For decades, Bollywood has used patriotism as more than a cinematic emotion. It has reflected the stories about building a newly independent nation and eventually expanded into narratives about war, corruption, social change, sport, individual responsibility and the idea of standing up for the country in everyday life. In recent years, Bollywood's patriotic stories have been focusing less on enemies across the border and more on the challenges faced by ordinary Indians.<h2>Patriotism in cinema: Enemy isn't always across the border</h2>Movies such as Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and LOC Kargil similarly tapped into a more emotionally charged form of nationalism. Patriotism became louder, more action-driven and often closely tied to the country's relationship with its neighbours.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cinema-in-1947-the-films-indians-watched-the-year-freedom-arrived-1786705981534">Cinema in 1947: The films Indians watched the year freedom arrived</a>&nbsp;However, Bollywood's definition of patriotism has begun to broaden significantly. Films like Swades and Rang De Basanti are classic examples of how loving one's country could also mean returning, contributing and solving problems at home.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/independence-day-2026-10-patriotic-movies-to-watch-on-netflix-prime-video-jiohotstar-and-other-ott-platforms-1786690917409">Independence Day 2026: 10 patriotic movies to watch on OTT platforms</a>&nbsp;Not only through improving the lives of people in a rural community, Bollywood also found patriotism in sports as well. Films like Lagaan and Chak De! India changed the image of the patriotic hero. He or she didn't necessarily need a gun, a uniform or a battlefield. An athlete carrying the national flag could become just as powerful a symbol of national pride.<h2>A changing definition of patriot in Bollywood</h2>Another important shift has been the growing visibility of women in patriotic narratives. Raazi starring Alia Bhatt is an example in which it explores the contributions of women and civilians, widening the idea of who gets to be called a national hero.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/independence-day-2026-10-rare-photos-from-india-s-first-independence-day-celebrations-1786699648212">Independence Day 2026: Photos from India's first Independence Day celebrations</a>&nbsp;The biggest change in Bollywood's patriotic storytelling may therefore be the definition of the patriot itself. The transformation doesn't mean the traditional war film has disappeared. Rather, Bollywood has added more layers to the meaning of patriotism.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/independence-day-2026-bollywood-stars-who-brought-india-s-legendary-freedom-fighters-to-life-on-big-screen-1786609081306">Independence Day 2026: B-Town stars who portrayed freedom fighters on big screen</a>&nbsp;From Mother India's struggle to build a better future to Border's soldiers defending the nation and Rang De Basanti's young people questioning the system, Hindi cinema has repeatedly reflected the India of its time. The message is no longer limited to defending the country from an enemy outside its borders. Increasingly, it is also about asking what each person can do for the country within them.

From Mother India and Upkar to Border, Rang De Basanti, Swades, Chak De! India, Raazi and Uri: The Surgical Strike, Bollywood has repeatedly reshaped its patriotic heroes. Read more to know how patriotism on screen has gradually moved beyond simply defending the country's borders. 

For decades, Bollywood has used patriotism as more than a cinematic emotion. It has reflected the stories about building a newly independent nation and eventually expanded into narratives about war, corruption, social change, sport, individual responsibility and the idea of standing up for the country in everyday life. In recent years, Bollywood's patriotic stories have been focusing less on enemies across the border and more on the challenges faced by ordinary Indians. Patriotism in cinema: Enemy isn't always across the border Movies such as Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and LOC Kargil similarly tapped into a more emotionally charged form of nationalism. Patriotism became louder, more action-driven and often closely tied to the country's relationship with its neighbours. Also Read: Cinema in 1947: The films Indians watched the year freedom arrived However, Bollywood's definition of patriotism has begun to broaden significantly. Films like Swades and Rang De Basanti are classic examples of how loving one's country could also mean returning, contributing and solving problems at home. Also Read: Independence Day 2026: 10 patriotic movies to watch on OTT platforms Not only through improving the lives of people in a rural community, Bollywood also found patriotism in sports as well. Films like Lagaan and Chak De! India changed the image of the patriotic hero. He or she didn't necessarily need a gun, a uniform or a battlefield. An athlete carrying the national flag could become just as powerful a symbol of national pride. A changing definition of patriot in Bollywood Another important shift has been the growing visibility of women in patriotic narratives. Raazi starring Alia Bhatt is an example in which it explores the contributions of women and civilians, widening the idea of who gets to be called a national hero. Also Read: Independence Day 2026: Photos from India's first Independence Day celebrations The biggest change in Bollywood's patriotic storytelling may therefore be the definition of the patriot itself. The transformation doesn't mean the traditional war film has disappeared. Rather, Bollywood has added more layers to the meaning of patriotism. Also Read: Independence Day 2026: B-Town stars who portrayed freedom fighters on big screen From Mother India's struggle to build a better future to Border's soldiers defending the nation and Rang De Basanti's young people questioning the system, Hindi cinema has repeatedly reflected the India of its time. The message is no longer limited to defending the country from an enemy outside its borders. Increasingly, it is also about asking what each person can do for the country within them.

