For decades, patriotic films in India largely followed a set template — loud nationalism, heroic speeches, and clear “us vs them” narratives. But in the 21st century, filmmakers have been rewriting the rulebook. Movies like URI: The Surgical Strike (2019), Raazi (2018), and Rang De Basanti (2006) have not only redefined cinematic patriotism but have also made it personal, relatable, and emotionally layered.
URI – From Slogan to Strategy
Aditya Dhar’s URI: The Surgical Strike was a cinematic game-changer. Based on the real 2016 Indian Army surgical strike on terror launch pads across the Line of Control, it blended military precision with gripping storytelling.
- Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal of Major Vihaan Shergill struck a chord with the youth, making “How’s the Josh?” a cultural catchphrase.
- The film was meticulous in portraying operational realism — from weapons handling to strategic planning — setting a new benchmark for authenticity in Bollywood war dramas.
- Its success also sparked a conversation on the balance between patriotism and propaganda, with critics debating whether the film leaned too heavily into political undertones.
Raazi – Espionage with a Beating Heart
Meghna Gulzar’s Raazi approached patriotism from a completely different lens — not with guns blazing, but through quiet sacrifice. Inspired by Harinder Sikka’s novel Calling Sehmat, the film followed a young Kashmiri woman who marries into a Pakistani military family to spy for India during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
- Alia Bhatt’s nuanced performance showed that bravery isn’t always loud; sometimes it’s about the silent burden of knowing you can never claim your heroism publicly.
- The film stood out for humanising “the other side,” portraying Pakistani characters with depth instead of as flat villains.
- It questioned the personal cost of patriotism — a rare move in mainstream Hindi cinema.
Rang De Basanti – Waking Up a Generation
Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra’s Rang De Basanti wasn’t just a film — it was a movement.
- By blending the stories of India’s freedom fighters with the disillusionment of modern youth, it made patriotism cool again for a generation that had grown cynical.
- The soundtrack, led by A.R. Rahman, became anthems of protest and change.
- The film sparked real-life activism, with candlelight vigils at India Gate becoming a symbol of youth-led political engagement.
Why These Films Matter Today
In an age where nationalism often gets reduced to social media hashtags and divisive rhetoric, these films prove that patriotism can be intelligent, empathetic, and inclusive. They challenge the idea that loving your country means hating another and instead celebrate courage, questioning, and selflessness.
These aren’t just movies you watch — they’re stories that stay with you, making you question what patriotism really means in the modern world.
By – Nikita