21 Best Patriotic Movies to Watch on Indian Independence Day 2025

If you’re looking for the best movies to watch on Indian Independence Day, you’ve landed in the right place. Whether you love war dramas, freedom fighter biopics, or modern tales of national pride, these films offer inspiration, history, and emotion — all wrapped in tricolour spirit.

Here’s a curated list of 21 best patriotic movies for August 15, available across platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Hotstar.

🇮🇳 1. Rang De Basanti (2006)

Platform: Netflix, Prime Video

Rang De Basanti (2006) is a powerful Indian drama directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra that blends the past with the present to explore themes of patriotism, youth awakening, and political corruption.

The film follows Sue, a British filmmaker, who arrives in India to make a documentary about Indian freedom fighters based on her grandfather’s diary. She casts five carefree Delhi University students—DJ, Karan, Aslam, Sukhi, and Laxman—who are initially disinterested in politics and skeptical about India’s future.

As they immerse themselves in the roles of revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad, they undergo a transformation, realizing the relevance of the past in today’s India. Their awakening intensifies when their friend Ajay, an Air Force pilot, dies in a MiG crash due to corruption. When the government blames Ajay instead of accepting responsibility, the friends decide to take action.

They assassinate the corrupt defense minister and later take over a radio station to reveal the truth to the nation. The film ends tragically as they are killed by police, but their sacrifice sparks a nationwide movement.

Rang De Basanti is a stirring call for the youth to rise against injustice and become the change they want to see in the country.

🇮🇳 2. Shershaah (2021)

Platform: Amazon Prime Video

Shershaah is a biographical war drama based on the life of Captain Vikram Batra, a Param Vir Chakra awardee who became a national hero during the Kargil War of 1999. Directed by Vishnuvardhan and starring Sidharth Malhotra in a dual role as Vikram and his twin brother Vishal, the film captures the spirit, bravery, and sacrifice of one of India’s most celebrated soldiers.

The story traces Vikram Batra’s journey from his college days and love story with Dimple Cheema (played by Kiara Advani), to his passionate decision to join the Indian Army. Nicknamed “Shershaah” (Lion King) by the military for his courage, Vikram quickly proves his mettle in difficult missions, earning the respect of his seniors and fellow soldiers.

The film builds up to the Kargil War, where Batra leads his men in a series of daring operations to recapture strategic peaks from enemy forces. His fearless leadership and iconic radio message—“Yeh Dil Maange More!”—become symbols of India’s determination. He is martyred while rescuing a fellow soldier during the capture of Point 4875.

Shershaah is a patriotic, emotional tribute that honors the life, legacy, and valor of a real-life hero who lived and died for his country.

🇮🇳 3. Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019)

Platform: ZEE5, Prime Video

Uri: The Surgical Strike is a military action film based on true events, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Vicky Kaushal as Major Vihaan Singh Shergill. The film dramatizes India’s real-life surgical strike carried out on September 29, 2016, in retaliation for the deadly Uri terrorist attack that killed 19 Indian soldiers.

The story follows Major Vihaan, a brave and strategic officer in the Indian Army, who initially takes early retirement to care for his ailing mother. However, after the Uri attack by Pakistan-based terrorists, he returns to lead a top-secret mission authorized by the Indian government to strike terrorist launchpads across the Line of Control (LoC).

Meticulously planned and executed with the backing of national intelligence and political leadership, the mission demonstrates India’s military capability and resolve. The film portrays the emotional and strategic challenges of warfare, the importance of soldierly brotherhood, and the risks involved in covert operations.

Packed with high-intensity action, patriotic fervor, and the iconic line “How’s the josh? High, Sir!”, Uri became a cultural phenomenon and a box office success. It is both a tribute to the Indian armed forces and a cinematic depiction of one of India’s most daring military operations in recent history.

🇮🇳 4. The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002)

Platform: Netflix, YouTube

The Legend of Bhagat Singh is a biographical film directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, featuring Ajay Devgn in the powerful role of Indian revolutionary Bhagat Singh. The film chronicles the life, ideology, and martyrdom of one of India’s most iconic freedom fighters, offering a detailed look at his transformation from a young patriot to a fearless revolutionary.

Set during British colonial rule, the story follows Bhagat Singh from his childhood, deeply affected by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, to his active role in the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). Disillusioned by non-violent methods, he believes that only armed resistance can shake the foundations of British rule.

Along with fellow revolutionaries like Rajguru, Sukhdev, and Chandrashekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh carries out bold actions, including the bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly (without intent to harm) to make their voices heard. Arrested and put on trial, Bhagat Singh uses the courtroom as a platform to promote his revolutionary ideas.