From Mother India and Upkar to Border, Rang De Basanti, Swades, Chak De! India, Raazi and Uri: The Surgical Strike, Bollywood has repeatedly reshaped its patriotic heroes. Read more to know how patriotism on screen has gradually moved beyond simply defending the country's borders.&nbsp;

Beyond Border: How Bollywood's idea of patriotism has evolved over the decades

Citizens can proudly hoist the Indian flag at home 24 hours a day. The Flag Code permits polyester flags in a 3:2 ratio but strictly prohibits displaying damaged or torn flags.

Independence Day 2026: Can you keep the Indian flag at home? Know the rules to follow

India is celebrating its 80th Independence Day today, commemorating 79 years of freedom from British rule in 1947. On the eve, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation, and said that the government was taking comprehensive measures to reform the examination system


India celebrates Independence Day: From Delhi to Mumbai, iconic landmarks glow in Tricolour

India achieved independence from British Rule after a long struggle. But the happiness was quickly overshadowed by existential, humanitarian, and structural challenges. The India the British left behind was severely fractured, with economic problems, an impoverished population and the chaotic aftermath of the Partition. It was a country living in survival mode.<h2>The human tragedy</h2> The Partition forced millions of people to migrate. An estimated 12 to 15 million people crossed the borders from India and Pakistan. Hindus and Sikhs travelled to India, while Muslims left for Pakistan. But it was one of the most violent episodes in the history of the two countries. There was mass bloodshed on both sides of the newly formed border, as riots, massacres, abductions, and sexual violence broke out. An estimated 500,000 to 1 million people lost their lives in the maniacal killings. With a huge influx of people, refugee camps were set up in Delhi, Kolkata and Punjab. The administration was in its initial stages but faced a mammoth task of providing food, shelter and medical aid to the people.&nbsp;<h2>Economic crisis</h2> Colonial drain, war inflation, and agrarian distress shaped the economy of the newly independent India. Poverty and food shortages defined this India. Between 70 per cent and 80 per cent of the population lived below the poverty line, with a life expectancy of just around 32 years. Feudal practices, such as the Zamindari System, crippled agriculture. Agriculture was underdeveloped and monsoon-dependent, which triggered a massive shortage. Partition left most fertile agricultural regions in Sindh and East Bengal with Pakistan, which severely worsened domestic food insecurity. India was forced to rely on foreign food imports, which again pressured the fragile economy.&nbsp;<h2>Political and territorial fragmentation</h2> The British created another problem. Over 500 princely states, such as Hyderabad, Junagadh, and Jammu &amp; Kashmir, were given the choice to either join India, Pakistan, or remain independent. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Home Minister and V. P. Menon were given the job of getting these princely states to accede to the Indian Union.&nbsp;<h2>Administrative problems</h2> From treasury reserves, civil service personnel, railway tracks, and military equipment to small things like typewriters and chairs were divided between India and Pakistan. The departing British officials left a lacuna and severe shortage of experienced administrators and technical experts.&nbsp;<h2>Social inequalities</h2> Illiteracy and social divisions were another major problem India had to deal with. Only about 12 per cent to 15 per cent of the total population was literate, with female literacy hovering below 8 per cent. Caste hierarchies, untouchability and gender inequality were deeply entrenched in Indian society.&nbsp;While India was gripped by communal violence in the tragic aftermath of Partition, the new nation also inherited a crushing burden of economic devastation and deep-seated social crises. The sudden withdrawal of the Raj left behind a nation in structural turmoil—a complex web of economic ruin, refugee crises, and social inequality that took decades to resolve.

The British left India in 1947, but it was a fractured nation that was living in survival mode. The economic and humanitarian crisis took a toll on the nation. Nearly 1 million people lost their lives in the partition and the financial situation was dire.

