5 Movies To Watch This Independence Day

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Lagaan (2001)

Set during the British Raj in India, this musical sports drama tells the exhilarating story of a group of villagers (led by Aamir Khan’s Bhuvan) who wager two years’ taxes against a cricket game. Lagaan was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards.

Swades (2004)

In this cult classic film, Shah Rukh Khan plays a non-resident Indian who travels back to his hometown and fights to improve the lives of the people in his community. The film won a host of awards, and Khan’s performance is regarded as one of his best to date.

Mangal Pandey: The Rising (2005)

Aamir Khan essays Mangal Pandey in this biopic on the life of the valiant freedom fighter who led the Revolt of 1857, and eventually inspired the Indian Independence Movement to begin in full force. It was one of the highest-grossing films of 2005.

Rang De Basanti (2006)

This critically acclaimed film follows a group of young men who deeply identify with eminent Indian freedom fighters and go on to revolt against their own corrupt government. It features an ensemble cast including Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi among others.

Chak De! India (2007)

In this blockbuster sports drama, Shah Rukh Khan plays the coach who leads the Indian Women’s Hockey Team to victory at the World Cup. The film was praised for its performances and soundtrack, as well as its patriotic and feminist themes.

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