For the uninitiated, Republic Day is the day when India’s greatest legal document, the Constitution, came into existence way back in on 26 January 1950. As India celebrates its 65th Republic Day with none other US President Barack Obama as the chief guest, there is much more that you can do while at home to soak in the Republic fervour. We list out 10 best movies that you could watch to celebrate the Republic Day.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar – This is perhaps the finest film made on the father of Indian constitution. The film aptly shows Babasaheb Ambedkar’s early struggles, fighting for the rights of Dalits, converting to Buddhism and finally etching out the country’s fundamental document, The Constitution. Directed by Jabbar Patel, the movie had South superstar, Mammootty essaying Bababsaheb’s role. The film won three national awards including Best Actor and Best Feature Film in English. Watch out for Mammootty’s stellar performance.
Kranti – A film set in the pre independent era that showcased the fight for independence spanning the period between 1825 to 1875. With powerful dialogues, mellifluous music and great action, Kranti is a true patriotic entertainer. Manoj Kumar aka Bharat Kumar and Dilip Kumar as the lead stars created magic onscreen
Border – India fought tooth and nail to defeat a listless Pakistan way back in 1971 that led to the formation of Bangladesh. The story of this epic Indo-Pak war provided enough fodder to J.P Dutta to create one of the finest war movies of Indian cinema, Border featuring an ensemble cast led by the redoubtable Sunny Deol. What made the movie more memorable was its melody especially the soulful Sandese Aate Hain made immortal by Sonu Nigam.
Lagaan – When Aamir Khan’s Popatwadi XI defeated Her Majesty’s might cricket team, all of India jumped up in collective joy at the prospect of having trounced the goras in reel life once again. The movie marvelously combined India’s favourite sport, cricket with the patriotic fervor of the country.
Rang De Basanti – The movie touched a raw nerve when it showcased the transformation of carefree young individuals into passion and revenge seeking human beings when corruption claims the life of their close friend. Watch out for Aamir's fine performance.
Chak De India – No film in recent history except Chak De India can claim the unique distinction of having explored religious bigotry, the legacy of the partition of India, ethnic and regional prejudice, and sexism in contemporary India. All these problems were dealt on one common platform- the hockey field. When Kabir Khan (SRK) galvanized a talented bunch of arrogant, egoistic to keep aside their differences and play as a single unified force, India won.
Swades – Considered as one of SRK’s best performances till date, the movie displays the patriotism of an Indian scientist who moved by the plight of his villagers altruistically resigns from NASA and decides to put his brain and skills to the good use of his own countrymen.
Gadar – Released alongside Lagaan, Gadar rode like a raging bull at the box-office. Sunny Deol’s patriotic machoism combined with ample Pakistani bashing saw the spirit of patriotism rising sky-high.
The Legend of Bhagat Singh – Many have attempted to depict the life of India’s cult revolutionary Bhagat Singh but no one could match Raj Kumar Santoshi’s product, The Legend Of Bhagat Singh. Ajay Devgn’s intense eyes minutes before being hanged in the movie will leave you with a heavy lump in your throat.
Roja – A gem of a movie directed by Mani Ratnam, this movie showed the valiant and triumphant fight of a government employee (Arvind Swamy) with a dreaded Kashmiri militant ( Pankaj Kapur). The scene in the movie where Arvind Swamy rushes to douse a torched Indian tricolor with his bare body proved to be the most gripping moment. Among the many awards that the film won, the most coveted one was the award for the best film on National Integration.
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