Covering Bollywood and the Hindi Cinema

On 15^th August 2006,  India will enter into its 60^th year of  Independence and to commemorate it I have prepared a list of some Bollywood movies which were successful in arousing feelings of national pride, ‘desh bhakti’ and some thought provoking questions. For many of us 15^th August was the day when the whole family  would go out for picnics, catch a movie or just get together to fly kites! However now on our Independence Day we find it safer (in lieu of all the terror     attacks) to stay inside our house (especially if you stay in Delhi) than go out and celebrate our freedom! Well that irony for you! Anyways no need to fret and we can always fall back on good old Bollywood to make this Independence Day special! If you are like me then be prepared to shed a copious amount of tears while          watching these movies!

Haqeeqat - A black and white movie with a stellar cast (including a very handsome  Dharmender) and is about the Indo-China war in 1962.The attack by was sudden and not only did we lose the war but also our confidence! Amazing songs and some really moving performances! A must see for all generations.

Swades - What can I say, this movie completely moved me. There were no deaths or wars but the movie just makes you want to do something for your country! Best performance by SRK ever as an NRI working for NASA. Scenes like when SRK finally drinks non filter water for 50 paisa and breaks down or when the old women finally see the bulb light up will forever be immortalized on the Indian celluloid.

Lagaan- It dealt with two topics we Indians are passionate about, Cricket and defeating the British! An epic in every sense and ’s first entry into the Oscars Foreign Films Nominations.

Sarfarosh - Expect a lot of Aamir Khan Movies in this line up! AK was successfully able to break away from his lover boy image by playing the tough and silent Inspector Rathore. First film which openly talked about cross-border terrorism and has no qualms naming as the main sponsor of terrorism. Tight script and impressive performances.

Rang De Basant -The movie of the year! Not only did it captured the present apathetic youth of to the T but was able to strike a perfect balance between the two narratives. Aamir Khan as usual was brilliant; however the whole country was surprised by the performances of the rest of the cast who were all rank newcomers. RDB is a cult movie in every sense and its influence was seen in the recent Jessica Lal and Priyamatoo peace walks.

Lakshya - Farhan Akhtar’s second attempt in film-making unfortunately tanked at the B.O. but this was a brilliant and a thought provoking film. Hrithik was seen at his best and his transformation from a slacker to an army officer posted at Kargil is what acting should be all about. Cinematography was top-notch and so was the script.

Border and LOC – I have grouped these two movies together as both were directed by J.P. Dutta, had a stellar cast and some great War scenes (especially LOC). If Border belonged to Akshaye Khanna then LOC belonged to Saif and Abhishek Bachchan!

So these are some of my favorite movies, do let me know what you favorite desh bhakti movies are! Happy Independence Day and make proud!