How The Concept Of Patriotism Has Evolved In Bollywood

War and strained ties with Pakistan have inspired many filmmakers to make films promoting jingoistic patriotism. The wars of 1965, 1971 and 1999 led to film like JP Dutta’s Border, LOC Kargil, 1971, Shaurya, Lakshya. All held our Army men as heroes and with popular actors like Sunny Deol, Amitabh Bachchan donning the uniform, the term ‘Army Men are real heroes’, became literal.

Films like Dil Se and Mission Kashmir touched upon the prevalent inner terrorism in the country. The films presented the other side of the story- that of the so-called ‘terrorists’, portraying them as brain-washed individuals with a heart. Both the films presented a close look within those states that were otherwise neglected in mainstream cinema.