Independence Day isn’t just about hoisting the tricolor and singing the national anthem – it’s also about connecting with your ideals and taking a bow at the struggle of our national heroes who made independence a reality. And what better way to do that than watching a patriotic movie that celebrates the freedom of the country and instills you with pride? From tales of unsung heroes to journeys of self-discovery, these patriotic movies capture patriotism in all its glorious shades. Here are 5 patriotic movies to watch this Independence Day.
A Tribute To The Tiranga: Watch These 5 Patriotic Movies This Independence Day
1. Raazi (2018)
Director Meghna Gulzar weaves a gripping spy thriller based on true events in the 2018 film Raazi. Bollywood star Alia Bhatt stars as Sehmat Khan, a young Kashmiri woman who marries a Pakistani military officer to serve as an undercover spy agent.
What happens next is a gripping tale of courage, intelligence, and love for her homeland as Sehmat gathers crucial information that has the potential to change the course of history for both India and Pakistan.
What makes Raazi a must-watch movie this Independence Day is its sheer portrayal of patriotism – it’s not about jingoistic slogans and whistle-worthy one-liners, its about the nuances, the intricacies, and the emotional turmoil of Bhatt’s character.
Choosing between her motherland and her marriage isn’t a difficult choice, but while doing so, she’s grappling with the harsh reality of being an important asset for the country.
Movie locations you can visit: Srinagar, Pahalgam, Patiala
Why watch it: For a heart-pounding, emotionally charged story of a hero whose strongest weapon was not any ammunition, but her sheer intelligence.
2. Lakshya (2004)
This Farhan-Akhtar directorial starring Hrithik Roshan tells a story of a directionless young man who joins the Indian Army, almost on a whim.
He’s initially unaware, unsure, and lost in the process. However, the movie takes us on an inspiring journey of a young man who finds purpose, discipline, and strength in his days of serving for the Army.
Lakshya stands out in this list of patriotic movies to watch this Independence Day because it is not just a story of bravery. It is a story more about finding one’s identity.
It beautifully captures the essence of young adulthood – where one is initially directionless but the right guidance works wonders.
Watch the movie for Hrithik Roshan’s brilliant performance, soul-stirring background score, and the heartwarming message underlying throughout the film.
Movie locations you can visit: Leh, Ladakh, Dehradun
Why watch it: For its inspiring portrayal of personal growth, determination, and the courage of our armed forces.
3. Swades (2004)
Another patriotic movie released in 2004 – Swades is a gentle yet powerful reminder that patriotism, just like charity, begins at home.
This Ashutosh Gowariker directorial, starring Shah Rukh Khan as NASA scientist Mohan Bhargava, is a gripping tale of what true love for the motherland stands for.
As Bhargava returns to his country, he starts reconnecting with his lost roots and realizes how his efforts can bring a change in the place he was born in.
Mohan’s journey from a Non-Resident Indian detached from India’s realities to someone actively working to improve it is both emotional and thought-provoking.
Swades doesn’t show patriotism wrapped in loud one-liners and heroic montages, it is gently wrapped in the message of reconnection, grassroot development, and universal brotherhood.
Swades is a brilliant masterpiece produced by the Hindi film industry, boasting of an award-winning performance by Shah Rukh Khan, a moving background score, and watertight writing with a gripping social message.
Kudos!
Movie locations you can visit: Wai and Menawali (Maharashtra)
Why watch it: For a gentle reminder that we are all united, and that true change starts with us, wherever we are
4. Rang De Basanti (2006)
Few films have as lasting an impact as the Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra directed Rang De Basanti.
Starring an ensemble cast of Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, Siddharth, Atul Kulkarni, Soha Ali Khan, and R. Madhavan, the movie blends the lives of carefree Delhi University friends with the revolutionary spirit of the Indian freedom fighters.
Their lives take a dramatic turn when a British filmmaker visits India and casts them to portray historical revolutionaries for her documentary.
National Award-winning Rang De Basanti is a soul-stirring movie of these initially carefree boys who realize the injustice in the country and awaken to fight corruption and apathy.
It shows dissent in its most democratic form and this is what makes the film a true genre-defining film. Patriotism isn’t in the bold one-liners, it’s in the actions of the characters who want to stand for the right, who fight for justice, and are ready to die for it.
Watch the movie for its powerful performances, nail-biting plot, stunning cinematography, and an amazing soundtrack. This one’s a must-watch!
Movie locations you can visit: India Gate, Nahargarh, Mughalsarai
Why watch it: For a passionate, youth-driven film that is a gripping tale documenting the fight against injustice and corruption.
5. Sardar Udham (2021)
Shoojit Sircar, with his previous work like Piku, October, and Gulaabo Sitaabo, carved a niche for creating comfort movies. However, with his 2021 historical biopic drama, Sardar Udham, he attempts a different, more risky genre.
Vicky Kaushal stars as Sardar Udham Singh – a lesser-known Indian freedom fighter from our history books. The movie follows his journey as he sets out to avenge the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, one of the most terrifying tragedies on Indian soil.
Unlike many other patriotic dramas and biopics, Sardar Udham’s essence lies in its raw writing. The movie is a slow-burn, letting you feel the immense weight of grief, injustice, and Udham’s unrelenting resolve.
Even the recreation of a tragedy like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre has been shown in its most real and haunting way. Vicky Kaushal effortlessly plays his part, bringing a restrained and emotionally vulnerable presence on-screen.
The cinematography and set design of the movie is a masterclass in its own right while the dialogues and screenplay is simply phenomenal.
Movie locations you can visit: Saint Petersburg, Amritsar, London
Why watch it: For a deeply moving movie that doesn’t glorify violence and sacrifice but instead dives into the human cost of freedom. A movie that delves into an untold chapter of India’s fight for independence.
Summing Up
Patriotism is not an emotion valid for just a day – it’s a constant state of being – realizing, appreciating, and cherishing the hard-earned freedom we have today.
From movies like Sardar Udham that delve into the human cost of freedom to movies like Rang De Basanti that are realistic, modern day stories of dissent and fight against injustice, these movies define the genre in their own way.
This Independence Day, as you watch these stories, let them inspire you to take your own small step toward bringing a positive change in the world.
After all, freedom isn’t something we just celebrate – it’s something to protect, cherish, and pass on to the next generation!