The film ends with their execution on March 23, 1931, leaving behind a legacy of courage and sacrifice.

The Legend of Bhagat Singh is an emotionally charged, thought-provoking tribute to a man who gave his life for the dream of an independent and equal India.

🇮🇳 5. Swades (2004)

Platform: Netflix, JioCinema

Swades, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and starring Shah Rukh Khan as Mohan Bhargava, is a thought-provoking drama about self-discovery, patriotism, and social responsibility. Inspired by real events, the film explores the emotional journey of a successful NASA scientist who reconnects with his roots in rural India.

Mohan returns to India to find his childhood nanny, Kaveri Amma, and persuade her to live with him in the U.S. However, he ends up in the remote village of Charanpur, where he witnesses widespread poverty, caste discrimination, lack of education, and the absence of basic amenities like electricity.

Moved by the struggles of the villagers and inspired by Geeta, a local teacher fighting for change, Mohan gradually shifts from being a passive observer to an active agent of transformation. He uses his technical skills to bring electricity to the village by building a hydroelectric power system, symbolizing the power of self-reliance and grassroots development.

In the end, Mohan chooses to stay in India, dedicating himself to nation-building instead of returning to his comfortable life abroad.

Swades is a powerful, emotional film that urges educated Indians to contribute to their homeland’s progress and challenges the audience to reflect on their role in shaping a better future for the country.

🇮🇳 6. Chak De! India (2007)

Platform: Amazon Prime Video

Chak De! India is a sports drama directed by Shimit Amin and produced by Yash Raj Films, starring Shah Rukh Khan as Kabir Khan, a former Indian men’s hockey captain. The film tells a powerful story of redemption, unity, and women empowerment through the journey of the Indian women’s national hockey team.

Kabir Khan, wrongly accused of betraying his country after a loss to Pakistan, vanishes from public life. Years later, he returns with a mission to coach the struggling Indian women’s hockey team. The team is made up of players from different states, backgrounds, and with conflicting attitudes, highlighting the regional and cultural divides within India.

Facing sexism, internal rivalry, and lack of faith from the hockey federation, Kabir trains the team with discipline and determination. He teaches them not just to play as individuals, but to fight as one nation. Under his leadership, the team overcomes personal and professional obstacles and makes it to the Hockey World Cup.

In a thrilling finale, they defeat the mighty Australian team, and Kabir earns back his lost honor.

Chak De! India is more than just a sports film—it’s a patriotic tale about overcoming prejudice, building unity in diversity, and proving that with belief and teamwork, anything is possible.

🇮🇳 7. Raazi (2018)

Platform: Prime Video

Raazi is a spy thriller directed by Meghna Gulzar, based on the true story chronicled in the book Calling Sehmat by Harinder S. Sikka. The film stars Alia Bhatt as Sehmat Khan, a young Indian woman who becomes an undercover RAW agent in Pakistan during the 1971 India–Pakistan war.

Set against the backdrop of rising tensions between the two nations, Sehmat is trained as a spy and married into a high-ranking Pakistani military family. Her mission is to gather critical intelligence to aid India’s defense. Despite being young and inexperienced, she bravely takes on the dangerous role out of a deep sense of patriotism and loyalty to her father, who was a former spy.

Sehmat gains the trust of her new family, especially her husband, Iqbal Syed (played by Vicky Kaushal), who is an upright army officer. As she unravels a major Pakistani naval plan, Sehmat is forced to make heartbreaking choices, including killing those close to her, to protect her country.

Raazi is a gripping, emotional tale of sacrifice, espionage, and inner conflict. It explores the moral cost of patriotism and the personal toll of war, all while showcasing the courage of an unsung female hero who risked everything to serve her nation.

🇮🇳 8. Sardar Udham (2021)

Platform: Amazon Prime Video

Sardar Udham is a biographical historical drama directed by Shoojit Sircar, starring Vicky Kaushal as Udham Singh, the Indian revolutionary who assassinated British officer Michael O’Dwyer in 1940 to avenge the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919.

The film unfolds in a non-linear narrative, tracing Udham Singh’s journey from the traumatic events of his youth to his transformation into a revolutionary. Deeply scarred by witnessing the massacre in Amritsar, where thousands of innocent Indians were gunned down under O’Dwyer’s orders, Udham dedicates his life to the cause of Indian independence.

