Why Do Indian Filmmakers Rely on Specific Subjects for Patriotism? Aseem Arrora Weighs In.

Patriotism in Hindi cinema is more than a theme—it’s a tradition. Films about India-Pakistan rivalries, British colonialism, and national pride have long dominated the screen. Especially during Republic Day and Independence Day, these familiar themes resurface, leading to predictable narratives. But why do filmmakers continue to rely on these subjects? We asked acclaimed writer and producer Aseem Arrora, known for Bell Bottom, Mission Majnu, and The Sabarmati Report, to share his thoughts.

The Roots of Patriotism in Indian Cinema

Aseem Arrora believes the focus on India-Pakistan relations stems from the historical context of India’s partition. “Since partition, Pakistan has been our primary adversary,” he says. “Their leadership, defense forces, and ISI have been behind wars and terror attacks on Indian soil.”

While much of the focus has been on the India-Pakistan dynamic, Arrora emphasizes it’s not just about Hindu-Muslim conflict. “Both religions have coexisted in India for centuries,” he points out, citing PVC Havildar Abdul Hamid, a Muslim war hero, as an example.

Avoiding Predictability: Breaking the Cliché

With so many patriotic films following similar formulas, how can filmmakers avoid falling into clichés? Arrora suggests flipping familiar tropes to keep audiences engaged. “A cliché works because it connects with the audience, but predictability leads to boredom,” he says.

For Arrora, the best patriotic films dig deeper into their characters. He cites Haqeeqat (1964) and Shaheed Bhagat Singh (2002) as prime examples. “These films go beyond the surface and show the real cost of fighting for the nation—emotionally and physically.”

New Projects on the Horizon

Aseem Arrora’s upcoming scripts promise fresh takes on patriotic themes. “One is based on a war hero, and I hope Sandeep Modi will direct it,” he shares. “The other is with T-Series, offering a completely different perspective on patriotism.”

With these projects, Arrora aims to offer new narratives that keep the spirit of patriotism alive while challenging familiar tropes.