As we gear up to celebrate India’s Republic Day in 2024, there’s a buzz surrounding the release of Sky Force on January 24, 2025. This movie tells the gripping tale of India’s first airstrike – the Sargodha Airbase attack during the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War. With a patriotic storyline and heartfelt songs like ‘Maaye’, Sky Force has already been receiving rave reviews, especially for debutante Veer Pahariya’s performance alongside Bollywood icon Akshay Kumar. But before ‘Sky Force’, many iconic Bollywood films were released during the Republic Day weekend, continuing the tradition of patriotic and action-packed storytelling.
FIGHTER (2024)
Just a year before, Republic Day 2024 saw the release of Fighter, starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone. The film showcases the intense journey of a squadron leader and his team of elite fighter pilots as they tackle personal and professional challenges. Released on January 25, 2024, Fighter created a buzz for its high-octane action and strong performances, cementing its place as one of the most awaited films of the year. With an impressive box office collection of ₹344.46 crore, it was a major success for the industry, available for streaming on Netflix.
PATHAAN (2023)
Before ‘Sky Force’, one of the biggest blockbusters in recent memory, Pathaan, was released around Republic Day 2023. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and John Abraham, the film took Bollywood by storm by giving its first ₹1000 crore collected film at the box office. The high-stakes action thriller, filled with espionage and suspense, showcased India’s battle against an apocalyptic threat. Its success marked a major comeback for Shah Rukh Khan and is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
PANGA (2020)
Though not as commercially successful as other Republic Day releases, Panga (released on January 24, 2020) was an underrated gem. This heartwarming film followed the journey of a national-level Kabaddi player, played by Kangana Ranaut, who battles societal expectations and personal struggles. Featuring an ensemble cast including Jassie Gill and Pankaj Tripathi, Panga touched upon themes of empowerment and perseverance, earning praise for its portrayal of women’s sports in India. It may not have set the box office on fire, but it’s a must-watch for fans of inspiring true stories, available on Disney+ Hotstar.
URI: THE SURGICAL STRIKE (2019)
URI: The Surgical Strike which released on January 11, 2019, remains one of the most iconic films to release close to Republic Day. Based on the 2016 surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army in response to terrorist attacks in Uri, Jammu & Kashmir, the film brought the real-life heroism of the Indian armed forces to the big screen. Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal of Major Vihaan Singh Shergill earned him national recognition, while the film’s success made it one of the highest-grossing films of 2019. Available on Zee5, URI continues to resonate with audiences for its patriotic fervour.
THACKERY (2019)
Another notable film from the same year, Thackeray, was released on January 25, 2019. Nawazuddin Siddiqui portrayed the controversial Shiv Sena founder, Bal Thackeray, in this biographical drama. Directed by Abhijit Panse, the film delved into the political life of Thackeray, capturing his rise and the impact he had on Maharashtra’s politics. With Siddiqui’s stellar performance and the intriguing political backdrop, Thackeray left a mark with audiences. It’s now available for streaming on YouTube, Apple TV and Google Play Movies.
RANG DE BASANTI (2006)
Finally, who can forget the evergreen classic Rang De Basanti, which was released on January 26, 2006? Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the film brought together an ensemble cast, including Aamir Khan, Siddharth, and Sharman Joshi. It’s a poignant tale about young people who awaken to the harsh realities of their nation and take on the mantle of freedom fighters. Rang De Basanti continues to be one of the most iconic Bollywood films with its powerful messages of patriotism and social change. Its impact is still felt today, even after nearly two decades, and remains a favorite for many.
Honorable Mentions
Over the years, several other Bollywood films have made their mark during the Republic Day weekend, including Raees (2017), Kaabil (2017), Airlift (2016) and Baby (2015). Each of these films, though diverse in genre, carries a sense of patriotism and national pride, making them perfect for the Republic Day weekend.
As we reflect on these films and ‘Sky Force’ has released in theatres, it’s clear that Bollywood has a long history of releasing patriotic and powerful films around Republic Day, each telling a unique story that resonates with the audience. Sky Force adds to this legacy, bringing its own brand of patriotic storytelling to the big screen.
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