Films like Border, Paltan, LOC Kargil, 1971, Deewar – Let’s Bring the Heroes Home, Mission Kashmir, Sarhadpaar, Lamhaa, etc., have been lapped up by the masses and some won the critics’ nod too. However, in more recent times, the genre of nationalistic films is at an all time high.
‘How’s the josh?’ became a buzzword across the nation post the thumping success of Uri: The Surgical Strike. Films like Kesari, Raazi, The Ghazi Attack have ridden the nationalistic wave sweeping the land.
It helps that no less than PM Narendra Modi has urged the members of the film fraternity that they should try to choose content which propagates the message of “inclusive India and unity”. Recent incidents like the revenge for the Pulwama attacks has seen a real rise in nationalistic fervour.
Paltan |
What is it about nationalistic and war based films that attracts Hindi film audiences? We spoke to a cross section of the industry to know more about this trend.
Luv Sinha, scion of Shatrughan Sinha, maintains, “These nationalistic and war based films are the need of the hour as it should encourage each person to stand up for his country and inculcate pride for his country. We need to respect those at the borders who are awake to make your sleep safe.
Ghazi Attack |
soldiers who have to lay down their lives at the borders to make our lives safe and comfortable. They too have families who get affected by the passing away of their dear ones and the country salutes them with pride because of their bravery and the true heroes they are. They take up duties which a common man would shudder to take on and that’s why the nation should always thank them for their good work.”
“The nation has given the thumbs up to nationalistic and war based films as they are very much in the news,” reflects writer-director Karan Razdan. “Earlier too Chetan Anand had made such films like Haqueeqat, Hindustan Ki Kasam. Dev Anand sa’ab had made his directorial debut with such a film called Prem Pujari which called for peace.
However, the real nationalist was Mr Bharat aka Manoj Kumar who made nationalistic films like Upkaar, Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti, etc. I feel this trend will continue until someone brokers lasting peace across our borders.”
However, I believe no cinematic liberties or commercial ingredients should be incorporated in the films. JP Dutta’s Paltan was very real and stark and I tried to perform my role in the film as realistically as possible. More such films should be made and I feel this trend is here to stay for a long time.”
Deepak Balraaj Vij, producer-director, opines, “Nationalistic films strike a chord with the audiences. They immediately get influenced by such films as the army or other armed forces have
Raazi |
“I feel that this trend is in vogue because of what’s happening in the country,” adds Anil Nagrath, producer-director and IMPPA Chief. “In fact the whole world is war stricken and instead of making senseless films or special effects laden films it is better to make nationalistic films which inspire the nation. I hope this trend continues and many such films are made,” he raves.
Film auteur and veteran Shyam Benegal shares, “I have made nationalistic films like Junoon and Subhash Chandra Bose and been a part of a film called Vijeta directed by my friend Govind Nihalani.
It’s a good trend that such nationalistic and war based films are made today to ignite the passion and feelings towards the country. They make every person proud of their country and do whatever is possible for their country on their part.
I have not seen many films recently but I have heard of Uri: The Surgical Strike, Raazi and RAW. I hope many such films are made and this trend continues in the future.”
Looks like the trend is here to stay and many filmmakers will join the bandwagon to make such films which are currently a huge draw amongst the Indian audiences.
Raazi |
Sameer Dixit, distributor, Pickle Entertainment believes that the happenings in our country mirror cinema. “The kind of war based films and nationalistic films that have been made reflect the state of the nation. However, I feel that not many war based films have been made in Hindi unlike Hollywood where the war genre films have been very popular.
I am also hoping that someone dares to come out with such films in Marathi which has not been attempted earlier. I feel we need to take care that masala nationalistic films with big stars and music with a huge budget should not be our focus.
Instead, a film like Uri: The Surgical Strike on the real life Uri attacks should be our aim. It was realistic and enormous research had gone into the making of the film. This is the way nationalistic films should be made.”
