Patriotic Films: The best way to know your Motherland

Rise of Patriotic Films 

The Indian films have played a very significant role in the struggle of India for saving itself from the malicious rule of the British. Many films and theaters had also helped in enhancing the patriotism amidst people. The screen of the cinema halls had become a mirror to the society under colonial rule of national characters. It is a medium through which the public opinions could be molded, thus having been very captivating and attractive to audiences. Conflicts feed human interest and patriotism without conflict can not be imagined. Thereby, leading to a rise of patriotic films.

 

            In all probability, the recent rise in patriotic films is due to several factors. The first one being its lack of cheap content in it, which enables the audience to watch it with their family also. Once the movie incorporates some scenes, which might be embarrassing to watch with family, it restricts its audience. In other words, the film comes under the watchlist of specific people and not all, thereby affecting its business. The second reason is that the public feels more connected to a real life story. They begin to feel it as they often put themselves in the shoes of the character. These kinds of films have a charm of their own which works its magic as the audience fasten their seatbelts of keen interest and watch the movie with a feeling of patriotism being inculcated within them. As Indians, we all are intrinsically tied with emotions and such films touch our hearts like none, thereby creating a good market for patriotic films.      

                                                  

The presence of patriotic films have always been there in the film industry. This genre has also undergone a significant transition. The films which were made in the 1950s were way different from the ones which are made now. Despite being different from one another, the focus of all these films have been on patriotism and has never gone over the top where it can be called jingoism. The line between patriotism and jingoism is very thin.

  In the time period of 1950s and 1960s, just after our motherland got freedom, the films of that era like- “Naya Daur”, “Upkar” and others focused on the struggle behind India's struggle and the farmer's concerns.

The period of the 70s saw films like “Purab Aur Paschim”,”Balidaan” which portrayed Indian culture and the threats to it. These films starred many actors, thereby making it a multi-star cast movie.

“Kranti”, “Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hain”, “Ardh Satya”, “Bell Bottom” and such movies of the 1980s threw light upon the dark side of capitalism and the corruption. Bringing forth the real face of the society by tearing its mask of goodness.

During the late 90s and early 20s the genre of the films had slightly become a more intense version of patriotism as is evident from movies- “Gadar”, “Border”, etcetera . Although it has never reached the extreme point of jingoism. 

The 20s films like- “ Swades: We the People”, “The Legend of Bhagat Singh” mainly focused on the scenario of the past, present and the future of the developing India. Discussing the disastrous past, the hopes which kept them alive to fight for freedom vividly. 

In the recent years, there has been an emergence of a new trend of making films about the unsung heroes of India. “Raazi”, “Kesari”, “Uri:The Surgical Strike”, “Mission Mangal”, “Bhuj”, “The Kashir Files”, “Shershah” are few of such patriotic movies which have made their presence on the big screen or OTT platforms. They have been widely loved and accepted by the audience, giving the film makers a good platform for their business. The emotional factor of these movies have always left behind a mark on the hearts of the audience. The viewers like the feeling of getting butterflies in their stomach or a little tingle which they get while watching the sacrifices and struggles of our nation or the real heroes.