India achieved independence from British Rule after a long struggle. But the happiness was quickly overshadowed by existential, humanitarian, and structural challenges. The India the British left behind was severely fractured, with economic problems, an impoverished population and the chaotic aftermath of the Partition. It was a country living in survival mode. The human tragedy The Partition forced millions of people to migrate. An estimated 12 to 15 million people crossed the borders from India and Pakistan. Hindus and Sikhs travelled to India, while Muslims left for Pakistan. But it was one of the most violent episodes in the history of the two countries. There was mass bloodshed on both sides of the newly formed border, as riots, massacres, abductions, and sexual violence broke out. An estimated 500,000 to 1 million people lost their lives in the maniacal killings. With a huge influx of people, refugee camps were set up in Delhi, Kolkata and Punjab. The administration was in its initial stages but faced a mammoth task of providing food, shelter and medical aid to the people. Economic crisis Colonial drain, war inflation, and agrarian distress shaped the economy of the newly independent India. Poverty and food shortages defined this India. Between 70 per cent and 80 per cent of the population lived below the poverty line, with a life expectancy of just around 32 years. Feudal practices, such as the Zamindari System, crippled agriculture. Agriculture was underdeveloped and monsoon-dependent, which triggered a massive shortage. Partition left most fertile agricultural regions in Sindh and East Bengal with Pakistan, which severely worsened domestic food insecurity. India was forced to rely on foreign food imports, which again pressured the fragile economy. Political and territorial fragmentation The British created another problem. Over 500 princely states, such as Hyderabad, Junagadh, and Jammu & Kashmir, were given the choice to either join India, Pakistan, or remain independent. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Home Minister and V. P. Menon were given the job of getting these princely states to accede to the Indian Union. Administrative problems From treasury reserves, civil service personnel, railway tracks, and military equipment to small things like typewriters and chairs were divided between India and Pakistan. The departing British officials left a lacuna and severe shortage of experienced administrators and technical experts. Social inequalities Illiteracy and social divisions were another major problem India had to deal with. Only about 12 per cent to 15 per cent of the total population was literate, with female literacy hovering below 8 per cent. Caste hierarchies, untouchability and gender inequality were deeply entrenched in Indian society. While India was gripped by communal violence in the tragic aftermath of Partition, the new nation also inherited a crushing burden of economic devastation and deep-seated social crises. The sudden withdrawal of the Raj left behind a nation in structural turmoil—a complex web of economic ruin, refugee crises, and social inequality that took decades to resolve.

The British left India in 1947, but it was a fractured nation that was living in survival mode. The economic and humanitarian crisis took a toll on the nation. Nearly 1 million people lost their lives in the partition, and the financial situation was dire.

80th Independence Day: The fractured India British left behind

Several major stories are making headlines across India.

In Uttarakhand, at least seven workers have died after water and debris entered an under-construction THDC tunnel, trapping workers inside. Several others were injured, while two people remain missing. Rescue and relief teams continue operations at the site.

In Delhi, traffic restrictions and diversions have been imposed around the Red Fort ahead of the full-dress rehearsal for Independence Day 2026. Commuters have been advised to avoid several roads and surrounding areas during the rehearsal period.

In Odisha, the Talcher-Puri MEMU passenger train derailed near Puri railway station while travelling at a slow speed. The incident occurred near platform number three, around 500 metres from the station. No major injuries have been reported.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has quashed FIRs against comedian Samay Raina and four others over controversial remarks concerning persons with disabilities on his show. The court noted compliance with its earlier directions, including awareness initiatives and support for persons with disabilities.

Uttarakhand Tunnel Tragedy | Delhi Traffic Curbs | Odisha Train Derails | SC Relief For Samay Raina

As India's 80th Independence Day approaches, here's a look at some rare photos from the nation’s first celebration as a free country. From historic speeches and flag-hoisting ceremonies to Jawaharlal Nehru’s first speech. 

Independence Day 2026: 10 rare photos from India's first Independence Day celebrations

From All India Radio broadcasts to live streaming on digital platforms, India’s Independence Day coverage has witnessed a major evolution in the last 80 years.

From Radio to YouTube: How Indians have watched the Independence Day ceremony over the years

As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day on August 15, revisit the bravery and courage of freedom fighters with the patriotic films listed below.

Independence Day 2026: 10 patriotic movies to watch on Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar and other OTT platforms

India is gearing up to celebrate its 80th Independence Day, and for cinema lovers, we've curated a list of movies that audiences loved back in 1947. Scroll down to take a look.

Cinema in 1947: The films Indians watched the year freedom arrived

This Independence Day weekend, the newest release is Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947, a film that tells the story of Partition and how it affected people on both sides. But it’s not just Batwara. This year has been full of patriotic releases, and it started right in January.

