Must-watch movies this August 15

| Read time: 7 minute(s)
Independence Day celebration is becoming more of a breather holiday and less of a salutation to our freedom struggle. Amidst the routine flag hoisting, dressing up as great leaders and evening outings, our children need to understand the sentiment associated with August 15. But it’s never too late to introduce our kids with our history. And what else can do it better than motion pictures. My Coup gives a lowdown of a few movies you can watch with your children and make them realise the importance of Independence we got 73 years ago, in this modern India. Kesari (2019) This Akshay Kumar movie follows the events leading to the Battle of Saragarhi, a battle between 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikhs of the British Indian Army and 6,000–10,000 Afridi and Orakzai Pashtun tribesmen in 1897. All 21 Sikhs died in this battle but the Battle of Saragarhi will always be remembered as one of the greatest and bravest last stands in military history. Chittagong (2012) Not many textbooks teach children about Chittagong Uprising in detail but it’s one of the most important events in the freedom struggle of our country. The movie is based on the uprising and protests led by Surya Sen in the town of Chittagong (now in Bangladesh). It portrays beautifully the indifferent attitude of British employees and administration toward the nation they ruled. Watch it only to revisit history. Rang De Basanti (2006) Another film based on the present mood of the youth of the country, Rang De Basanti is considered to be one of the best movies of our time. The film keeps on going back in time of freedom struggle and relates it with the present situation of India. Mostly it’s a comment on the dream which our national leaders saw for the future of the country. Swades (2004) Swades is not based on freedom struggle but it relates to the pathos of modern India and emotions of Indians living abroad. The film asks a pertinent question about brain-drain... should we leave our country because it is unable to fulfil our aspirations or should we strengthen it with our hard work and skills? Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2004) This movie tells the story of one of the most ingenious and gallant freedom fighters of our nation. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose never cared for any political power and dedicated his whole existence to the freedom of his motherland from the clutches of British rule. This film also gives us an insight into his personal life, his battle for liberation and his mysterious death. The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002) There have been many freedom fighters but Bhagat Singh’s name would always top the list. This Ajay Devgan film is based on the life of the revolutionary young leader. It also highlights the contributions of other revolutionaries like Chandrashekhar Azad, Ram Prasad Bismil and Ashfaqullah Khan in the freedom movement. Sardar (1993) A well-researched script and excellent direction makes this movie a must-watch for your family. It gives a bold and critical view on the life of Iron Man of India, his unmatched contributions to India’s freedom and solidarity and also the undergoing politics of pre-independent India. Gandhi (1982) It was not easy to portray the life and beliefs of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on screen but Ben Kingsley’s acting and Richard Attenborough’s direction came pretty close to the real life story of our father of the nation. It’s a must-watch for every Indian.

Independence Day celebration is becoming more of a breather holiday and less of a salutation to our freedom struggle. Amidst the routine flag hoisting, dressing up as great leaders and evening outings, our children need to understand the sentiment associated with August 15. But it’s never too late to introduce our kids with our history. And what else can do it better than motion pictures. My Coup gives a lowdown of a few movies you can watch with your children and make them realise the importance of Independence we got 73 years ago, in this modern India. 

Kesari (2019)
This Akshay Kumar movie follows the events leading to the Battle of Saragarhi, a battle between 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikhs of the British Indian Army and 6,000–10,000 Afridi and Orakzai Pashtun tribesmen in 1897. All 21 Sikhs died in this battle but the Battle of Saragarhi will always be remembered as one of the greatest and bravest last stands in military history.

Chittagong (2012)
Not many textbooks teach children about Chittagong Uprising in detail but it’s one of the most important events in the freedom struggle of our country. The movie is based on the uprising and protests led by Surya Sen in the town of Chittagong (now in Bangladesh). It portrays beautifully the indifferent attitude of British employees and administration toward the nation they ruled. Watch it only to revisit history.

Rang De Basanti (2006)
Another film based on the present mood of the youth of the country, Rang De Basanti is considered to be one of the best movies of our time. The film keeps on going back in time of freedom struggle and relates it with the present situation of India. Mostly it’s a comment on the dream which our national leaders saw for the future of the country. 

Swades (2004)
Swades is not based on freedom struggle but it relates to the pathos of modern India and emotions of Indians living abroad. The film asks a pertinent question about brain-drain… should we leave our country because it is unable to fulfil our aspirations or should we strengthen it with our hard work and skills? 

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2004)
This movie tells the story of one of the most ingenious and gallant freedom fighters of our nation. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose never cared for any political power and dedicated his whole existence to the freedom of his motherland from the clutches of British rule. This film also gives us an insight into his personal life, his battle for liberation and his mysterious death.

The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002)
There have been many freedom fighters but Bhagat Singh’s name would always top the list. This Ajay Devgan film is based on the life of the revolutionary young leader. It also highlights the contributions of other revolutionaries like Chandrashekhar Azad, Ram Prasad Bismil and Ashfaqullah Khan in the freedom movement. 

Sardar (1993)
A well-researched script and excellent direction makes this movie a must-watch for your family. It gives a bold and critical view on the life of Iron Man of India, his unmatched contributions to India’s freedom and solidarity and also the undergoing politics of pre-independent India. 

Gandhi (1982)
It was not easy to portray the life and beliefs of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on screen but Ben Kingsley’s acting and Richard Attenborough’s direction came pretty close to the real life story of our father of the nation. It’s a must-watch for every Indian.

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