Independence Day 2021: With the sword of an ongoing global pandemic hanging over our heads – wondering when we can get back to our pre-Covid lives, Bollywood seems to be stepping up to cheer us up, with a host of new film releases.
From the bittersweet memories of the partition to the collective feeling of patriotism and belonging, Independence Day has always been about 'azaadi ka jashn'.
But to portray subjects as diverse and abstract is no easy task, especially because the definition of patriotism, has also evolved over time.
Also Read | Independence Day 2021: India's love affair with Kheer
Here's a look at some films, that have attempted to decipher the innumerable facets of love for the motherland. Hopefully they will leave behind a cinematic legacy for us to be proud of.
1. Bhuj – The Pride Of India | Disney + Hotstar
Starring Ajay Devgn in the lead, 'Bhuj – The Pride Of India', is a period war saga and its first look has fans already hooked. The film deals with a fascinating chapter of Indian history and the makers are hoping that the patriotic flavour on Independence Day would surely get them record streams. 'Bhuj' is set against the backdrop of the 1971 India-Pakistan war and tells the story of how 300 women from a village in Gujarat helped the Indian Air Force reconstruct the airbase that was destroyed in the bombings. Ajay Devgn plays the part of Squadron Leader Vijay Karnik.
2. Bell Bottom | Theatre release on August 19
Fans are also looking forward to Akshay Kumar-starrer spy thriller 'Bell Bottom' this August. A spy thriller set in 1984, the film stars actress Lara Dutta, who portrays the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Fans are shocked by her transformation for the role. Akshay Kumar plays an undercover RAW agent in the film. Based on a true story, 'Bell Bottom' is a nail-biting spy thriller, where Akshay is on a mission to rescue 210 hostages from a hijacked Indian plane. The film releases on the 19th of August in theatres.
3. Shershaah | Amazon Prime Video
Directed by Vishnu Varadhan, 'Shershaah' is based on the life of Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Vikram Batra, who laid down his life in service of the nation while recapturing Indian posts from Pakistani soldiers during the Kargil War in 1999. Jointly produced by Dharma Productions and Kaash Entertainment, 'Shershaah' will stream on Amazon Prime Video on August 12, 2021, just in time for Independence Day.
4. Rocketry | Release date not out
'Rocketry The Nambi Effect' is a biographical-drama, directed by Ananth Mahadevan, starring R Madhavan in the lead role. The film is based on the life of veteran ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan, was falsely charged with espionage in 1994. The trailer showed a glimpse of the hardships that the scientist went through in life, and this August, it's the perfect watch for a little patriotic flavour.
5. Spin | Disney + Hotstar
Actor Abhay Deol's first Disney film 'Spin' is all set to release just in time for Independence Day, digitally. 'Spin' follows Rhea, an Indian American teen who has a passion for creating sound mixes that blend textures of her Indian heritage with the world around her. Her life revolves around her eclectic group of friends, her after-school coding club, her family's Indian restaurant. Everything changes when she falls for aspiring DJ Max and a long-lost fervor for music is re-ignited. 'Spin' releases on Disney International HD and Disney+ Hotstar Premium on August 13.
Also Read | India @75: Songs which will instill patriotism this Independence Day!
