A big salute

Yamini Verma

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Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to be present in the era of Indian freedom struggle — understanding the emotions, unity in people’s hearts, constant fire in the belly to liberate the country from the shackles of Britishers? Although we weren’t there back in the day, thanks to the world of cinema we can understand and empathise with our country and countrymen. This Independence Day, let’s go back in time and binge-watch movies that celebrate India’s independence.

Days of struggle

During the Independence struggle, every nook and corner of the country echoed the tunes of freedom. One such movie that would give you an actual representation of the Indian revolt of 1857 is Mangal Pandey: The Rising (2005). This Aamir Khan-starrer is based on real historical events and depicts the grievances of Indian sepoys during the British Raj, and is available on YouTube. The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002), directed by Rajkumar Santoshi is another film that gives you an insight into the mindset of young revolutionaries, such as Bhagat Singh, who didn’t hesitate for a moment to walk down the gallows at a young age of 23.

Notable biopics

There are many more whose contributions went unnoticed, among them being 22-year-old Usha Mehta. In the biopic Ae Watan Mere Watan, actress Sara Ali Khan plays Usha who spearheaded the initiative to start an underground radio station. At that time Indians had no means of communication or free press. When any movement or mutiny against the British failed because Indians were working in silos, Usha’s indomitable spirit powered through and the radio station became an integral part of the fight against the British Raj.

Sardar Udham (2021), starring Vicky Kaushal, on Amazon Prime, is another biopic on young Punjabi revolutionary Udham Singh. He had planned the assassination of Punjab’s Lieutenant Governor, Michael Francis O’Dwyer, who was responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The movie takes you through the journey of Udham Singh who survived the massacre and escaped to London. A National award-winning film, the film was directed by Shoojit Sircar.

Another film based on the life of Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Vikram Batra, Shershaah (2021), available on Amazon Prime, features Sidharth Malhotra in the titular role. Shershaah was Batra’s codename during 1999 Kargil War.

The film Major (2022), on Netflix, is also an inspiring biopic based on the life of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who was martyred during the November 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.

Changing India

Rang De Basanti, although released in 2006, depicts the modern-day dynamics in the country. It’s a story of six young students who are preparing to act in a friend’s documentary (which is about Indian freedom fighters) and how it creates circumstances that result in their revisiting the long-forgotten story of freedom. It juxtapoxes freedom fighters from the colonial rule with young revolutionaries of the day.

Another take on modern India, Swades (2004), starring Shah Rukh Khan, explores the story of an NRI who works in NASA and visits India to meet his amma. During his stay, he realises how his country’s development required his presence, as opposed to his employment in a foreign country. This subject is still as relevant as it was in 2004, considering the increasing brain drain.