Top 10 Indian Army and Military Films: Watch This Republic Day

Top 10 Indian Army and Military Films: In this article, we explore some of the most remarkable Indian films that focus on the army, military operations, and war stories. These films capture the valor, challenges, and sacrifices of soldiers, providing a gripping narrative of India’s military history. Let’s dive into the list of the all-time greatest army films, where we highlight the main plots and the impact each movie made.

10. The Ghazi Attack

In 2017, Hindi Cinema took a bold step by creating The Ghazi Attack, which was the first film to focus on the Indian Navy. Unfortunately, the film didn’t gain much attention over time, though it’s worth noting that it shed light on the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War’s naval operations.

9. LOC Kargil

LOC Kargil didn’t do well at the box office initially, but it has since gained appreciation. The film portrays the Indian army’s operation during the Kargil War, and despite its mixed reception, the narrative, tone, and direction broke new ground in war films. The filmmakers tried something different, and their effort deserves recognition.

9.1 Tango Charlie

LOCCargil wasn’t the only underrated war film. Tango Charlie, based on the conflicts in India’s northeastern states, didn’t get much recognition either. Yet, over the years, it has garnered respect for its unique storytelling and portrayal of the challenges faced by the Indian Army in that region.

8. Fighter

A recent release, Fighter revolves around an Indian Air Force officer. The film takes inspiration from real-life events but blends them with fictional elements. The protagonist, an Air Force pilot, initially comes across as arrogant, but as the movie unfolds, we see his transformation. Despite some flaws in the screenplay, the filmmaking, particularly by Siddharth Anand, has been praised.

7. Sam Bahadur

Sam Bahadur is a biopic that chronicles the life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, one of the most legendary army figures India has ever known. The task of bringing his extraordinary life to the big screen is no small feat, but the filmmakers have managed to capture the essence of his leadership and legacy.

6. Major

Major, another biopic, tells the story of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who lost his life during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The film stood out by never becoming over-the-top in its approach, providing a respectful yet inspiring narrative. The performances, especially by the lead actor, were widely appreciated.

5. Uri: The Surgical Strike

Uri: The Surgical Strike is a modern-day classic that portrays the Indian Army’s retaliation against terrorist camps in Pakistan. The way the film is shot and edited draws comparisons to high-caliber Hollywood war films like Zero Dark Thirty, making it one of the finest war films in Indian cinema.

4. Border

Border, directed by J.P. Dutta, is a film about the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The movie is known for its emotional and patriotic portrayal of the army’s struggles during the war. It’s often regarded as one of the first mainstream films to truly capture patriotism as an emotion. Rumors of a Border 2 have been circulating, but the original remains iconic.

Special Mention: Haqeeqat (1964)

Before the massive successes of films like Border, there was Haqeeqat, which deserves special acknowledgment. Released in 1964, it tells the story of soldiers who fought in the 1962 Sino-Indian War. The film’s realistic portrayal of war and its impact on soldiers was groundbreaking for its time.

3. 1971

Another film worth mentioning at number three is 1971, an underrated war film that portrays the experience of Indian prisoners of war. The writing, direction, and character development in the film are highly praised for showing the soldiers’ diverse personalities and their attempts to free themselves during captivity.

2. Shershaah

Shershaah became a popular film over time, thanks to its brilliant storytelling and powerful performances. The film is based on the life of Captain Vikram Batra, a hero of the Kargil War. His courage and sacrifice resonate deeply with audiences, making it one of the most loved war films in India.

1. Lakshya

Finally, at number one is Lakshya, a coming-of-age story of a young, lost teenager named Karan Shergill who finds purpose in life by joining the army. The film is one of the all-time greatest army films, particularly due to the remarkable performance by Hrithik Roshan in the lead role. The transformation of Karan Shergill from a boy with no direction to a man of honor and courage is the soul of the movie.