August 15, 2025
NEW DELHI – Independence Day Movies: As Independence Day arrives, many people in India celebrate not only with flag hoisting and parades but also by watching films that remind us of our nation’s journey, courage, and unity. Bollywood has given us many such movies over the years. Some are set in history, some in modern times, but all of them share a common thread, love for the country.
Here is a look at seven movies that are perfect to watch on Independence Day and the stories they tell.
1. Lagaan (2001)
‘Lagaan’ is a period drama directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. The film takes us back to the late 19th century when India was under British rule. It tells the story of a small village in central India where poor farmers are suffering because of high taxes (lagaan). The cruel British officer challenges them to a cricket match. If they win, their taxes will be canceled for three years. If they lose, they will have to pay triple.
The villagers, led by a young man named Bhuvan (played by Aamir Khan), have never played cricket before. But they decide to take on the challenge. The movie is is about unity, courage, and standing up against injustice.
2. Swades (2004)
‘Swades’ is another Ashutosh Gowariker film, starring Shah Rukh Khan in one of his most loved roles. The story follows Mohan Bhargava, a successful scientist working for NASA in the USA. When he comes back to India to find his childhood caretaker, he reconnects with the village where he grew up.
At first, Mohan feels disconnected from rural life. But as he sees the struggles of the villagers with no electricity, poor education, and social divisions, he decides to do something about it. The film’s message about returning to your roots and serving your country still feels fresh today.
3. Rang De Basanti (2006)
‘Rang De Basanti’, directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, became a youth movement when it was released. The movie starts with a British filmmaker coming to India to make a documentary about freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Chandrashekhar Azad. She casts a group of fun-loving Delhi university students for the roles.
At first, these students are not serious about history or politics. But when a personal tragedy strikes, they are inspired by the courage of the revolutionaries they are playing. They decide to take bold action against corruption.
4. Chak De! India (2007)
‘Chak De! India’, directed by Shimit Amin, is a sports drama starring Shah Rukh Khan as Kabir Khan, a former Indian hockey captain. After being wrongly accused of betraying his country, Kabir returns as the coach of the Indian women’s hockey team.
The team is made up of players from different states, each with their own cultural differences and personal struggles. Kabir’s biggest challenge is to unite them as one team. The film is about teamwork, discipline, and pride in wearing the Indian jersey. The famous line “Chak De! India” became a slogan for motivation and national pride.
5. Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020)
‘Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl’ is based on the real-life story of Flight Lieutenant Gunjan Saxena, one of the first female pilots in the Indian Air Force to fly in a combat zone during the 1999 Kargil War. The film stars Janhvi Kapoor in the lead role.
It shows Gunjan’s journey from a young girl with a dream of flying to becoming a helicopter pilot in a male-dominated environment. The movie also deals with issues of gender equality, determination, and breaking barriers. Gunjan’s courage during the Kargil War, rescuing injured soldiers and delivering supplies, makes her a true hero.
6. Gandhi (1982)
While not a typical Bollywood film, ‘Gandhi’, directed by Richard Attenborough, is an epic biographical drama about Mahatma Gandhi’s life. The film covers his journey from a young lawyer in South Africa to becoming the leader of India’s non-violent freedom movement against British rule.
Ben Kingsley’s performance as Gandhi is legendary, and the film won multiple Oscars, including Best Picture. Watching Gandhi is like revisiting the history of India’s independence struggle and understanding the power of truth and non-violence.
7. Airlift (2016)
‘Airlift’ is based on a true story from 1990 when Iraq invaded Kuwait. Akshay Kumar plays Ranjit Katyal, a wealthy Indian businessman living in Kuwait. When the war breaks out, he risks everything to help evacuate more than 170,000 stranded Indians and bring them back home safely.
The film is thrilling and emotional, showing how one person’s leadership and resourcefulness can save thousands.
This Independence day, each of these movies tells a different kind of patriotic story. Some take us back to the freedom struggle, others focus on modern-day challenges, and some show ordinary people doing extraordinary things.