Explainer: When did the trend of patriotism start in films? Know the changing formula from ‘Border’ to ‘Uri’ and ‘Fighter’

Bollywood Patriotic Movies: The relationship between Indian cinema and patriotism is not new. From before independence till today, patriotism has been shown in different forms in films. Sometimes through the freedom struggle, sometimes through the sacrifice of soldiers and sometimes by showing India’s strength against enemy countries. However, in the last three decades the nature of films based on patriotism has completely changed. There was a time when patriotism meant only the story of soldiers fighting on the border, but now it has also included special operations, air strikes, intelligence missions and high-tech warfare. In such a situation, the question arises that when did the trend of patriotic films start in Bollywood and what changes happened in it with time? So let us tell you everything about it in detail in this news.

The tradition of patriotic films started after independence

After India got independence in 1947, filmmakers started making films on topics like nation building and national unity. In the films made in the 1950s and 1960s, patriotism did not just mean war but was also related to the development of the country, problems of farmers and social unity. ‘Mother India’ released in 1957 is considered to be the biggest example of this. War or army was not directly shown in the film, but the feeling of dedication towards the country and soil was shown in a human form. After this, the India-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971 gave new stories to Bollywood. Filmmakers started showing the courage and sacrifice of soldiers on the big screen.

Manoj Kumar created the identity of ‘Bharat Kumar’

If we talk about patriotic films in Bollywood and Manoj Kumar’s name does not come up, it is not possible. Yes, ‘Upkaar’ released in 1967 gave a new direction to patriotic films. Inspired by Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, this film made a special place in the hearts of the audience. After this, films like ‘Purab Aur Paschim’, ‘Roti Kapda Aur Makaan’ and ‘Kranti’ made Manoj Kumar ‘Bharat Kumar’. At that time, patriotism meant nation building, culture and saving Indian values.

‘Border’ changed the picture in 1997

If we talk about the beginning of patriotic films of the modern era, then most of the film experts consider the film ‘Border’ released in 1997 as the turning point. Director J.P. This film of Dutta showed the bravery of soldiers on the background of the India-Pakistan war of 1971. This film starring stars like Sunny Deol, Sunil Shetty, Akshaye Khanna and Jackie Shroff achieved great success at the box office. Songs like ‘Sandese Aate Hain’ are still counted among the most popular patriotic songs. ‘Border’ proved that war based films can also be superhit. After this, a new wave of patriotic films started in Bollywood.

The meaning of patriotism changed in the 2000s

After the year 2000, the formula of patriotic films started changing. ‘Lagaan’, released in 2001, linked the cricket match against the British with patriotism. Whereas ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha’ presented the era of India-Pakistan partition with patriotism. After this, films like ‘Lakshya’, ‘Swades’, ‘Rang De Basanti’ showed patriotism from a new perspective. In these films, there was not only a fight with the enemy country, but there was also a message of taking responsibility for the country and improving the society. Especially ‘Rang De Basanti’ created a new definition of patriotism among the youth. The film told that patriotism is not limited to just fighting on the border, but raising voice to bring change in the system is also patriotism.

A new era started after ‘Uri’

‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’, released in 2019, is considered the beginning of a new era of patriotic films. The film was based on the real surgical strike and showed the strength, strategy and technology of the modern Indian Army. Vicky Kaushal’s dialogue ‘How’s the Josh?’ Became popular throughout the country. The tremendous success of ‘Uri’ proved that the audience now wants to see not just war stories but also real military missions and special operations.

Hi-tech action comes in patriotic films

After ‘Uri’, the formula of patriotic films in Bollywood changed rapidly. In films like ‘Shershaah’, ‘Bhuj: The Pride of India’, ‘Major’, ‘Tejas’ and ‘Fighter’, modern weapons, Air Force operations, drone technology and special forces were given prominence. While earlier the focus was more on the sacrifice of soldiers, now the strategy and technical capabilities of the mission are also being shown.

‘Fighter’ showed air power

‘Fighter’, released in 2024, is the biggest example of this change. In this film starring Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor, the strength of the Indian Air Force was shown on a large scale. High-octane aerial action, fighter jets and modern war technology were presented in Hollywood style in the film. This shows that now the scope of patriotic films is not limited to just the border, but has also reached air and technological warfare.

OTT also increased patriotic content

After the arrival of OTT platforms, patriotic based content has got more expansion. Web series like ‘The Family Man’, ‘Special Ops’, ‘Avarodh’, ‘IC 814’ have shown the audience stories related to intelligence agencies, anti-terrorism operations and national security. Due to this, the interest of the audience was not limited only to war, but also reached the heroes working behind the scenes.

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