Republic Day Cinema: Bollywood's Patriotic Legacy Through the Years
Cinema has consistently proven to be a powerful medium for evoking deep patriotic emotions among audiences, and Indian filmmakers have masterfully harnessed this potential. Bollywood, in particular, has delivered numerous classics that repeatedly stir our souls with feelings of pride and nationalism. On the occasion of Republic Day, we present a curated list of significant films released during the 26 January window that have successfully evoked patriotic sentiments over the years.
Rang De Basanti: Redefining Revolution for a New Generation
This landmark Bollywood film starring Aamir Khan stands as a classic example of patriotic cinema. Released exactly two decades ago on January 26, 2006, Rang De Basanti redefined revolution for contemporary audiences with its revolutionary narrative. The film follows a group of young friends portrayed by Aamir Khan, Siddharth, Atul Kulkarni, Sharman Joshi, and Kunal Kapoor, who initially display indifference toward national issues and politics.
Their routine undergoes a dramatic transformation when a British documentary filmmaker approaches them to act in her film based on the lives of Indian freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and their contemporaries. Through this compelling storyline, the movie bridges historical patriotism with modern youth consciousness.
Airlift: A Real-Life Evacuation Saga
Airlift represents another high-impact patriotic film released during the Republic Day window. Starring Akshay Kumar, this cinematic masterpiece was released on January 22, 2016, and is based on actual historical events. The film is set during the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, where thousands of Indians found themselves stranded in a dangerous war zone.
The narrative centers on the Indian government's coordinated evacuation efforts and the complex logistics behind what became the largest civilian air evacuation in history. This gripping tale of national rescue operations continues to resonate with viewers seeking stories of governmental dedication and collective effort.
Pathaan: Modern Intelligence in Action
As one of Bollywood's biggest blockbusters in recent years, Pathaan marks a significant Republic Day window release. Featuring Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role, this action thriller follows Pathan, a former RAW agent who is recalled into service to prevent a severe national security threat.
Pathaan teams up with Rubina Mohsin, portrayed by Deepika Padukone, to counter a powerful antagonist threatening the nation's safety. The film presents a stylized portrayal of modern intelligence operations against a global backdrop, blending entertainment with contemporary patriotic themes.
Fighter: Aerial Action and National Defense
The aerial action drama Fighter entered cinemas on January 25, 2026, bringing fresh patriotic energy to the Republic Day season. Starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, this film focuses extensively on the Indian Air Force and its thrilling action sequences.
Fighter follows elite fighter pilots from the Indian Air Force as they battle against terrorist threats to India. The plot centers on Hrithik's character Shamsher Pathania and his team, who are brought together by Group Captain Rakesh Jai Singh, played by Anil Kapoor. This film represents the latest addition to the tradition of Republic Day releases that celebrate national defense and valor.
These films collectively demonstrate how Bollywood has effectively used the Republic Day release window to present stories that resonate with national pride, historical significance, and contemporary security concerns, creating a lasting cinematic tradition that continues to evolve with each passing year.
