Soldier movies are very popular not only in Hollywood but in Bollywood as well. Moviegoers are naturally drawn to the valor, camaraderie, friendship, heroism, and nationalism depicted by the characters on screen – never mind if the film is fully fictional or if it was based on real events. Hence, many films about the army make a lot of money at the box office. Of course, men are more eager to see these films than women although the messages of the film are quite general, if not universal.
This list dishes the 10 best films made in Bollywood that feature the Indian army. How many of these films were you able to see so far?
10. Border (1997)
This is one of the films that delve deeply on the contemporary history of India. The film is based on the lives of young soldiers who fought in the Indo-Pakistani War and the East Pakistan/Bangladesh struggle for liberation in the late 80’s and early 70’s. The film is action packed and historical. A real must-see!
9. LOC Kargil (2003)
This film is another depiction of the armed conflict between India and Pakistan. Featuring an all-star cast, the film attracted many moviegoers on its opening day due to the sheer star factor that is in the movie, and for depicting events in Indian history that have remained relevant to many contemporary Indians even up to this day.
8. Lakshya (2004)
This film is another take on the Kargil conflict which took place between the warring nations of India and Pakistan. This film did not make much money at the box office, perhaps overshadowed by stronger films that opened alongside it. However, the film is very well-made and the acting is consistently superb.
7. Maah Tujhe Salaam (2002)
This film became very controversial as it was released at a time when tensions were again flaring up between India and Pakistan. That controversy also proved fodder for the film’s success at the box office. The movie actually portrays a daring rescue mission done by the Indian army with the help of some courageous civilians.
6. Mission Kashmir (2000)
The film touches on the sensitive issue on the Kashmir conflict. Kashmir is a territory that is part of India but is predominantly Muslim and sympathetic to Pakistan. This film tugs at the heartstrings as it shows the ill effects of war especially on innocent civilians that were caught in the crossfire – particularly the children.
5. Indian (2001)
This film has been praised for its technical polish and its fast-paced editing. This movie deals with corruption and its effects on the police force. The flick plays on important figures in the police force and underscores the need to cleanse the government from its corrupt doings – particularly the police force and the army.
4. 1971 (2007)
This action flick is another true to life retelling of six soldiers who became prisoners of war when they were caught by the Pakistani army. Their imprisonment and individual journeys became testaments of valor, courage, and heroism. The film was awarded the Best Film in Hindi during 2007 Indian film awards season.
3. Holiday (2014)
This action-packed film portrays a soldier who goes home to his city – which is Mumbai – after his tour of duty. He finds Mumbai unsafe and absolutely chaotic. He decides to take matters in his own hands. The film paints an authentic picture of 21st Century Mumbai and is was a big moneymaker at the tills.
2. Tango Charlie (2005)
The film is an examination of the beginnings of violence and terrorism in Indian society. It has, as its central character, a new army recruit who turns into a hardened soldier after some time in the battlefield.
1. Major Saab (1998)
This tale of revenge a la Count of Montecristo is also both a love story and a study on army corruption. The film succeeds to portray the people in the army for what they really are and to tell its simple story in profoundly human terms.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.