80th Independence year: 2026’s big films on partition, war and undercover agents

Every Independence Day, the spotlight falls on the leaders who led marches, courted arrest and challenged the British Empire. Less visible, but equally important, were the editors, printers and reporters who turned newspapers into instruments of resistance. As India celebrates Independence Day 2026, the role of the press deserves renewed attention.<h2>Printing the idea of freedom</h2>In an era without television or digital platforms, newspapers carried the message of freedom across provinces, languages and communities. Publications such as Kesari, Young India, Harijan, Amrita Bazar Patrika and The Hindu became platforms where political ideas were debated and colonial policies were questioned.When Bal Gangadhar Tilak wrote about self-rule or Mahatma Gandhi explained the goals of civil disobedience, their words travelled far beyond public meetings. Newspapers helped ordinary Indians understand that local grievances were part of a larger national struggle.<h2>When journalism became an act of defiance</h2>The British administration treated many Indian newspapers as a threat. Editors were prosecuted, publications were banned, and printing presses were seized. The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was one of several attempts to curb Indian-language newspapers that criticised colonial rule.Yet censorship rarely achieved its purpose. Newspapers found new ways to publish, and suppressed voices often returned with greater public support.<h2>A legacy that still matters</h2>The freedom movement needed organisation, communication and public opinion. The press provided all three. It connected Bengal with Maharashtra, Punjab with Madras, and villages with political centres. Reports of arrests, protests and government crackdowns created a shared national consciousness.As the Tricolour rises on Independence Day 2026, the story of India’s freedom struggle remains incomplete without the story of its newspapers. They did not simply record history. They helped write it, often at great personal cost, and reminded a colonised nation that its voice could never be permanently silenced.

On Independence Day 2026, remember how Indian newspapers became a powerful force in the freedom struggle, uniting people, defying British censorship and spreading the idea of independence.

Every Independence Day, the spotlight falls on the leaders who led marches, courted arrest and challenged the British Empire. Less visible, but equally important, were the editors, printers and reporters who turned newspapers into instruments of resistance. As India celebrates Independence Day 2026, the role of the press deserves renewed attention. Printing the idea of freedom In an era without television or digital platforms, newspapers carried the message of freedom across provinces, languages and communities. Publications such as Kesari, Young India, Harijan, Amrita Bazar Patrika and The Hindu became platforms where political ideas were debated and colonial policies were questioned. When Bal Gangadhar Tilak wrote about self-rule or Mahatma Gandhi explained the goals of civil disobedience, their words travelled far beyond public meetings. Newspapers helped ordinary Indians understand that local grievances were part of a larger national struggle. When journalism became an act of defiance The British administration treated many Indian newspapers as a threat. Editors were prosecuted, publications were banned, and printing presses were seized. The Vernacular Press Act of 1878 was one of several attempts to curb Indian-language newspapers that criticised colonial rule. Yet censorship rarely achieved its purpose. Newspapers found new ways to publish, and suppressed voices often returned with greater public support. A legacy that still matters The freedom movement needed organisation, communication and public opinion. The press provided all three. It connected Bengal with Maharashtra, Punjab with Madras, and villages with political centres. Reports of arrests, protests and government crackdowns created a shared national consciousness. As the Tricolour rises on Independence Day 2026, the story of India’s freedom struggle remains incomplete without the story of its newspapers. They did not simply record history. They helped write it, often at great personal cost, and reminded a colonised nation that its voice could never be permanently silenced.

On Independence Day 2026, remember how Indian newspapers became a powerful force in the freedom struggle, uniting people, defying British censorship and spreading the idea of independence.

Independence Day 2026: How the press became India’s strongest weapon against British rule

Delhi restricts non-scheduled and chartered flights on August 15 during morning and evening hours for security. Scheduled commercial flights operate normally, while military, emergency, and VIP aircraft remain completely exempt from the rules. Read more below.

What happens to Delhi's airspace on August 15?

If a drone enters Delhi's no-fly zone around August 15, DRDO's advanced systems will instantly jam its signal or destroy it with lasers. The operator will face immediate arrest and up to a year in jail under Section 223 of the BNS. Read more below.


What happens if a drone accidentally enters Delhi's no-fly zone on August 15?

From the battlefields of Kargil to the skies guarded by the Indian Air Force, several Bollywood stars have stepped into uniform on screen, portraying soldiers, officers and real-life heroes. Here are some memorable performances. 

Independence Day special: Akshay Kumar to SRK, Bollywood stars who played India’s bravehearts

Every year on Independence Day, the airspace over New Delhi becomes a highly sensitive zone. To guarantee security during the national celebrations at the Red Fort, authorities implement temporary but strict flight restrictions

Independence Day airspace rules: What can fly over Delhi?

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Beyond Border: How Bollywood's idea of patriotism has evolved over the decades

Independence Day: Can you keep the Indian flag at home? Know the rules to follow

India celebrates Independence Day: Iconic landmarks glow in Tricolour

80th Independence Day: The fractured India British left behind

Uttarakhand Tunnel Tragedy | Delhi Traffic Curbs | Odisha Train Derails | SC Relief For Samay Raina

Independence Day 2026: Photos from India's first Independence Day celebrations

From Radio to Digital Streams: How Red Fort broadcasts evolved over the years

Independence Day 2026: 10 patriotic movies to watch on OTT platforms