"Bharat humko jaan se bhi pyaara hai, sabse nyara gulistaan humara hai '', humming these lines is bound to cause your chest to swell with pride. Over the years, Indian cinema has produced gems that re-invigorate the feeling of patriotism in us. On Independence Day, we bring you five best patriotic movies and the top five songs:
Here are five handpicked Indian movies that continue to create a rejuvenation of nationalism in the country.
1) Haqeeqat (1964)
Based on the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the film won the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film in 1965. The story goes that some Indian soldiers in the hilly terrains of Ladakh are considered dead but actually were rescued by Ladakhi tribesmen and by Captain Bahadur Singh. They were asked to retreat from their post as the Chinese had surrounded them. Captain Bahadur Singh and lady love Angmo (Priya Rajvansh) breathed their last keeping the Chinese at bay so that their comrades can retreat to safety. But even the retreating soldiers gave up their lives for the country.
Kar chale hum fida is one song which makes one teary eyed even after so many years!
2) Rang De Basanti
Rang De Basanti hit the silver screen in 2006 and being a youth-centric movie with bold statements, got rave reviews. The movie had a noticeable impact on Indian society. There was a significant increase in public ire towards government and politicians along with bureaucracy for constantly being mired in corruption. Intense political discussions and debates inspired humongous impact on myriad sections of population.
The songs of this film were filled with a fresh flavour of nationalism. Especially, the title track was quite catchy. The lyrics were inspirational and appealing. Many young Indians could relate well to the characters of this film.
3) Chak De India (2007)
A well-scripted movie, Chak De was directed by Shimit Amin. It is a story of a stigmatised Indian hockey player whose image was tarnished after a disastrous loss to the Pakistan hockey team. Soon after, he is ostracised from the sport. He and his mother are further forced out from their ancestral home by angry neighbours. Seven years later, in an attempt to redeem himself, the man becomes the coach for the Indian women's hockey team with the goal of turning its sixteen contentious players into a champion team.
The movie set a very good example of team spirit and an indomitable approach to truth and life, no matter what the circumstances are.
The title track of this movie is awe-inspiring and well sung by Shukwinder Singh.
4) Border (1997)
A blockbuster movie directed by JP Dutta is an adaptation from real life events that happened at the Battle of Longewala fought in Rajasthan during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 and Bangladesh Liberation War. The story is a poignant account of how the Indian soldiers sacrifice their family life and future dreams to keep the nation safe.
The forte of the film again is very enticing and mesmerising rendition, the lyrics by Javed Akhtar are soulful.
5) Lagaan (2001)
Lagaan is the sordid story of the Indian peasants' hardship and wretched conditions prior to Independence. The British had imposed heavy taxes on a poor, barren village of Gujarat, which the villagers were unable to shell out. When they refused to pay, they were given a wager. They were to play cricket with the British. If they won, the tax would not be levied for three years. The villagers united to master the new game and defeated the British and so got their dues waived. It displayed the grit and sustained spirit of patriotism that united the simpletons of a village to win.
