Independence Day 2025: 10 patriotic films that stir the soul

Filmmakers have long captured India’s pride on screen. This Independence Day, we list some of the most memorable patriotic movies ever made.

Mother India

Mehboob Khan’s magnum opus Mother India tells the story of a newly independent nation and remains a landmark in Indian cinema. Far ahead of its time, the film has achieved cult status over the decades.

Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna

The 2012 Naganna-directed film, starring Darshan, portrays the inspiring story of Sangolli Rayanna, a legendary freedom fighter who fiercely resisted the East India Company and stood by Queen Kittur Rani Chennamma. The film became a major hit in Kannada cinema and played a key role in elevating Darshan’s career.

Border

Helmed by J P Dutta, this war drama draws from the true story of the Battle of Longewala during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, portraying the bravery and resilience of Indian soldiers.

Muthina Haara

Rajendra Singh Babu’s war drama, featuring Vishnuvardhan and Suhasini Mani Ratnam, tells the moving story of soldier Achachappa, who sacrifices his life for the motherland. A standout in Kannada patriotic cinema, it won Best Film (1990–91) and was showcased at IFFI.

Veera Sindhura Lakshmana

Directed by Hunsur Krishna Murthy in 1977, Veera Sindhura Lakshmana is one of Kannada cinema’s first patriotic films. It tells the story of Sindhura Lakshmana, a freedom fighter who fought British rule with force and was seen as a Robin Hood figure. The cast includes K S Ashwath, Sudheer, and Vajramuni.

Kittur Rani Chennamma

Directed by BR Panthulu in 1961, this film stars Sarojini Devi as Kittur Rani Chennamma, one of the earliest female freedom fighters who bravely resisted British rule. The film also features Dr. Rajkumar, Narasimharaju, K. S. Ashwath, and Leelavathi in supporting roles.

Swades

In Swades, Ashutosh Gowariker directs Shah Rukh Khan as a NASA scientist who returns to rural India to reconnect with his roots. Though underappreciated at release, the film has since achieved cult status. With A.R. Rahman’s stirring music, Swades beautifully blends emotion, nostalgia, and patriotism.

Rang De Basanti

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s cult classic Rang De Basanti remains a cross-generational favorite, especially around Independence Day for its stirring patriotic message. The film follows six friends who help Sue McKinley (Alice Patten), a British filmmaker documenting Indian freedom fighters once witnessed by her grandfather. Their journey awakens a deep sense of nationalism, prompting them to stand up against contemporary corruption.

Lagaan

This acclaimed sports drama follows the inspiring journey of Indian farmers who, in a bid to save their crops, confront British officers on the cricket field, marking a landmark moment in Indian cinema.

Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy

A pan-India movie that brings to life the story of a forgotten freedom fighter, while revealing the harsh truths of British oppression.