Republic Day 2024: From Mother India to Lagaan, rewatch these 5 iconic patriotic films on January 26

Republic Day 2024: Indian cinema is filled with themes of freedom and patriotism – be it black-and-white musicals, historical dramas, action films, or thrilling sports biographies. Filmmakers in India have always been exploring stories through the lens of patriotism.

Also read: Republic Day 2024 Wishes: 75+ Wishes, Images, Messages, Quotes and Status on the occasion of India’s 75th Republic Day (January 26)

As India prepares for its 75th Republic Day celebrations, here are some of the most favorite patriotic movies that one can watch on Republic Day and feel proud of their country. These films highlight the sense of responsibility among people towards our country and highlight the roles and responsibilities of being a citizen in a democracy.

Shree 420 (1955)

Shree 420 is a black-and-white Hindi comedy-drama directed and produced by Raj Kapoor. Written by Khwaja Ahmed Abbas, the film stars Raj Kapoor, Nadira and Nargis in lead roles. The song “Mera Juta Hai Jaapi” has long become a symbol of Indian pride.

Mother India (1957)

Mehboob Khan’s iconic drama film Mother India has established itself as a cult classic of Hindi cinema. The film stars Nargis, Sunil Dutt, Rajendra Kumar and Raj Kumar in the primary roles. The film is based on themes like women empowerment, industrialization and farmers’ relationship with the land. Mother India was nominated for an Academy Award in the category Best Foreign Language Film.

Lagaan (2001)

Lagaan is a period musical sports drama written and directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. The film stars Aamir Khan in the lead role along with Gracy Singh, Rajendranath Zutshi, Aditya Lakhia and others. British actors Rachel Shelley and Paul Blackthorne also star. Set in 1893, the film tells the story of drought-stricken Indian villagers who defeat an arrogant British team in a match of cricket in exchange for relief from British taxation. Lagaan has won 8 Filmfare Awards and 8 National Awards. It was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 74th Academy Awards.

Swadesh (2004)

Swades is a 2004 drama film co-written, directed and produced by Ashutosh Gowariker. Shahrukh Khan is in the lead role in this. Shahrukh plays the role of a NASA scientist who decides to leave his lucrative job and work for the betterment of his country. Even though Swadesh did not make an impact at the box office, it earned considerable critical acclaim.

Rang De Basanti (2006)

Aamir Khan, Atul Kulkarni, Siddharth, R. in Rang De Basanti. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Kapoor and British actor Alice Patton. The film drew parallels between freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Chandrashekhar Azad and Ashfaqullah Khan and the youth who took on corrupt establishments in independent India. Rang De Basanti won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film.