On August 15, 1947, India ceased to be a colonial nation and secured full autonomy from the British that ruled over it for years. On the same day, independent India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the national flag at the Lahori Gate of Red Fort in New Delhi. Every year, Independence Day is celebrated as a national holiday, wherein people hoist the national flag, wear colours signifying the tricolour, many educational institutions take part in many cultural programmes. But, this year, due to Covid-19 pandemic, most of the celebration will be done virtually in order to maintain social distancing norms.

On the occasion of the 74th Independence Day of India, to bring in the spirit of patriotism, you can watch biopics of the Indian freedom fighters, along with your family while sitting at the comfort of your home and thus maintaining social distancing.

Gandhi (1982)

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi returns to British India from South Africa and begins a nationwide campaign of non-violent resistance against the British rule in the country, thus pressuring Britain to liberate India. Played by Sir  Ben Kingsley, the movie won the ‘Best Picture’, ‘Best Director’ and the ‘Best Actor’ at the 55th Academy Awards.

If you want to watch more about Gandhi, Shyam Benegal’s 1996 drama, ‘The Making of the Mahatma’ portrays Gandhi’s stay in South Africa, as a London-trained barrister, who fighting a case their before his return to India.

Sardar (1993)

Directed by Ketan Mehta, the movies is about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was one of the greatest freedom fighters of India. Starring Paresh Rawal as the Iron man of India, the film portrays the life of Sardar Patel and his inclusion into India’s struggle for freedom and his initiatives to get princely states to join the union of India.

Shaheed Udham Singh (2000)

A Sikh revolutionary, Udham Singh sets off to the UK to kill the perpetrators of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and avenge the lives of the common people. The fighter’s story was portrayed by Raj Babbar and the movie also featured Juhi Chawla and Gurdas Maan. 

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (2000)

This film depicts the life and times of the great social reformer, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and documents his journey as a student in New York to the battles he fought for his community. Mammootty’s portrayal as Ambedkar earned him the national award.

The Legend Of Bhagat Singh (2002)

Born in British India, Bhagat Singh witnessed numerous atrocities during his childhood. He later grew up to become one of the most fearless freedom fighters in the country, who paved his own way through revolution. Played by Ajay Devgan and directed by Rajkummar Santoshi, the film won the ‘National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi’.

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2004)

Played by Sachin Khedekar, the film depicts the life of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, after resigning from the presidential post of the Indian National Congress and his role in India’s freedom struggle during World War II.

You can also watch the miniseries, ‘Bose: Dead/Alive’ (2017) starring Rajkummar Rao, which is based on the 2012 book ‘India’s Biggest Cover-up’ by activist Anuj Dharthat was released on ALTBalaji.

Mangal Pandey: The Rising (2005)

This Aamir Khan starrer movie shows the life of Mangal Pandey, a daring soldier, serving in the army of the British, when he led the country through “The First War of Indian Independence” of 1857. Mangal Pandey became friends with William Gordon, a British Army officer during a war in Afghanistan but when the East India Company introduced a rifle that uses objectionable cartridges, he rises in revolt.

Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (2010)

Starring Abhishek Bachchan and Deepika Padukone, the movie is based on the Chittagong uprising in 1930. The film is a biographical account of the freedom fighter Masterda Surjya Sen, who started one of the earliest revolts against British Raj in the east.

Read: Educational reforms in post-independent India

Also read: Independence Day message