5 Women-Centric Patriotic Movies To Watch On Republic Day 2023

Bollywood has produced several critically acclaimed women-centric patriotic films that sent shockwaves of patriotism through the veins of the audience. It is an undeniable fact that most of us get goosebumps while watching patriotic movies, right? That’s what a successful movie about patriotism does—fills our hearts with pride, inspires us, and heightens our respect for the armed forces.

The fact that many women freedom fighters were responsible for the independence of the nation is undeniable, and many women today are making the country proud in various fields. With the rising popularity of women-centric films, a good number of patriotic films are being made with female leads. Here are five women-centric patriotic films to watch on the country's 74th Republic Day.

Women-Centric Patriotic Films

Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl

The 2020 film, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, is a biographical drama about Indian Air Force pilot Gunjan Saxena. Sharan Sharma directed the film, which stars Jahnvi Kapoor as the titular character, Gunjan Saxena.

The film narrates the life story of IAF pilot Gunjan Saxena, the challenges she had to face in a male-dominated world to make her dreams come true, and her undeterred courage and patriotism. Gunjan Saxena has aspired to become a pilot since childhood, and her father is very supportive of her dream. She is known and lauded for serving the nation during the Kargil War.

Still from Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl

Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi

Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, is the story of Rani Lakshmi Bai, popularly known as Jhansi ki Rani. She was one of India’s earliest female freedom fighters who was martyred while fighting against the British.

Kangana Ranaut played the role Rani Lakshmi Bai in the 2019 film. Rani Lakshmi Bai refused to bow down to the British after her husband’s demise. She fought back against the East India Company and created a revolution against the British. The film was directed by Krish Jagarlamudi and Kangana Ranaut.

Raazi

Raazi, starring Alia Bhatt, is a 2018 movie. Raazi narrates the story of a Kashmiri Muslim girl, Sehmat Khan, who gets married into a Pakistani family to serve India as a spy during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. From a timid young girl, Sehmat’s transition into a fearless patriot who puts country over her emotions is inspiring and leaves the audience awe-struck. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the film also stars Vicky Kaushal. Raazi is an adaptation of Harinder Sikka’s novel Calling Sehmat, a real-life story.

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Neerja

Neerja is a 2016 biographical thriller film based on a true event that happened in 1986. The movie narrates the incident that happened on Pan Am Flight 73, which was hijacked by the Libyan-backed Abu Nidal Organization in Karachi, Pakistan.

Flight attendant Neerja Bhanot stalled the terrorists from attacking the passengers and managed to prevent the hijack by alerting the pilots, who grounded the plane. She sacrificed her life trying to help save the passengers and crew. Her bravery, patriotism, and sacrifice to the nation are unforgettable. Sonam Kapoor played the titular character, Neerja, and the film was directed by Ram Madhvani.

Neerja (2016)

Mary Kom

The 2014 biographical sports film, starring Priyanka Chopra, narrated the life story of veteran boxer Mary Kom. Priyanka Chopra played the titular character, Mary Kom. The film was directed by Omung Kumar. The film takes us through the life, challenges, and victories of boxer Mary Kom.

Young Mary Kom, who has been fascinated by boxing since childhood, convinces a renowned coach to teach her the sport despite her family’s disapproval. She followed her passion and became an international boxer with multiple world records to her credit. She is one of the women who shattered the stereotype that women cannot pursue their dreams after marriage and motherhood.

Priyanka Chopra in a still from Mary Kom