I-Day Special: Patriotic films that became crowd favourites in recent years

Patriotic films have long been a significant part of Indian cinema, and in recent years, several movies have resonated deeply with audiences. While older classics like Border and Lagaan remain crowd favorites, new films continue to stir national pride. Here are some of the most popular and critically acclaimed patriotic movies from recent years: Major (2022, Telugu amp; Hindi): This film, shot simultaneously in Telugu and Hindi, is a tribute to Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, a hero of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Adivi Sesh's portrayal of the late soldier received widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and respectful storytelling, making it a crowd favorite across the country. The film focuses on Major Unnikrishnan's life from childhood to his final moments, ensuring he is remembered for how he lived, not just how he died. Amaran (2024, Tamil): Based on the life of Major Mukund Varadarajan, a decorated Indian Army officer, this Tamil-language film was praised for its realistic portrayal of a soldier's life and the sacrifices made by their families. Starring Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi, the movie was a major box office success and was celebrated for its intimate and grounded approach to patriotism, focusing on the human story behind the uniform. It was also released in several other languages. Shershaah (2021): This biographical war drama tells the story of Captain Vikram Batra, a hero of the Kargil War. The film, starring Sidharth Malhotra, was widely praised for its emotional depth, powerful performances, and honest portrayal of a soldier's life and sacrifice. Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019): This high-octane action film, based on the Indian Army's 2016 surgical strikes, became a massive commercial and critical success. Its thrilling narrative and iconic dialogue, How's the josh?, captured the nation's attention. Sardar Udham (2021): A powerful and nuanced biographical drama about the revolutionary freedom fighter Udham Singh, who assassinated Michael O'Dwyer to avenge the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Vicky Kaushal's performance in the titular role earned him widespread acclaim. Gunjan Saxena : The Kargil Girl (2020): Based on the life of Gunjan Saxena, one of the first female pilots in the Indian Air Force to fly in a combat zone, this film tells an inspiring story of breaking gender barriers and serving the nation. Sam Bahadur (2023): This biographical film on the life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, an esteemed leader during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, was celebrated for its tribute to his leadership and wit. Gadar 2 (2023): A sequel to the 2001 blockbuster Gadar: Ek Prem Katha , this film brought back the nostalgia and patriotism of the original, becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian films of the year. Also Read : Ponnambalam Praises Chiranjeevi s Kindness with Over Rs 1 Crore in Support Baahubali: The Epic gets an IMAX release