As the tricolour unfurls across the nation this Republic Day, the air resonates with profound pride and heartfelt gratitude for the bravehearts who stand guard at our borders. We salute their silent sacrifices and remember their unwavering courage that forms the bedrock of our nation's security. Over the decades, Indian cinema has played a pivotal role in bringing these heroic narratives closer to audiences, effectively bridging the gap between historical records and genuine human emotions.
Cinematic Portrayals That Honor Military Excellence
From intense battlefield sequences to covert mission dramatizations, unforgettable performances by actors like Vicky Kaushal, Sidharth Malhotra, Akshay Kumar, and others demonstrate one fundamental truth—behind every uniform lies a deeply human story of grit, love, and devotion. These cinematic narratives serve as powerful connectors, linking ordinary hearts to the extraordinary realities of the battlefield.
Vicky Kaushal's Transformative Military Roles
In the 2019 blockbuster Uri: The Surgical Strike, directed by Aditya Dhar, Vicky Kaushal undergoes a remarkable transformation into Major Vihaan Singh Shergill. Sharing screen space with Yami Gautam, Paresh Rawal, and Mohit Raina, Kaushal embodies the raw emotion of a soldier driven by an unshakeable sense of duty. His portrayal consciously avoids turning the character into a larger-than-life superhero, instead presenting a grounded soldier guided by strategic thinking, restraint, and clear intent.
Kaushal further showcased his versatility in Sam Bahadur (2023), directed by Meghna Gulzar and featuring Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Shaikh. Here, he masterfully portrays India's first Field Marshal, Sam Manekshaw, capturing not just the iconic gait and commanding presence, but also the sharp wit that defined the legendary leader. The performance serves as a sincere tribute, reminding audiences that true leadership encompasses character and humor alongside authority.
Veer Pahariya's Tribute to a War Hero
In the upcoming Sky Force (2025), directed by Sandeep Kelwani and Abhishek Kapur, Veer Pahariya steps into the role of Squadron Leader A.P. Devayya. Starring alongside established names like Akshay Kumar and Sara Ali Khan, Pahariya brings to life the hero of the 1965 Indo-Pak war. Devayya's story represents extraordinary valour—he managed to shoot down an enemy Starfighter even after his own aircraft sustained critical damage. The film ensures that this hero, once declared "missing in action," finally receives the cinematic salute he deserves.
Akshay Kumar's Perspective on Soldierly Duty
Akshay Kumar presents a different dimension of military service in Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty, directed by A.R. Murugadoss. Playing Captain Virat Bakshi, a Defence Intelligence Agency specialist alongside co-stars Sonakshi Sinha and Freddy Daruwala, the film explores the idea that a soldier's duty transcends the uniform. Kumar's portrayal emphasizes the constant vigilance and commitment required to ensure national security, highlighting that the mission follows soldiers everywhere, even in civilian life.
Gurmeet Choudhary's Modern Espionage Warrior
Gurmeet Choudhary brings sharp intensity to his role as Commander Karan Saxena in an espionage series directed by Jatin Wagle. Featuring alongside Iqbal Khan and Hruta Durgule, Choudhary portrays the modern-day warrior who operates in silence, far from public applause. Through a blend of raw patriotism and remarkable restraint, he captures the selfless dedication of those who prioritize country above all personal considerations.
Sidharth Malhotra's Career-Defining Performance
In the 2021 biographical war film Shershaah, Sidharth Malhotra delivers what many consider a career-defining performance as Captain Vikram Batra. Directed by Vishnuvardhan and co-starring Kiara Advani, the film powerfully carries forward the spirit of Batra's famous declaration, "Yeh Dil Maange More." More than just a war film, Shershaah emerges as a poignant story of love, courage, and ultimate sacrifice. Malhotra's heartfelt portrayal ensures that Captain Batra's inspiring legacy continues to resonate with generations to come.
These cinematic tributes collectively reinforce how Bollywood has become an essential medium for commemorating India's military heroes, especially during significant national occasions like Republic Day. By translating historical bravery into relatable human stories, these films foster deeper public appreciation for the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families, keeping their memories alive in the national consciousness.
