From 'Charkha', 'Veer Kunal' and 'Bhagwa Jhanda' made in 1925 to 'War 2' made in 2025, these patriotic films are full of fervour

There is a unique magic in Bollywood's relationship with patriotism, which stretches from the black and white reels of the pre-independence era to the throbbing digital canvas of today. For generations, the Hindi film industry has been telling stories of valour, sacrifice, unity, and sky-rocking flight, keeping the flame of patriotism alive in people's hearts. It is a long journey of films highlighting patriotism and the glory of the country in Bollywood that began almost a hundred years ago, and every decade has brought a new colour to the idea of a 'patriotic film'.

If you go back almost a century, you will find that in the days before India got independence from the clutches of the British, early filmmakers used their film platform mostly to inculcate a sense of nationalism.

Films like 'Charkha', 'Veer Kunal', and 'Bhagwa Jhanda' were released between 1925 and 1930. They did not have expensive sets or colourful costumes, but what was most important was an inspiring message. Even silent films or early 'talkies' gave India its first stories of unsung heroes, freedom fighters, and the pain of a nation in chains.

Some of these old films may not be seen on modern TV screens, but their echoes still exist today. The 1930s saw the release of films like 'The Patriot', 'The Battle', 'Martyr', and 'Shaan-e-Hindustan' and and by the 1960s, film preservation and film documentation improved, so more information is available. These two decades saw the release of classics like 'Shaheed' (1965), Upkaar, which gave a vivid picture of the life of the revolutionary Bhagat Singh and became a benchmark for patriotic cinema. The songs of Shaheed—such as 'Sarfaroshi ki Tamanna'—became ingrained in Indian culture. Other superhit films such as 'Upkaar', 'Purab Aur Paschim' and 'Kranti' told stories of soldiers, farmers and freedom fighters, often starring Manoj Kumar, who became famous as 'Bharat Kumar' for his roles that upheld Indian values.

So, Bharat Putra Manoj Kumar spread this powerful patriotic message further. These films reminded us, sometimes gently and sometimes thunderously, that this land of Bharat is not just land, it is the people of the country, their struggles, and their dreams of freedom. Even after the British left, Bollywood continued its role as the storyteller of the brave people of the country.

The 1950s and 1960s were the years when patriotic Bollywood really found its voice. Songs written for films became part of school programs, and some films even went down in history. For instance, the 1965 release Shaheed told the story of Bhagat Singh, a name every Indian knows. Its impact was so strong that even India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, made a cameo appearance in the film.

When the tricolour fluttered on the silver screen in cinema halls, watching these films, the audience was not just watching a film; they were reliving the struggle and feeling the pride of being an Indian that they deserved. Bollywood knew how to make people cry, cheer, and sometimes even stand up and salute the screen through patriotic films.

The World War of the same period, of course, gave filmmakers plenty of stories to tell; in the 1960s, after bloody wars with China and Pakistan, films like Haqiqat retold the stories of soldiers who sacrificed everything for their country. Then came the blockbuster 'Border' in 1997, which gave goosebumps to the countrymen by telling the story of the Battle of Longewala of the Indo-Pakistani War in 1971. It is still one of the most watched films in Indian homes every Independence Day. Other films like 'LOC: Kargil' kept the memories of India's military valour alive and instilled a wave of pride in the hearts of the audience.

But patriotism is not just limited to wars. Bollywood proved this when it later started telling different stories. For instance, 'Lagaan' (2001), about a group of poor villagers who stand up against unfair British taxes and win their self-respect by playing a cricket match, was loved by the people, and it reached the world as India's entry to the Oscars. Films like 'Swades' depicted the journey of an Indian working abroad who returns to bring about a change in his village. These films taught that 'making a difference' is also a way of loving your country, even for the common people.

There are many instances where filmmakers chose new and bold subjects. 'Chak De India' showed the story of the women's national hockey team and how pride can be rebuilt with unity and determination. 'Rang De Basanti' made the youth believe that if they are united, they can make a difference. 'Lakshya' reminds the audience of the Kargil war, while 'Raazi' is the story of a young female spy with the message that true love for the country is associated with courage and responsibility.

In recent years, since the 2010s, a new wave of patriotic films has taken up the challenge of keeping this old tradition alive but with a twist. 'Uri: The Surgical Strike' is based on the Indian Army's daring operation in 2016. The dialogue "How's Josh?" became so popular that it is still repeated by fans and sometimes even politicians. The film 'Shershaah' paid tribute to real-life hero Captain Vikram Batra, whose bravery in the Kargil conflict inspired the entire nation.

Since 2020, several new releases have added more colour to patriotic cinema. 'The Kashmir Files' painted a heartwarming portrayal of the struggles of the Kashmiri Pandit community in the 1990s, and 'Sam Bahadur' revered the life of India's famous military leader, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. The feeling of patriotism is so strong that filmmakers often release such films around Republic Day or Independence Day, knowing that they will touch the hearts of the audience.

Sometimes, patriotism also means fighting for rights and respect beyond borders. Films like 'Airlift', 'Gold', and 'Major' told true stories—evacuations from a war zone, the first Olympic gold for independent India, or the sacrifice of a commando during the Mumbai attacks. These films made heroes out of people who are often not in the spotlight, but show courage in their own unique ways.

Now, patriotism in modern Bollywood patriotic films is not just about shouting slogans or fighting with guns. It can be seen in a teacher fighting for girls' education, a doctor serving in remote Indian tribal villages, or a differently-abled athlete winning a medal for the country. For instance, films like 'Mission Mangal' brought to life the story of Indian scientists helping launch a mission to Mars, while 'Dangal' inspired many with the story of two Indian sisters breaking records in wrestling, a sport typically dominated by men.

