Bollywood Flicks That Inspired Us To Join The Indian Air Force
Posted On: 22 Nov 2023 | Last Updated : 29 Feb 2024 | Views : 1.0k
Romance, action, music, and drama have always been an integral part of our films that connect moviegoers to the Indian cinema. The last few decades have seen a volley of patriotic films engraving a special place in the hearts of audiences. Stories set against the backdrop of India’s armed forces depict the valour and undying spirit of our soldiers and warriors giving us an in-depth insight into the internal mechanisms of the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy. Of these movies, some Air Force-themed Bollywood films were well appreciated and applauded over the years inspiring many to consider a career in the Indian Air Force. Let’s have a look at some of Bollywood's BEST Air Force movies that have been known to evoke a sense of pride and admiration for the Indian Air Force:
1. Hindustan Ki Kasam (1973)
Chetan Anand’s Hindustan Ki Kasam is among the old Bollywood movies based on the Indian Air Force that takes off among MiG-21s, Gnats, and Sukhoi-7s. Starring Raaj Kumar, Balraj Sahni, Amjad Khan, and Priya Rajvansh, the war drama was set against the 1971 Indo-Pak war with extensive focus on the Indian and Pakistani air forces amidst heavy-duty air raids and strikes. The story showcased the crucial role played by the Indian Air Force during the 1971 war.
2. Vijeta (1983)
Shashi Kapoor’s home production, Vijeta was perhaps one of the best Bollywood movies based on the Indian Air Force. The coming-of-age drama, directed and cinematographed by Govind Nihalani displayed some never-seen-before spectacular aircraft sequences on the silver screen. The story revolves around Angad (Kunal Kapoor) who chooses to become a fighter pilot in the IAF and is shown flying a MiG-21. The film was an underrated sleeper hit that won three awards for Best Cinematography, Sound, and Editing at Filmfare that year.
3. Agni Pankh (2004)
Sanjeev Puri's Agni Pankh is another movie based on the Air Force in Hindi that centered around the lives of Air Force personnel in Srinagar, Kashmir. Starring Jimmy Shergill and Shamita Shetty in the main lead along with Rahul Dev, Sameer Dharmadhikari, Akshay Anand, and Richa Pallod, the action potboiler showcased some breathtaking aerial combat sequences against the neighbouring country.
4. Mausam (2011)
Pankaj Kapur’s directorial debut, Mausam is a romantic drama that also figures among Hindi movies based on the Indian Air Force. The story revolves around Squadron Leader Harrinder Singh aka Harry (played by Shahid Kapoor) who joins the Indian Air Force and takes us through his 10-year journey with references from the unfortunate events around the demolition of Babri Masjid, Bombay Riots, 9/11 attacks, and Post-Godhra Riots. The illustration of the mid-air combat scenes in the film was the only saving grace in this otherwise forgettable flick.
5. The Great Indian Escape (2019)
Director Taranjiet Singh Namdhari’s The Great Indian Escape is regarded as one of the lesser-known Air Force movies in Bollywood that narrated a riveting tale of true grit and valour of Flt. Lt. Dilip Parulkar who inspired two more POW Pilots - Flt. Lt. M.S. Grewal 'Garry' and Flt. Lt. Harish Singhji 'Harry' to partake with him in the most outrageous prison break in the history of the Indian Air Force.
6. Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020)
Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl is considered one of the best Indian Air Force movies of Bollywood. This biographical film directed by Sharan Sharma tells the inspiring story of Gunjan Saxena (played by Janhvi Kapoor), who made history by becoming the first Indian female Air Force officer to fly in a combat zone during the 1999 Kargil War. Her journey and determination inspired many young females to join the Air Force.
7. Bhuj: The Pride of India (2021)
Ajay Devgn’s Bhuj: The Pride of India is a true story that depicts the Indian Air Force’s bravado and valour in the real sense which took place during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. The story was that of IAF officer Squadron Leader Vijay Karnik (played by Ajay Devgn) who despite facing bombarding of the Bhuj air force base by Pakistan goes on to reconstruct the destroyed airbase flying strip in record time to help the Indian army land to fight the Pakistani army.
8. Tejas (2023)
Tejas is a biopic action drama based on the story of the Indian Air Force’s female officer - Tejas Gill (Kangana Ranaut). The film not only showcases the Indian Air Force in films the right way but also shows us how fighter pilots undergo training in adverse situations to carry out tough rescue operations. Directed by debutant Sarvesh Mewara, Tejas Gill became India’s first female fighter pilot to fly the indigenous fighter jet - Tejas.
9. Fighter (2024)
Siddharth Anand’s Fighter is one of the new Bollywood movies based on Air Force starring Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor in the main cast. The action-thriller drama serves as the first film in a planned aerial action franchise where an aspiring young man fulfills his lifelong dream of joining the Indian Air Force and faces rigorous personal challenges before becoming a true hero.
10. Sky Force (2024)
Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force is expected to be one of the best Bollywood movies based on the Air Force. Produced by Dinesh Vijan and directed by Abhishek Kapoor and Sandeep Kewlani, the film is an aerial drama based on real-life incidents where Akshay Kumar plays the role of Indian Air Force Officer who combats to celebrate one of the biggest victories of Indian Air Force. The film also features Nimrat Kaur and Sara Ali Khan.
11. Operation Valentine (2024)
Operation Valentine is the latest entrant to the list of movies based on the Indian Air Force. Inspired by the Balakot air strikes of 2019 carried out by the Indian Air Force, the edge-of-the-seat action thriller-drama directed by Shakti Pratap Singh Hada starring Varun Tej and Manushi Chhillar, went on to showcase how India’s air warriors carried out one of the biggest, fiercest aerial attacks ever seen.
