[tps_footer]It is really funny and also tad sad that the feeling of patriotism seeps into us only on August 15 or January 26. But Bollywood has never neglected the importance of these dates in the lives of an Indian. We may not shout out slogans for our country in real life, but when it is threatened on screen, we don’t mind voicing our indignation. On the eve of 68th Independence Day, here are some of the films that always reminded us the meaning of freedom which was hard-earned and bloody.

Mother India (1957)
Many would say Mother India isn’t about patriotism. But then patriotism doesn’t only mean you have to cling to your country. Freedom is an expression. Breaking shackles of debauched traditions is also Independence. Nargis beautifully narrated the plight of a mother who is constantly eyed with lust but has to keep going for her children. She would protect them come what may but if they are wrong, she won’t mind killing them either.

Haqeeqat (1964)
They say you don’t feel strongly for your country unless you are a soldier. His life reeks of struggles and bullets yet he doesn’t give up. Haqeeqat was story about a small platoon during the Sino-India war which get outnumbered and killed during the Chinese Invasion. The song ‘Kar Chale Hum Fida Jaano Tan Saathiyo….’ can still give you goosebumps.

Shaheed (1964)
Some say he was a right others are doubtful about his way of gaining freedom but Bhagat Singh was and still is the greatest Freedom fighter this country has ever seen. Manoj Kumar’s Shaheed talks about his journey from being a Gandhi supporter to a Krantikari and his ultimate death. He is perhaps the only martyr who is loved and revered by people from all ages.

Saat Hindustani (1969)
War has always been shown at the borders but when India was under colonial rule, a battle used ensue at every corner of the country. Saat Hindustani concentrated on the story of seven comrades who rise up against the Portuguese Colonial rule in Goa. Amitabh Bachchan won his first award, National Award for Best Debut Performance with this film.

Purab Aur paschim (1979)
You don’t have wage war to feel patriotic. Having love for your nation is enough to grant you that tag. Manoj Kumar’s Purab Aur Paschim highlighted the free India’s obsession of settling in abroad and forgetting Indian values.

Gandhi (1982)
There have been many films and documentaries on the father of our nation Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi but it took a Richard Attenborough to showcase what Gandhi preached and what he practiced. It depicted how Gandhi led the freedom movement with a strong will without giving much thought to anything or anyone else.

Krantiveer (1994)
A regular commercial fare but yet the last speech by Nana Patekar before he is to be hanged puts it firmly on this list. People still remember his explanation of how Hindu and Muslims are one by highlight the colour of blood which is the same in both. Fighting corruption and avenging the death of the father-figure in his life, Krantiveer was class apart.

Border (1997)
J P Dutta weaved magic by not only taking the 1975 Indo-Pak war as the premise but also getting stars to play the lead. Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff and Akshaye Khanna made a powerful cast ably aided by a great supporting cast. Sandese Aate Hain is now every Soldier’s anthem.

Lagaan (2001)
Yes it was a fictional account but it evoked patriotic sensibilities just right. The match at the end by complete novices was the clincher in this heroic film led by Aamir Khan. No wonder it vied for the Academy Awards.

Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Partition didn’t just part but left us scarred. Gadar took the premise, weaved a love story and became the biggest blockbuster. Although it was tad too derogatory towards our neighbouring, it did make us sit up and feel for our country.

The Legend Of Bhagat Singh (2002)
Bhagat Singh was and will be the most looked upto freedom fighter ever born. There may be many who don’t follow Gandhi’s ideals but Singh hardly gets any opposition. The Legend Of Bhagat Singh retold the story of the martyr who laid down his life for his country without even flinching.

Swades (2004)
With time, the meaning of patriotism change. Gone are those days when screeching slogans used to win people’s hearts. Today everyone is mature and to serve your nation you don’t have to hit the border. Just give back what you got form it. Swades was based on the same premise which Shahrukh Khan finding his calling in India itself although he is a big NASA scientist.

Rang De Basanti (2006)
Today, more than borders, it is the people inside who form a major threat to its peace and sanctity. Youngsters don’t feel too close to the nation as they are complacent but when pushed too far, they can turn into Bhagat Singh any day. Rang De Basanti was a coming of age story of few friends who decide to take matter in hands when they are wronged.

Chak De! India (2007)
Nothing brings people together in this country other than cricket but what they don’t know is something equally powerful can make them applaud to. Shahrukh Khan in a never seen before role of a Hockey coach of a women’s team is just the film everyone needed in those days. Even today, it is raved and loved by all.

A Wednesday (2008)
A bomb blast takes away a lot of thing apart from lives. It makes you lose a sense of security. Never ever have any film depicted a common man’s feeling of facing the aftermath of a blast before A Wednesday.[/tps_footer]