We’re halfway through the year, and Hindi cinema has already dished out its mandatory serving of chest-thumping, over-the-top, low-on-logic patriotic flicks: Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Yodha and Fighter. Sure, the latter two are all about battles in the sky, while the former sticks to ground-level action, but squint a little, and they all blur together in a classic case of ‘Potato Potahto.’ In the realm of Hindi cinema, nationalism is the ever-versatile potato—served in various shapes, forms, and curries, but underneath it all, it’s the same bland spud.
In a sense, the purpose of these ostensibly patriotic films isn’t to evoke a sense of nationalism but to celebrate the triumph of Bollywood stars and their larger-than-life characters. It’s not about saving the nation; it’s about who does the saving, how many bad guys they take down, how many high-octane action sequences they pull off, and how many cheesy one-liners they can deliver.
This sudden realisation about the cookie-cutter patriotic Hindi films hit me after re-watching Farhan Akhtar’s Lakshya. This 20-year-old gem felt like a breath of fresh air, much like the crisp, clean breeze you get when escaping a congested sleeper train for a tranquil village. It’s grounded, and genuine, and it centres on a character who isn’t some superhero. Instead, he’s a spoiled rich college kid who gets forged in the fire, tested and tired, just like the rest of us, before he’s ready to face a real war.
Hrithik Roshan in a still from Lakshya.
Contrast this with today’s so-called patriotic blockbusters, which feel like they were scripted by a committee competing in a “Who can shout ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ the loudest?” contest. Lakshya didn’t need to scream to make its point. It showed us that true patriotism is a quiet, personal journey. The film’s lead character, Karan (Hrithik Roshan), finds his purpose and, in doing so, discovers a deeper love for his country. No grand speeches, no melodrama—just a sincere portrayal of growing up and taking responsibility.
Farhan Akhtar’s direction was like a masterclass in subtlety. He respected the audience’s intelligence, letting the story and characters breathe. The film’s realistic depiction of military life was a far cry from the over-the-top action sequences we’re bombarded with nowadays. It was more about the people who wear the uniforms than the uniforms themselves and the battles and insecurities that they go through within.
Lakshya is a film that embraces the concept of going back to basics, where storytelling reigns supreme. Through the journey of a spoiled rich kid turned brave Army officer, Farhan Akhtar weaves a tale of a nation coming together, showing how peaks are conquered by a diverse, multi-cultural group, not just a lone hero. Meanwhile, today’s patriotic flicks are often guilty of blatant Pakistan bashing. Lakshya, set during the Kargil War, naturally features Pakistani soldiers as the enemy, but it never resorts to chest-thumping or demonising an entire nation.
Hrithik Roshan in a still from Lakshya.
In a poignant scene, when Indian soldiers hesitate to give Pakistani soldiers a respectful burial, Amitabh Bachchan’s Colonel Sunil Damle reminds them of the decency Indians uphold even in conflict. The film subtly champions religious harmony, portraying through a heartbroken and enraged soldier that war isn’t India’s or its soldiers’ first choice. Yet, when duty calls, our soldiers are unwavering, prepared to stand firm until the very end. The film dives deep into the lives of true heroes, grappling with real battles and shedding real blood.
Lakshya isn’t just a film; it’s the missing ingredient the patriotic genre in Hindi cinema craves today. With its focus on personal growth, authentic military portrayal, and genuine patriotism, it’s a timeless classic that reminds us: that true heroism isn’t about capes, but about the grit to evolve and the grace to serve our nation.
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