He travels across countries—Russia, Germany, and finally to the United Kingdom—working undercover, changing identities, and facing hardship, all while planning his ultimate act of revenge. In 1940, he finally assassinates O’Dwyer in London and is arrested.

The film focuses not just on the assassination, but on Udham’s ideology, his stoic silence during the trial, and his belief in justice over vengeance. Through intense flashbacks, the devastating brutality of Jallianwala Bagh is shown with gut-wrenching realism.

Sardar Udham is a haunting, powerful tribute to a forgotten freedom fighter, highlighting the psychological impact of colonial violence and the quiet, relentless resolve of a man who gave everything for his people’s freedom.

🇮🇳 9. Mission Mangal (2019)

Platform: Disney+ Hotstar

🇮🇳 10. Lakshya (2004)

Platform: Netflix, ZEE5

Lakshya, directed by Farhan Akhtar, is a coming-of-age war drama that follows the transformation of a directionless young man into a brave and disciplined soldier. The film stars Hrithik Roshan as Karan Shergill, alongside Preity Zinta as Romi Dutta, a determined journalist and Karan’s love interest.

Karan is an aimless, carefree youth with no goals in life. Pressured by friends, he joins the Indian Army on a whim but quits during training due to its intense discipline. Disappointed, Romi breaks up with him, and Karan, ashamed of his failure, decides to return to the army with renewed determination.

As he undergoes grueling training at the Indian Military Academy, Karan matures and discovers his true purpose — his lakshya (goal). The film’s second half shifts to the Kargil War, where Karan, now a confident officer, leads a critical mission to capture a strategic peak from enemy forces.

The story culminates in a thrilling and emotional climax as Karan and his unit overcome harsh terrain, enemy fire, and personal doubt to hoist the Indian flag on the captured post.

Lakshya is a powerful film about self-discovery, patriotism, perseverance, and the courage it takes to turn one’s life around with purpose and pride.

🇮🇳 11. Border (1997)

Platform: ZEE5, Prime Video

Border is an epic war drama directed by J.P. Dutta, based on the Battle of Longewala during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Starring Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty, Akshaye Khanna, Jackie Shroff, and Pooja Bhatt, the film is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers.

The story centers around a small company of 120 Indian soldiers of the Punjab Regiment, led by Major Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri (Sunny Deol), who are stationed at the Longewala post in Rajasthan. They face an overwhelming attack by over 2,000 Pakistani soldiers supported by tanks. With limited resources, no immediate air support, and slim chances of reinforcements, the men hold the post overnight, displaying extraordinary courage and patriotism.

Parallel to the war, the film also explores the emotional side of the soldiers’ lives—their families, loved ones, and what they’ve left behind. These subplots add depth to the characters and humanize their sacrifice.

As the Indian Air Force joins the battle the next morning, the tide turns, and the post is successfully defended.

Border combines action, emotion, and patriotic fervor, backed by an iconic soundtrack like “Sandese Aate Hain.” It remains one of India’s most loved war films, honoring the valor of those who defend the nation.

🇮🇳 12. Kesari (2019)

Platform: Amazon Prime Video

Kesari, directed by Anurag Singh and starring Akshay Kumar as Havildar Ishar Singh, is a historical war drama based on the Battle of Saragarhi, one of the bravest last stands in military history. The film recounts the heroic defense by 21 Sikh soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment of the British Indian Army against 10,000 Afghan tribesmen on September 12, 1897.

Set on the rugged North-West Frontier Province (now in Pakistan), the story begins with Ishar Singh being transferred to Fort Saragarhi as punishment for disobeying orders in defense of a local woman. Initially seen as a remote outpost with little significance, Saragarhi soon becomes the frontline of an overwhelming enemy siege.

When thousands of Afghans launch an attack on the isolated fort, Ishar Singh rallies his men to defend it with unmatched courage, refusing to surrender. The vastly outnumbered soldiers fight valiantly, delaying the enemy and protecting nearby forts, fully aware that they will not survive.

Each soldier dies fighting, and their sacrifice becomes a symbol of unmatched bravery and honor.

Kesari is a visually grand, emotionally charged tribute to the spirit of the Sikh warriors. It celebrates courage, sacrifice, and the idea that true heroism lies in fighting for what’s right, no matter the odds.

🇮🇳 13. Bhuj: The Pride of India (2021)

Platform: Disney+ Hotstar

🧠 Bonus Tips:

• Many of these movies are available for free on YouTube or via trial accounts on streaming platforms.
• Host a virtual movie night with friends or family.
• Pair your movie marathon with tricolour snacks and themed drinks!

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