Sardar Udham (2021): This historical drama tells the story of Sardar Udham Singh, the revolutionary who assassinated Michael O'Dwyer to avenge the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The film portrays Udham Singh's unwavering resolve and dedication to his mission, highlighting the sacrifices made by freedom fighters to secure India's independence.
These films offer a diverse range of stories that evoke patriotism in unique ways. They remind us of the values of unity, sacrifice, perseverance, and the importance of contributing to the progress of our nation. This Independence Day, gather your family and delve into these cinematic gems that celebrate the spirit of India.
