In India, on 26 July, we proudly celebrate Kargil Diwas. The day is observed to remember the victory of our Indian Armed Forces in the Kargil War against our neighboring country, Pakistan.
The day is an ode to our brave soldiers, who gave their everything for their motherland. It is verbally tough to understand their situation, the pain, and the brutality they had to experience, but thankfully, we have the medium of cinema, through which we can visualize their conditions, experience their bravery, and see them winning over the enemies.
Here are several films that capture the essence of patriotism and glorify the Kargil War victory. Do watch them today:
LOC Kargil
The first on the list is J.P. Dutta’s LOC Kargil, featuring an ensemble cast of Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, and many more. It focuses on the lives of soldiers who were part of the Kargil War. How they emerged victorious is truly mesmerizing to watch.
Shershaah
Based on the real life of Captain Vikram Batra, the movie explores both his personal life and his heroic moments during the Kargil War. Played by Sidharth Malhotra, the life of Vikram Batra unfolds beautifully. He played a crucial role during the war, and this film rightly pays an ode to him.
Gunjan Saxena
Starring Janhvi Kapoor, we get to hear the story of Flight Lieutenant Gunjan Saxena, one of the earliest female Indian Air Force officers. Her immense contribution during the Kargil War is still remembered, and this film gives us an idea about her journey, from dreaming to believing in her own spirit.
Lakshya
This film by Farhan Akhtar, starring Hrithik Roshan, is not an actual representation of the Kargil War but draws inspiration from real-life events. How a lazy lad turns into a sincere army man forms the crux. This film still remains one of the finest patriotic films in Hindi cinema.
Other notable films like Border, Dhoop, and Tango Charlie also make for an emotional watch.
We may not quite understand what is exactly happening in their lives. But what we can try to understand are their uncommon courage, their single-pointed dedication, and their selfless love for the mother country. The strongest cinema will give us a window into their world. Through these films, we can witness their struggles, their relationships, and their moments of tragedy and triumph.