Waiting for Border 2? These 7 Indian Armed Forces Films Deserve a Rewatch

Now, anticipation is building for Border 2, which is slated to hit theatres on 23rd January, just ahead of Republic Day. The newly released trailer—featuring an exciting cast led by Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan and Sunny Deol—has reignited the nation’s love for the Indian armed forces on the big screen.

While the countdown begins, here are 7 Indian Armed Forces films that deserve a rewatch—movies that remind us why these stories matter, and why they continue to resonate long after the final scene fades to black.

Also read: Ever Wondered Why the Army Avoids the Word ‘Martyr’ or 'Shaheed'? Here’s

Before stepping into theatres for Border 2, revisiting JP Dutta’s Border feels like a ritual. Based on the historic Battle of Longewala during the 1971 India–Pakistan War, the film captures bravery against impossible odds.

From Sunny Deol’s thunderous dialogues to its soul-stirring soundtrack, Border remains a timeless tribute to Indian soldiers—packed with emotion, patriotism, and unforgettable cinematic moments that still give goosebumps.

Based on the extraordinary life of India’s first Field Marshal, Sam Manekshaw, Sam Bahadur is a must-watch before the release of Border 2. Directed by Meghna Gulzar and powered by Vicky Kaushal’s brilliant performance, the film traces Manekshaw’s four-decade military journey—from his early days as a young officer and World War II service to his personal life and decisive leadership during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. Rewatching it deepens respect for the leadership behind India’s greatest victories in 1971—perfectly setting the tone for Republic Day.

Named after the codename of Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Vikram Batra, Shershaah is a film that hits just as hard on a rewatch. It traces Batra’s journey from a spirited cadet to a war hero whose fearless actions during Operation Vijay, including the capture of Point 5140 and Point 4875, turned the tide in the 1999 Kargil War. Its emotional depth, iconic dialogues, and gritty battlefield realism perfectly set the patriotic mood ahead of Border 2's release and the Republic Day celebrations.

Following the life of Captain Balram Singh Mehta of India’s 45 Cavalry regiment (later Brigadier), Pippa is a compelling rewatch while waiting for Border 2. Adapted from Mehta’s war memoir The Burning Chaffees, the film brings the Battle of Garibpur to life—a decisive clash on the eastern front during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War.

Want to know more about the Battle of Garibpur? Also read: Garibpur 1971: The Battle That Paved India’s Path into East Pakistan

A stirring coming-of-age war drama, Lakshya stars Hrithik Roshan as Karan Shergill, an aimless, privileged Delhi youth who joins the Indian Military Academy on a whim. Overwhelmed by military discipline, he deserts, only to return after a personal fallout. With Preity Zinta as journalist Romi Dutta and Amitabh Bachchan as his commanding officer, the film rewards a rewatch for its powerful transformation arc and memorable Kargil War climax.

No list of Indian armed forces films is complete without the movie that gave us the iconic “How’s the Josh?” moment. Uri: The Surgical Strike is a gripping rewatch that brings alive the 2016 Indian Army surgical strikes following the Uri terror attack.

Starring Vicky Kaushal as Major Vihaan Singh Shergill of the Para Special Forces, the film’s high-octane action and patriotic highs make it watchable before the release of Border 2.

India’s first underwater war film, The Ghazi Attack, is a tense, edge-of-the-seat rewatch. Inspired by the mysterious sinking of PNS Ghazi during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, the film follows the Indian Navy submarine S21 as it intercepts the enemy vessel threatening INS Vikrant. Led by Rana Daggubati, Kay Kay Menon, Atul Kulkarni, and Taapsee Pannu, it offers claustrophobic tension and strategic mind games, making it a perfect Republic Day watch alongside Border 2.

Before Border 2 brings the roar of all three forces and war cries back to theatres, these films offer the perfect warm-up. From iconic dialogues to unforgettable battle sequences, they shaped how Indian cinema tells military stories. A rewatch of these films not only revives nostalgia but also deepens appreciation for the real-life heroes behind the spectacle.

Also read: From Dogfights to Missile Shields: 10 Movies That 'Unfold' Air Defence Worldwide