Republic Day 2026: From 'Dhurandhar' to 'Shershaah', top 5 patriotic films to watch now – Firstpost

Republic Day often brings with it a familiar pull towards stories of courage, sacrifice and national identity. Whether rooted in history, inspired by real events or driven by contemporary conflicts, patriotic films continue to find an eager audience during the long weekend. If you are planning a watchlist this Republic Day, here are five films that tap into that sentiment without feeling dated.

Border 2 (2026)

Language: Hindi | Director: Anurag Singh

One of the biggest releases of the season, Border 2 revisits the emotional terrain first explored by J P Dutta’s 1997 classic. Set against the backdrop of the 1971 India Pakistan war, the sequel expands the canvas by bringing together the Army, Navy and Air Force. Led by Sunny Deol, with Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty in key roles, the film leans heavily into scale, sentiment and nostalgia. It is loud, unapologetically patriotic and tailor-made for a Republic Day watch.

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Dhurandhar (2025)

Language: Hindi | Director: Aditya Dhar

A more contemporary take on patriotism, Dhurandhar blends espionage with national duty. Ranveer Singh headlines this spy thriller that focuses on covert operations, moral ambiguity and the personal cost of serving the nation from the shadows. Recently entering IMDb’s Top 250 films of all time, the film has struck a chord with audiences looking for a slick, high-stakes patriotic drama that feels global in its execution.

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Ikkis (2025)

Language: Hindi | Director: Sriram Raghavan

Based on the life of Param Vir Chakra awardee Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, Ikkis takes a quieter, more intimate approach to patriotism. Dharmendra’s grandson Agastya Nanda plays the young officer whose bravery during the 1971 war became legend. The film focuses less on spectacle and more on character, making it a fitting watch for those who prefer restraint over rhetoric.

Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019)

Language: Hindi | Director: Aditya Dhar

Still a staple Republic Day pick, Uri dramatizes the Indian Army’s response to the 2016 Uri attack. Vicky Kaushal’s performance, combined with the film’s controlled pacing and sharp dialogue, made it one of the most influential patriotic films of the last decade. It remains a crowd favourite for its blend of realism, tension and emotional payoff.

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Shershaah (2021)

Language: Hindi | Director: Vishnuvardhan

The story of Captain Vikram Batra, Shershaah continues to resonate for its emotional core rather than sheer scale. Sidharth Malhotra’s portrayal of the Kargil War hero is anchored in warmth, vulnerability and quiet courage. It is a reminder that patriotism often lives in minor, deeply personal moments rather than vaste declarations.

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Whether you are in the mood for a big-screen spectacle like Border 2, a modern spy thriller such as Dhurandhar, or a reflective biographical drama like Ikkis, this Republic Day weekend offers no shortage of films that honour the idea of service and sacrifice in different ways.

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