Indian cinema has consistently drawn inspiration from real-life events, bringing historical and contemporary stories to life on the big screen. Here are some of the films based on real-life events:
URI: The Surgical Strike (2019) This military drama, directed by Aditya Dhar, released on 6 January 2019, film is based on the Indian Army’s surgical strike against terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan, following the 2016 Uri attack. The film, starring Vicky Kaushal, portrays the intense planning and execution of the strike, paying tribute to the bravery of the soldiers who took part in the operation. It was a major box-office hit, garnering critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the armed forces’ courage.
Kesari (2019) Directed by Anurag Singh, released on 21 March 2019, Kesari tells the story of the Battle of Saragarhi in 1897, where 21 Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army fought against 10,000 Afghan invaders. Akshay Kumar plays the lead role of Havildar Ishar Singh, whose heroism in defending a remote post earned him a place in military history. The film celebrates the courage and sacrifice of these soldiers and is a tribute to their legacy.
Airlift (2016) Starring Akshay Kumar and Nimrat Kaur, Airlift recounts the true story of the largest civilian evacuation in history during the Kuwait crisis of 1990. Directed by Raja Krishna Menon, released on 22 January 2016, the film focuses on the efforts of Ranjit Katyal (played by Kumar), an Indian businessman who played a pivotal role in the evacuation of over 170,000 Indians from war-torn Kuwait.
Raazi (2018) Based on Harinder S. Sikka’s novel Calling Sehmat released on 11th May 2018, Raazi is the gripping story of an Indian spy, Sehmat Khan (played by Alia Bhatt), who marries a Pakistani military officer during the 1971 India-Pakistan war in order to serve her country. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the film explores the emotional turmoil and patriotism of a young woman who risks everything for her nation’s security.
The Sabarmati Report (Upcoming) The upcoming film, The Sabarmati Report will bring to light the riveting events surrounding the 2002 Gujarat riots. Directed by Dheeraj Sarna, the film which releases on November 15, 2024 will delve into the investigation and aftermath of the controversial violence from the journalist’s perspective. The film stars Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna and Ridhi Dogra who bring intensity and authenticity to their roles as journalists seeking the truth. Their characters are portrayed as relentless pursuers of justice, willing to risk everything to uncover the realities of the event.
