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News » Photos » photogallery » Bollywood Films That Depicted the Valour of Indian Air Force

Bollywood Films That Depicted the Valour of Indian Air Force

Stories set against the backdrop of military aviation depict the valour of the pilots and give in-depth insight about the internal mechanisms of the Indian Air Force. Following are some Air force-themed Bollywood films seen in Hindi cinema over the years.

01
Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020): Gunjan Saxena is inspired by the life of Indian Air Force combat pilot Gunjan Saxena, and stars Janhvi in the titular role. Gunjan was the first woman to fly the combat aviator into a war zone during the Kargil War of 1999. (Image: Special Arrangement)

Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020): Gunjan Saxena is inspired by the life of Indian Air Force combat pilot Gunjan Saxena, and stars Janhvi in the titular role. Gunjan was the first woman to fly the combat aviator into a war zone during the Kargil War of 1999. (Image: Special Arrangement)

02
Mausam (2011): The story of this romantic film spans over a decade, from 1992 to 2002. Shahid Kapoor, a boy from Punjab, chooses to join the Indian Air Force. Mausam has references from the unfortunate events around Demolition of Babri Masjid, Bombay Riots, 9/11 attacks and Post-Godhra Riots. The illustration of the mid-air combat scenes is of visual genius. (Image: Special Arrangement)

Mausam (2011): The story of this romantic film spans over a decade, from 1992 to 2002. Shahid Kapoor, a boy from Punjab, chooses to join the Indian Air Force. Mausam has references from the unfortunate events around Demolition of Babri Masjid, Bombay Riots, 9/11 attacks and Post-Godhra Riots. The illustration of the mid-air combat scenes is of visual genius. (Image: Special Arrangement)

03
Vijeta (1982): The film is popular for its authentic depiction of the life of IAF pilots and internal mechanisms of the Indian Air Force. Vijeta is celebrated for some rare aerial cinematography presenting combat fighter planes available with the IAF in the 1980s. The protagonist Angad (Kunal Kapoor) chooses to become a fighter pilot with the IAF and is shown flying a MiG-21. The technically sleek but under-rated film won three awards for Best cinematography, sound and editing at Filmfare that year. (Image: Special Arrangement)

Vijeta (1982): The film is popular for its authentic depiction of the life of IAF pilots and internal mechanisms of the Indian Air Force. Vijeta is celebrated for some rare aerial cinematography presenting combat fighter planes available with the IAF in the 1980s. The protagonist Angad (Kunal Kapoor) chooses to become a fighter pilot with the IAF and is shown flying a MiG-21. The technically sleek but under-rated film won three awards for Best cinematography, sound and editing at Filmfare that year. (Image: Special Arrangement)

04
Hindustan Ki Kasam (1973): Helmed by one of India's greatest filmmakers Chetan Anand, the critically acclaimed film is counted among the best war films in Bollywood history. Hindustan Ki Kasam depicted the IAF in documentary-like features. It defines the crucial role played by the Indian Air Force during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. (Image: Special Arrangement)

Hindustan Ki Kasam (1973): Helmed by one of India's greatest filmmakers Chetan Anand, the critically acclaimed film is counted among the best war films in Bollywood history. Hindustan Ki Kasam depicted the IAF in documentary-like features. It defines the crucial role played by the Indian Air Force during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. (Image: Special Arrangement)

05
Lalkaar (1972): Lalkaar was based on a Hindi novel written by Ramanand Sagar, the director. The film follows two brothers - Major Ram Kapoor, another in the Royal Indian Army (played by Dharmendra) and Wing Commander Rajan Kapoor in the Royal Indian Air Force (played by Rajendra Kumar). The two are in love with the same woman but before any of them can profess, they are sent on a mission against the Japanese enemies to quash their secret airport. (Image: Special Arrangement)

Lalkaar (1972): Lalkaar was based on a Hindi novel written by Ramanand Sagar, the director. The film follows two brothers - Major Ram Kapoor, another in the Royal Indian Army (played by Dharmendra) and Wing Commander Rajan Kapoor in the Royal Indian Air Force (played by Rajendra Kumar). The two are in love with the same woman but before any of them can profess, they are sent on a mission against the Japanese enemies to quash their secret airport. (Image: Special Arrangement)

06
Sangam (1964): Sangam was headlined by Raj Kapoor, the ultimate showman of Bollywood. He portrayed Flight Lieutenant Sunder Khanna in his first complete film in colour also directed by him. Sunder joins the Indian Air Force in a quest to impress the woman he wants to marry; however, his story takes a turn as he is listed as killed in action after thrilling mid-air combat. (Image: Special Arrangement)

Sangam (1964): Sangam was headlined by Raj Kapoor, the ultimate showman of Bollywood. He portrayed Flight Lieutenant Sunder Khanna in his first complete film in colour also directed by him. Sunder joins the Indian Air Force in a quest to impress the woman he wants to marry; however, his story takes a turn as he is listed as killed in action after thrilling mid-air combat. (Image: Special Arrangement)