As India celebrates another Republic Day, the occasion becomes more than a call out to the Constitution. It is also a moment to reflect on the people whose courage and sacrifices shaped the nation. Over the years, Hindi cinema has repeatedly returned to these real-life stories of bravery. From soldiers who fought on unforgiving battlefields to revolutionaries who paid the ultimate price for freedom, these films honour national heroes by capturing their bravery and vulnerability. This Republic Day, we look at films based on real-life Indian heroes.
Raazi
Raazi is adapted from Harinder Sikka’s 2008 novel Calling Sehmat. It details a true account of an Indian Research and Analysis Wing agent who married into a family of military officers in Pakistan to relay information to India before the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Alia Bhatt played the role of Sehmat, who married a Pakistani officer played by Vicky Kaushal. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, it was released on May 11, 2018.
Uri: The Surgical Strike
Inspired by the Indian Army’s 2016 surgical strikes across the Line of Control, Uri: The Surgical Strike stars Vicky Kaushal in the lead, who embodied a courageous character based on Colonel Kapil Yadav. He successfully brought pride and resilience to life on screen. Vicky’s performance not only showcased the tactical brilliance of the Indian Army but also honoured the real troops who executed the operation with absolute precision. The film was released on January 11, 2019.
Gunjan Saxena
Gunjan Saxena is an Indian Air Force officer and a Kargil War veteran. She made history as the first woman to fly in a combat zone during the Kargil War, where she played a crucial role in evacuating injured soldiers from the battlefield. She also transported essential supplies and assisted in aerial surveillance during the conflict. Her life and service were portrayed in the film Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, with Janhvi Kapoor essaying the titular role. The film was released on August 12, 2020.
Shershaah
Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani’s Shershaah is based on the life of Captain Vikram Batra, one of the most celebrated heroes of the Kargil War. The film follows Batra’s journey from a young cadet to a remarkable and celebrated officer in the Kargil War, where he ultimately lost his life during Operation Vijay. The film was released on August 12, 2021.
Sardar Udham
This biographical historical drama is based on the life of Indian revolutionary Udham Singh, who assassinated Michael O’Dwyer in London following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Singh was tried and convicted of murder and hanged in July 1940. Vicky Kaushal delivered a strong performance as the titular character. It was released on October 16, 2021.
Pippa
This biographical war film tells the story of Captain Balram Singh Mehta of India’s 45 Cavalry unit and his siblings who served on the eastern front during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Named PT-76 after the Russian amphibious battle tank that floats on water like an empty ‘pippa’ (tin) of ghee, the movie follows Mehta’s growth as he takes on a role in a war to free Bangladesh. The film stars Ishaan Khattar, Soni Razdan, and Mrunal Thakur in major roles and was directed by Raja Krishna Menon. The film was released on November 10, 2023.
Sam Bahadur
The film is based on Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw who served in five wars over more than 40 years. He was among one of the most decorated officers of the Indian Army and was Chief of the army staff during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. The plot of the film starring Vicky Kaushal revolves around the high and low points of Manekshaw’s life and who went on to become the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal. The film was released on December 1, 2023.
Sky Force
Inspired by the valour of an Air Force squadron leader during the 1965 war, Sky Force saw Veer making his acting debut. The actor brings this story of forgotten heroism to life, celebrating courage and sacrifice. The film is loosely based on real-life events from the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War, especially India’s retaliatory airstrike on the Sargodha airbase. It brings to life the story of Squadron Leader Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya, who was shot down and went missing during the operation.
120 Bahadur
Farhan Akhtar leads this powerful war drama based on the legendary Battle of Rezang La. The film highlights the extraordinary courage of Major Shaitan Singh PVC while portraying the emotional depth of soldiers who stood firm against all odds. Singh commanded a company of the 13 Kumaon Regiment during the Battle of Rezang La in 1962 Sino-Indian war. It was released theatrically on November 21, 2025.
Ikkis
Ikkis is a biographical war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. He was the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra award. The film is centered around the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 India–Pakistan War, where Khetrapal lost his life at the young age of 21. The film starred Agastya Nanda as Arun Khetrapal, Simar Bhatia and Jaideep Ahlawat. Ikkis also marked Dharmendra and Asrani’s posthumous releases. It was released on January 1st, 2026.
Border 2
The recently released Border 2 is set against the backdrop of the 1971 India-Pakistan and chronicles the bravery of the Indian Armed Forces across the Army, Air Force and Navy. Several characters in the film draw inspiration from real life heroes. Sunny Deol’s character, Lt Col Fateh Singh Kaler, is inspired by Brigadier Hardev Singh Kler, who later went on to become a Major General in the Indian Army. Varun Dhawan’s character is inspired by Param Vir Chakra awardee, Major Hoshiar Singh Dahiya. Diljit Dosanjh’s character is based on Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra and Ahan Shetty’s character reportedly drew inspiration from an Indian Navy officer from INS Khukri.
Also Read:Â Border 2 Runtime Becomes a Major Talking Point Ahead of Release
