When it comes to narratives, few elicit as much pride, emotion, and adrenaline as those derived from films based on the Indian Army. Be it biopics of renowned officers or heart wrenching war sagas, the movies mirror the valour, sacrifice and indomitable spirit of our soldiers.
At SociallyKeeda, we absolutely adore movies that pay homage to real-life heroes.
So, strap in as we navigate the 10 finest Indian Army movies — some blockbusters, some underrated marvels — that are totally worthy of your attention.
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10. The Ghazi Attack (2017)
The Ghazi Attack; First ever film in Bollywood made on the Indian Navy’s unsung heroes. On the subject of submarines, this underwater thriller on the mysterious sinking of Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi during the 1971 war was a brave attempt. It’s as narratively riveting and acted to the hilt (particularly by Rana Daggubati and Kay Kay Menon) as you could wish for, but the film never received the extended attention it merited. If you’re an enthusiast of war strategies or naval warfare, this is one of my top recommendations.
9. LOC: Kargil (2003) & Tango Charlie (2005) Here, at least it wasn’t another decade.
J.P. Dutta’s LOC: Kargil was a highly ambitious retelling of the 1999 Kargil War. It featured a cast of thousands (Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan), and it showed real-life battles, but was criticized for its running time. But in time the raw depiction of soldiers’ travails has been understood by viewers.
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Tango Charlie Since we're talking underrated films, this one can't be missed out on.}') typeof=etag Update required to play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin DP/SAIF ALI KHAN-BOBBY DEOL (TANGO-CHARLIE)577 DURATION: 155 : 39 This is an actual song. Its grittily realistic tone and down-to-basics fight sequences make it one to seek out.
8. Fighter (2024)
The newly released Fighter, featuring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, pays a tribute to the Indian Air Force. Fictionalised but inspired by real events such as the Balakot airstrike, it is on Netflix. Siddharth Anand’s stylish direction and aerial combat scenes are visually spectacular even if the screenplay has its drawbacks. A good watch for action enthusiasts!
7. Sam Bahadur (2023)
Vicky Kaushal’s superlative performance as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw in Meghna Gulzar’s Sam Bahadur stole the hearts of many. It is a beautiful portrait of India’s first Field Marshal — his wit, the way he led the nation during the 1971 war, his incorruptible integrity. Though not in the typical canon of war drama, it is a masterclass in biographical storytelling.
6. Shaurya (2008)
Based on A Few Good Men, and with a courtroom drama set against the army background to it, Shaurya (starring Rahul Bose, Kay Kay Menon, and Deepak Dobriyal) addresses justice and prejudice in the military. A thought-provoking film that refrains from knee-jerk patriotic rah-rah stuff and concentrates on moral dilemmas.
5. Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019)
The movie is divided across four sub-stories in different time zones, i.e., 1795, 1916, 1974, and 2019 but are interlinked sequentially, each part being subtly introduced and integrated by its characters at relevant intervals.
"How’s the josh?" ―this line became a national slogan post the Uri release. Grounded in the 2016 surgical strikes, Aditya Dhar’s film (starring Vicky Kaushal) was a game-changer. It was high-octane in its action, its screenplay was tight and its execution real, making you feel like you were watching India’s version of Zero Dark Thirty. Definitely was an awesome adrenaline rush!
4. Border (1997)
Border (J.P. Dutta) One of the first major war films in Bollywood that redefined patriotism in Indian cinema, was Border. Inspired by the Battle of Longewala (1971), it was known for the powerhouse performances delivered by Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty and Jackie Shroff. The 'Sandese Aate Hai' track still gives goosebumps! There have been rumors of a sequel floating around— would you want Border 2?
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3. Lakshya (2004) & 1971 (2007)
Lakshya, directed by Farhan Akhtar, is the coming-of-age drama in the war genre with Hrithik Roshan as the aimless youth who discovers meaning in the military. The film’s authenticity towards the Kargil War and the depth of its characters makes it a classic.
1971 (with Manoj Bajpayee) is, on the other hand, an underappreciated POW (Prisoner of War) escape drama. Inspired by real events, it’s a race-against-time thriller that tracks six Indian STARS running to escape a Pakistani camp. A gripping tale of survival!
2. Shershaah (2021)
The heroic and sacrifice-filled life of Captain Vikram Batra in the Kargil War was chronicled in Shershaah. Sidharth Malhotra turned out a career best performance, and the emotional quotient of the film was well maintained even with battle sequences which made a connect with audiences. And it's only gotten more popular over time.
1. Rang De Basanti (2006)
Wait, an army film? Well, Rang De Basanti isn’t strictly a war movie, but its stunning second half focuses on the MiG-21 scandal (involving the Indian Air Force) and the emotional impact it has on families of the soldiers affected. Aamir Khan takes it as a man whose attitude lands him in some serious shit and emerges out a rebellion who seeks justice, that is what makes it one of the most fantastic films ever made.
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Final Thoughts
In the raw bravery of Border to the contemporary heroism of Uri and Shershaah, these films draw back attention to the sacrifices our soldiers make. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Jai Hind! --------- Jai Bharat!
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