Listicle

From Veer-Zaara to Rang De Basanti: Bollywood films showcasing the bravery of the Indian Air Force ahead of Sky Force OTT release

Bollywood honours the Indian Air Force through films, showcasing bravery, sacrifices, and aerial action. Sky Force premieres on Prime Video on March 21, 2025.

Veer Zaara; Rang De Basanti; Sky Force

The Indian Air Force has played a crucial role in safeguarding the nation's skies, and Bollywood has often celebrated its valour and heroism through compelling films. These movies not only showcase high-flying aerial battles but also highlight the dedication, sacrifices, and resilience of the IAF personnel. As Sky Force starring Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya, gears up for its OTT premiere on Prime Video on March 21, 2025, here’s a look at other Bollywood films that have paid tribute to the Indian Air Force.

Bollywood films based on Indian Air Force

Andaaz (2003) – ZEE5 [OTTplay Premium]; Prime Video; ShemarooMe [OTTplay Premium]

Andaaz is a love story set against the backdrop of an Indian Air Force officer's epic adventure, and it stars Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, and Lara Dutta. The video highlights the emotional and romantic relationships while showcasing the devotion of Air Force troops.

ALSO READ: Republic Day 2025: From Manoj Kumar's Shaheed to Sunny Deol's Border, stream patriotic classics on OTT

Aradhana (1969) – Prime Video

A classic film by Rajesh Khanna, Aradhana stars him as a sad love story involving an Air Force man. One of the most iconic Bollywood films showcasing the IAF, the film is renowned for its enduring melodies and profound emotional resonance.

Border (1997) – Prime Video

An enduring classic of the military genre, Border recounts the valiant actions of Longewala in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani military. The film mostly follows the Indian Army, but it also highlights the significant impact of the Indian Air Force in changing the course of the war.

Fighter (2024) – Netflix

Siddharth Anand's Fighter is an adrenaline-pumping aerial action thriller starring Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor. The film, a tribute to India's best fighter pilots, features incredible aerial battle scenes.

Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020) – Netflix

One of the first female combat pilots from India, Gunjan Saxena's life is chronicled in this moving biographical drama. Played by Janhvi Kapoor, the lead role narrates Gunjan's rise from ambitious pilot to revolutionary in the Indian Air Force especially during the Kargil War.

Rang De Basanti (2006) – Netflix

The sad death of an Indian Air Force pilot (R. Madhavan) causes his companions to question the legitimacy of corruption and injustice in this cult classic co-starring Aamir Khan and Siddharth . Patriotism and activism, two modern themes, coexist in the film with historical ones.

Sangam (1964) – ZEE5 [OTTplay Premium]

Sangam was one of the first Bollywood films to include the Indian Air Force; it stars Raj Kapoor as a romantically involved Air Force officer. In this romantic drama, we get a look at the life of an Indian Air Force pilot.

Tejas (2023) – ZEE5 [OTTplay Premium]

Tejas which stars Kangana Ranaut as an incredibly strong and determined Indian Air Force pilot, celebrates the courage and selflessness of women serving in the military. The film highlights the intense training and combat missions performed by IAF pilots, drawing inspiration from real-life situations.

Veer-Zaara (2004) – Prime Video

Veer-Zaara is mainly about love, although Shah Rukh Khan plays the role of Veer Pratap Singh, an Indian Air Force officer, who gives up his job and his life for love. Patriotism and an epic romance are deftly entwined in the film by Yash Chopra.

These films, with Sky Force adding to them, are a monument to the bravery, tenacity, and sacrifices made by the Indian Air Force. Bollywood has often paid tribute to the real-life soldiers who protect our skies, whether in riveting war dramas, touching love stories, or motivational biopics.

ALSO READ: Best films and series to stream on OTT that shaped modern India

Share