Being Indian… the Bollywood way!

While Bollywood has seen an evolution over the years and we have forever been witness to changing trends, new genres and ideas, one thing that has been a constant favourite is patriotism. In spite of decades of evolution, every once in a while comes a movie that brings out the patriotic fervour in us. Here’s a list of movies that have celebrated the spirit of being Indian and have captured the essence of the adrenaline rush that comes with it:

Mother India (1957)
While this film makes it to any list of landmark films in Indian history, for us, this is a wonderful movie that depicted the Indian woman in a glorious way and is a must have in any list that talks about movies portrayed Indian fervour. The film’s poster where Nargis is seen pulling a plough is an iconic scene that even the present generation identifies with.

Shaheed (1965)
Based on the life of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, it is one of the most prominent movies portraying the freedom movement. ‘Shaheed’ was the first of Manoj Kumar’s series of patriotic films like ‘Kranti’ and ‘Purab Aur Paschim’ and ‘Upkar’.

Purab Aur Paschim (1970)
Another Manoj Kumar film that he directed himself, this is a must have in this list. The movie lingered on the fact that freedom from the British alone wasn’t enough. It spoke about how Indian pride was the need of the hour. ‘Purab aur Paschim’ is a depiction that India is all about colours, love and honour.

Border (1997)
The film which was based on the Battle of Longewala fought in Rajasthan during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 is probably the most remembered Indian war film ever made. With appearances by the likes of Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff and Akshaye Khanna among others, the film can easily make it to any list of patriotic films.

Maachis (1996)
Based on the circumstances leading to the Sikh insurgency in Punjab, the film indicated that the nation’s youngsters are like matchsticks and can be easily ignited when there is insufficiency in the political system.

Sarfarosh (1999)
Movies may come and go. But some manage to leave a mark and ‘Sarfarosh’ is one such film. The film stimulates the feeling of patriotism and somewhere you get an inkling of euphoria. The film’s portrayal of a sincere cop makes you wish he actually existed.

Lagaan (2001)
Though the film was received with lots of critical acclaim, that’s not the only reason it makes it to this list. The film’s portrayal of rural India of the pre-independence times was aesthetic. An epic sports drama, ‘Lagaan’ instantly made place in the hearts of Indians and everyone cheered till Bhuvan scored a “six” off the last ball.

Swades (2004)
A unique film that follows the journey of an Indian scientist based in the US who comes to India to return with his nanny; instead he discovers his roots. The film inspires extreme emotions and makes any viewer understand how ills plague the nation in the grassroots level. A tale of how most Indians have accepted their fate and prefer to stay silent than to fight for their rights, this is another film which weaves the patriotic magic.

Rang De Basanti! (2006)
Patriotism got a modern definition with this film and it became a “cool” thing. The film acquired a cult status among new age patriots and made any viewer ponder. The film was an interesting and curious comparison of today’s youth and the pre-independence freedom fighters. For this generation, the movie will remain an avant-garde portrayal of patriotism.

Chak De! India (2007)
The story of a hockey player, on whom infamy was thrust due to no mistake of his, comes back to coach a women’s hockey team. The film explores regional biases, stereotypes based on religion and team work. A brilliant performance by the star cast aided by astounding music, this is a favourite for any patriotic Indian.