5 Bollywood films to watch this Independence Day

As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, August 15 is also an opportunity to revisit films that explore patriotism through different stories and perspectives.

Hindi cinema has portrayed love for the country in many forms — from young people challenging injustice and citizens working for social change to soldiers displaying courage on the battlefield.

Here are five films to add to your Independence Day watchlist:

Rang De Basanti

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's 2006 film remains a landmark story about youth, political awakening and patriotism.

It follows a group of friends who initially have little interest in politics but become involved in a film about India's freedom fighters. As the story moves between the past and present, their lives begin to mirror those of the revolutionaries they portray.

The film explores corruption, civic responsibility and the question of what ordinary citizens can do when they witness injustice.

Swades

Ashutosh Gowariker's Swades offers a quieter take on patriotism, focusing on service rather than war or action.

Shah Rukh Khan plays Mohan Bhargava, an NRI working at NASA who returns to India and visits a village. His experiences there gradually change his perspective as he becomes involved in issues such as electricity, education and development.

The film presents patriotism through everyday contributions and the belief that improving people's lives can itself be a form of service to the nation.

Sam Bahadur

Meghna Gulzar's Sam Bahadur chronicles the life and military career of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the first Indian Army officer to attain the rank of field marshal.

Vicky Kaushal plays Manekshaw in the film, which covers key periods of his life, including the Second World War, Partition and the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

Beyond his military achievements, the film also explores his leadership style, personality and relationships.

 Raazi 

Also directed by Meghna Gulzar, Raazi explores patriotism through espionage and personal sacrifice.

Alia Bhatt plays Sehmat, a young Indian woman who agrees to marry into a Pakistani military family and secretly gather intelligence for India during the 1971 war.

The film focuses on the emotional cost of her mission, portraying patriotism through difficult choices and sacrifices carried out away from the public eye.

 Ikkis 

Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis tells the story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his actions during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

Agastya Nanda portrays Khetarpal, with Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat also featuring in the film.

The story follows the young Army officer's life and his service during one of the defining conflicts in India's military history. For viewers looking for a recent film centred on courage, duty and military service, Ikkis makes a fitting Independence Day watchlist addition. (ANI)