10 Must-Watch Bollywood Movies About the India-Pakistan War

The India-Pakistan wars have been a recurring theme in Bollywood, providing a backdrop for several impactful films that showcase the bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism of Indian soldiers and civilians. These films, inspired by real-life events and historical conflicts, not only highlight the valour of the armed forces but also offer a gripping portrayal of war and its consequences. Here’s a list of the top 10 Bollywood movies based on the India-Pakistan war that are a must-watch.

1. Bhuj: The Pride of India

   Released in 2021, “Bhuj: The Pride of India” is set against the backdrop of the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. The film tells the story of Squadron Leader Vijay Karnik, who, along with 300 local women, rebuilt the airbase in Bhuj after it was destroyed by Pakistani aircraft. This act of courage and determination was a pivotal moment in the war, showcasing the resilience and unity of Indian civilians and the armed forces. The film features Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, and Sonakshi Sinha in lead roles and collected approximately ₹60 crores at the box office.

2. Sky Force

   “Sky Force,” released in 2024, depicts India’s first airstrike at the Sargodha airbase in Pakistan during the Indo-Pakistani air war of 1965. The film presents a gripping narrative as the conflict escalates, with a group of individuals seeking the truth behind the war. With a stellar cast and high-octane aerial sequences, the movie captures the intensity of the airstrike warfare. The film garnered positive reviews and earned approximately ₹85 crores at the box office.

3. Raazi

   Based on the novel “Calling Sehmat” by Harinder Sikka, “Raazi” (2018) is a gripping espionage thriller set against the backdrop of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. It follows the journey of Sehmat Khan, a young Kashmiri woman who is married into a Pakistani military family to serve as an undercover RAW agent. Alia Bhatt’s portrayal of Sehmat won critical acclaim, and the film was a massive commercial success, grossing over ₹195 crores worldwide.

4. Uri: The Surgical Strike

   Released in 2019, “Uri: The Surgical Strike” is based on the 2016 retaliation to the Uri attack. The film follows Major Vihaan Singh Shergil, who leads a covert operation to eliminate the militants responsible for the attack on an Indian Army base in Uri. Vicky Kaushal’s stellar performance and the iconic dialogue, “How’s the Josh?” became a cultural phenomenon. The movie was a blockbuster, collecting over ₹342 crores at the box office.

5. Border

   “Border,” released in 1997, is a classic war film that depicts the Battle of Longewala during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The film showcases the valiant efforts of 120 Indian soldiers who defended their post against a large Pakistani tank regiment. Directed by J.P. Dutta, the movie is celebrated for its patriotic songs and powerful performances by Sunny Deol, Sunil Shetty, and Jackie Shroff. “Border” remains one of Bollywood’s highest-grossing films of the 1990s, earning over ₹39 crores.

6. The Ghazi Attack

   “The Ghazi Attack” (2017) is India’s first underwater war film, set during the 1971 war. It tells the story of a secret mission by the Indian Navy to intercept the Pakistani submarine, Ghazi, which was planning to target the INS Vikrant. The film features a strong cast, including Rana Daggubati, Taapsee Pannu, and Kay Kay Menon, and earned around ₹34 crores at the box office.

7. Shershaah

   “Shershaah,” released in 2021, is a biographical war film based on the life of Captain Vikram Batra, who was martyred during the Kargil War. The film, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani, depicts Batra’s journey from a young recruit to a courageous officer whose bravery became the stuff of legends. “Shershaah” was a critical and commercial success, grossing over ₹137 crores worldwide.

8. Lakshya

   Directed by Farhan Akhtar, “Lakshya” (2004) is a coming-of-age war drama that follows the transformation of Karan Shergill, a carefree young man, into a disciplined army officer during the Kargil War. The film, starring Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta, is celebrated for its inspiring narrative and powerful music score. “Lakshya” collected around ₹25 crores at the box office.

9. LOC: Kargil

   “LOC: Kargil” (2003) is a multi-starrer war film that offers a detailed depiction of the Kargil War of 1999. Directed by J.P. Dutta, the film presents the stories of several soldiers and their heroic efforts to reclaim Indian territory. Despite its lengthy runtime, “LOC: Kargil” earned ₹18 crores, reflecting the audience’s enduring interest in war films.

10. Pippa

“Pippa,” released in 2023, is based on the life of Captain Balram Singh Mehta of the 45th Cavalry tank squadron, who, along with his siblings, fought in the 1971 war on the eastern front. The film, starring Ishaan Khatter, captures the spirit of the war and the emotional toll it takes on the soldiers and their families. The movie earned approximately ₹42 crores at the box office.

These films not only highlight the heroism of the Indian armed forces but also serve as a reminder of the complex history between India and Pakistan. From airstrikes and covert operations to intense battlefield dramas, these Bollywood films provide a cinematic portrayal of India’s wartime efforts and the sacrifices of its soldiers. Also Read:- Two People, One Dream: How a ₹10 Lakh AI Film Was Made in 6 Months