Of course, trends have changed over the decades. In the early years after independence, the focus was more on the sacrifices of freedom fighters and the country's fight for justice. As time went on, directors and writers began to look at patriotism through the eyes of ordinary citizens, what it means to be an Indian every day, how small acts can make a country better, and how unity brings true strength.

It's interesting to see how the new technologies and trends that have come to the country have shaped the way these stories are told. In the 1990s and 2000s, patriotic films also started featuring big sets and special effects. Real locations went away, big star casts, and dramatic music. As streaming platforms have grown, many new patriotic shows and films are being released online first. Now, if even a small-budget patriotic film touches people, it goes viral and can reach every corner of the country.

With the country taking on new forms, new social issues and realities, filmmakers are not afraid to experiment even in patriotic films. Many films have highlighted ideas such as unity in diversity to strengthen the nation, the need for equal rights, or the dangers of hate. Examples include stories of inter-religious friendship, minority rights, and women's empowerment. 'Sardar Udham' reminded audiences of the Punjab genocide by the British. While some films have initiated important discussions on how history is portrayed in films, some have also sparked debates on focusing on only one side of the story or being used as a tool for propaganda.

Bollywood has also learnt to strike a balance between entertainment and tough questions. So, even amidst the war scenes and emotional moments, you will find spontaneous humour, romance, and captivating music. This is so that people of all ages enjoy the story, even if it is on a serious subject.
'Tejas', etched in the memories of the audience. Each film tells the story of India in its own way-the story of ordinary people who became extraordinary because of their love for the motherland.

The list of patriotic films is very long. Some more names like 'The Legend of Bhagat Singh', 'Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran', 'Tango Charlie', 'Sardar', 'Shaheed-e-Azam', 'Raazi', 'Patriot', 'The Battle', 'Martyr', 'Shaan-e-Hindustan', 'Bharat Veer', 'Mission Kashmir', 'Gold', 'Major' and recently and the most talked about film of this year 'War 2'.

The movie "War 2" is described as having a strong patriotic tone and an "India First" message. The film features a spy oath that connects characters across the YRF Spy Universe and highlights the importance of patriotism. The plot is of Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR playing Indian spies with different views on the patriotic values, leading to a conflict.
mainly focusing on the contrasting ideologies

The trailer showcased a spy oath that is key to the YRF Spy Universe, focusing on the commitment to serving the nation. The film is designed to resonate with audiences by promoting an "India First" message,

In this ever-changing journey from 1930 to 2025, Bollywood's patriotic films have always shown one thing that the heart of India beats in a million different ways. It beats in the soldier posted on the border, the poor farmer, the freedom fighter, the scientist, the teacher and the student with big dreams. No matter how much the world changes, or how many new gadgets or languages enter our lives, the song of the country in these films—the sense of belonging, pride and hope—remains the same.

In recent years, India's political currents and new realities have also shaped the way some filmmakers choose their subjects. Sometimes films are released precisely when the atmosphere in the country is tense, and use true events and stories from India's borders, scientific laboratories or forgotten villages. There is no detailed information about these films as they were made almost a century ago and almost all their prints have been lost.

'Bharat Veer' or 'Veer Bharat' (1934) is recognised in filmographies as a film with patriotic or mythological themes, again focusing on the heroic sons of the country, but there is not much detailed information about the plot or the cast.

FAQs

1. What’s the latest on the Border 2 sequel?
   The makers will drop the Border 2 teaser on August 15, 2025—India’s Independence Day. Sunny Deol returns as Major Kuldip Singh in this much‑anticipated war drama sequel.

2. Any updates on casting for Border 2?
   Bengaluru‑born actress Medha Rana recently joined the cast opposite Varun Dhawan. The film is set to release on January 23, 2026.

3. Is Suniel Shetty part of Border 2?
   He’s not returning as Bhairon Singh, but is proud that his son Ahan Shetty is part of the new cast, bridging legacy and new generation.

4. How are fans remembering Shershaah in 2025?
   Sidharth Malhotra marked the fourth anniversary of Shershaah on August 12, calling it an “honour” to portray Captain Vikram Batra and reminding fans of its lasting impact.

5. What’s new with Dangal’s global standing?
   Aamir Khan revealed he rejected cuts from the Pakistani censors—like removing the Indian flag and national anthem—to protect the film’s integrity.

6. Who was Manoj Kumar, known as “Bharat Putra?”
   Manoj Kumar, real name Harikrishna Giri Goswami, earned the sobriquet Bharat Kumar for his patriotic films in the 1960s–70s. He passed away recently, leaving a legacy of nationalistic cinema.

7. What is Border (1997) most celebrated for?
   It's among the biggest Bollywood blockbusters of the ’90s, won three National Film Awards, four Filmfare awards, and continues to be screened on Independence Day for its patriotic resonance.

8. Why is LOC: Kargil significant and what’s its scale?
   A 2003 war drama by J. P. Dutta, this 255-minute epic—one of India’s longest films—recreates the Kargil War with an ensemble cast and realistic military detail.

9. What makes Shershaah stand out as a war biopic?
   The 2021 film, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani, depicts Captain Vikram Batra’s rise and martyrdom during Kargil with emotional gravitas and authentic storytelling.

10. How monumental is Dangal in Indian cinema?
    Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, it’s India’s highest-grossing Hindi film (₹2,000+ crore worldwide), acclaimed for its heartfelt portrayal of women wrestlers and award-winning performances.

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