Anand Pandit Reflects on the Changing Face of Patriotism in Indian Cinema
Renowned film producer Anand Pandit, the creative force behind acclaimed movies like Akshaye Khanna's 'Section 375', Saif Ali Khan's 'Bazaar', Amitabh Bachchan's 'Sarkar 3', Ajay Devgn's 'Total Dhamaal', Abhishek Bachchan's 'Big Bull', and Emraan Hashmi's 'Chehre', has recently shared profound insights about the evolution of patriotism in Indian cinema. In an exclusive blog penned for Etimes, Pandit delves deep into this cinematic journey that mirrors the nation's own historical and emotional trajectory.
The Birth of Cinematic Patriotism During Colonial Era
Anand Pandit begins his exploration by highlighting how Indian cinema's association with patriotic storytelling can be traced back to the 1940s, specifically to the film 'Kismet' (1943). While the entire film wasn't explicitly built around nationalism, director Gyan Mukherjee skillfully interwove the spirit of freedom into the narrative through the powerful song 'Door Hato O Duniya Walon, Hindustan Hamara Hai' by Kavi Pradeep. This occurred while India remained under British rule, making the message particularly potent.
Initially, the song escaped colonial censorship, but once authorities recognized the seditious meaning embedded in the lyrics, they attempted to restrict the film and even issued an arrest warrant against Pradeep, compelling him to go underground. The public response, however, was extraordinary. Film historians record that audiences were so emotionally moved that theater operators often rewound the reel upon request to replay the song repeatedly. This moment, Pandit notes, marked the beginning of a legacy that Indian cinema continues to uphold to this day.
Post-Independence: Portraying Freedom Struggle and National Identity
Following independence, Indian cinema witnessed a steady stream of patriotic films that portrayed the country's freedom struggle with renewed vigor. Early examples included 'Shaheed' (1948), written and directed by Ramesh Saigal and starring Dilip Kumar and Kamini Kaushal. Years later, another film with the same title, 'Shaheed' (1965), directed by S. Ram Sharma, presented Manoj Kumar as Bhagat Singh, honoring the revolutionary as a true martyr.
No account of this phase is complete without mentioning 'Mother India' (1957), a film many scholars regard as a defining image of the young nation, shaped by both colonial and nationalist interpretations. The wars of the 1960s, including the Chinese invasion of 1962 and conflicts with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971, significantly shaped the national mood and cinematic output. These events brought public attention to the courage, duty, and sacrifice of the armed forces, leading to numerous military-themed movies such as:
- 'Haqeeqat' (1964)
- 'Hindustan Ki Kasam' (1973)
- 'Akraman' (1975)
Even in later years, films like 'Prahaar: The Final Attack' (1991), 'Border' (1997), and 'LoC Kargil' (2003) followed this trajectory, elevating the standing of the armed forces in the public imagination through powerful storytelling.
Biographical Films and Broader Interpretations of Patriotism
India has also witnessed major biographical films that draw from documented history rather than fiction, including:
- 'Gandhi' (1982), directed by Richard Attenborough
- 'Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar' (2000), centered on the chief architect of the Indian Constitution
- 'Bose: The Forgotten Hero' (2004)
Gradually, Pandit observes, the focus in patriotic cinema shifted from characters grounded in social or national struggles to figures defined largely by personal bravery and battlefield valor. Simultaneously, some films offered broader readings of patriotism. 'Chak De! India' (2007), for instance, framed patriotism as unity, rising above regional divisions and prejudice in the national interest. Through Shah Rukh Khan's character Kabir Khan, the film delivered a powerful message of inclusive patriotism that resonated across demographics.
Meanwhile, other films emphasized that political independence alone didn't resolve the country's concerns. 'Swades' (2004) illustrated this through Mohan Bhargava's return from NASA and his decision to build a hydroelectric project in a village. Here, love for the country manifested as participation and responsibility rather than mere rhetoric.
Contemporary Perspectives and Evolving Narratives
Films such as 'Rang De Basanti' (2006) presented another dimension by reshaping the idea of national commitment. They argued that patriotism isn't blind obedience but the courage to question authority, treating citizenship as an active duty rather than a passive sentiment. When discussing 'Chak De! India', Pandit also considers the link between sport and national pride that several films explore. While hockey took center stage in 'Chak De!', '83' (2021) revisited India's first Cricket World Cup victory under Kapil Dev, a triumph that marked the beginning of the country's enduring bond with the sport.
Cinema's influence, however, has changed significantly over time. The aim of invoking collective feeling often gives way to celebrating individual heroes. Storytelling methods vary across decades too—while earlier films centered on national integration and anti-colonial themes, recent narratives tend to be more hero-driven. Commercial considerations inevitably play their part since cinema is ultimately a business rather than a documentary form. Yet Pandit emphasizes that balance remains crucial, asserting that patriotic storytelling must rely on honesty rather than manufactured spectacle.
Modern War Dramas and Future Trajectories
Recent works such as 'Shershaah' (2021), 'Ikkis', and '120 Bahadur', which recount the Battle of Rezang La, revisit lesser-known acts of courage and honor soldiers with renewed intensity. The Tamil film 'Amaran' (2024) also received appreciation for its grounded and credible portrayal of military life. High production values now help war dramas reach wider audiences, with films like 'Dhurandhar' (2025) demonstrating commercial potential even as fictional elements are introduced for narrative appeal.
Ultimately, Anand Pandit concludes that each generation interprets patriotism in its own unique way. Cinema reflects these shifts while continuing to draw from the same fundamental source: the memory of sacrifice, unity, and service to the nation. As long as these stories are told with sincerity and authenticity, the journey of patriotic cinema will continue to evolve, resonate, and inspire future generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.
