Top 10 Tamil movies that spark patriotism

Independence was a dream, long lost years ago with freedom in the hands of an alien organisation. However, with the emergence of leaders, faith was once again rekindled in the hearts of Indians as we struggled to free ourselves from tyranny. 68 years later, here we stand, saluting the national flag and reminiscing the days that changes the course of history for the country. August 15 is auspiciously celebrated not just by us, but also by Indian cinema. Cinema has documented description of the past. Filmmakers have always been inspired by the struggle, the country and its leaders faced to free us from tyrannical unjust. As we salute the national flag today, we bring to you films of Tamil cinema that sparked patriotism in all directions and brought tears to one’s eyes...

- Aarti Iyengar

Roja
Mani Ratnam’s highly acclaimed 1992 film Roja, strikes a chord even today as one of the best romantic-thriller centred on national integration. Starring Arvind Swamy and Madhoo, the musical score was done by A R Rahman. The movie brings tears to your eyes as you see newlywed Roja and Rishi’s world turned upside down when the latter is abducted by a terrorist group whose agenda is to separate Kashmir from India and free their leader who is captured by the Indian forces. One of the facts unknown to the audience is that what was depicted as Kashmir in the film was in fact, Ooty, Manali and Himachal! During the time of shooting the film, Kashmir faced severe terrorism resulting in Ratnam having to compromise on the location. Nevertheless, Ratnam’s beautiful picturisation of Kashmir and the war-torn land ignited the feeling of ending all terrorism and bringing home peace.

Bombay
Filmmaker Mani Ratnam’s film Bombay was his second film of the trilogy revolving around human relationships torn by the political differences after Roja (1992) and before Dil Se (1998). Released in 1995, the movie’s plot revolved around the trials and tribulations of a couple with different religious interests and how the political consequences bring a drastic change in their lives. Starring Arvind Swamy as Shekhar and Manisha Koirala as Shaila Banu in leads, the film centred on the demolition of Babri Masjid and how it impacted into racial riots and killings. Shekhar, a Hindu orthodox falls in love with Shaila, a Muslim schoolgirl and much against their parents’ wishes, they elope and get married. Life is beautiful for them and their two children who are raised as both, Hindu and Muslim. But all hell breaks loose when the Bombay riots break in and their family is separated. The movie has been beautifully shot and escalates the hassles a relationship goes through in racial difference.

Hey Ram
Hey Ram was another brilliant movie written, produced and directed by Ulaganayakan Kamal Haasan and he also starred in the movie. The film faced severe controversies and negative responses for the plot of portraying Mahatma Gandhi in bad light. However, post all the controversial allegations, the film went on to receive critical praise for the content. The movie featured Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukherjee in supporting roles. Hey Ram brought to light the troubles faced by a common man amidst the communal imbalance and how one tends to go directionless when put in a compromising situation. With violence in the air, the film’s main idea revolves around the cruelty faced by commoners resulting in them taking wrong decisions to avenge the death of their loved ones. The movie was also selected by India as its submission to the Oscars in the year 2000, however, the film did not get nominated. Even though the film was a semi-fictional plot worked on by Kamal, it had a patriotic message behind it.

Unnaipol Oruvan
Unnaipol Oruvan, a remake of Hindi film, A Wednesday, was critically acclaimed for its plot. Starring Kamal Haasan and Mohan Lal in lead roles, the movie was an eye opener to the governing authorities to how the political distress is causing trouble to common men. Kamal Haasan portrayed the role of the common man who makes a call to Inspector General, Raghava Maraar, portrayed by Mohan Lal, informing him of bombs planted by him, which will simultaneously burst out if his demands are not met. All he wishes is for the authorities to release the four terrorists caught for causing several terror attacks across India. Unable to trace the caller’s location, the IG decides to release the terrorists as the safety of the city is at stake. Considering Kamal as an operative from a terrorist group, Mohan Lal is baffled when Kamal kills three of the four terrorists by planting a bomb in their car, while one of them is taken back by the officers, who is later killed by Mohan Lal. The movie briskly depicts the distress a common man goes through amidst the racial and communal imbalance.

Indian
Directed by Shankar, the film Indian, stars Kamal Haasan in dual roles along with Manisha Koirala, Urmila Matondkar, Sukanya and Goundamani in pivotal roles. The film went on to become a blockbuster hit and was also critically appreciated for its plot. The movie revolves around a 70-year-old vigilante who is on a killing spree. 70-year-old Kamal Haasan is outraged by the growing corruption in the country and makes it his motive to kill all the corrupt officials and bring order in the nation. With this motive, he starts killing corrupt officials by the name of Indian. His son Chandru (also played by Kamal) is a small-time bribe-broker stationed outside a Regional Transport Office. The film depicts the predicaments of a common man and how they are exploited by the higher authorities. It is an enraged ex-army man who decides to alter this tradition and bring peace. The rest is a game of cat and mouse between the vigilante and a cop and his will to kill his son for being one of the corrupt officials.

Thuppakki
AR Murugadoss’ 2012 blockbuster film, Thuppakki, starred Ilayathalapathy Vijay and Kajal Agarwal in leads while Vidyut Jamwal as the antagonist. The film received a very positive response at the box-office. But again, the portrayal of a Muslim as a terrorist irked many of the communities and resulted in several boycott rallies. The plot of the film revolves around an Indian army intelligence officer who is on a mission to track down and annihilate a terrorist group and also to deactivate the sleeper cells under its command. With a strong star-cast and a brilliant script, the movie went on to win hearts at the box office and was remade in several languages post its success. The movie’s most crucial idea was to put forth that an army man is always in duty and holds a lot of responsibilities, which he delivers as a contribution for the love towards his country.

Mudhalvan
Highly acclaimed film Mudhalvan, was directed by S Shankar, with Arjun Sarja, Manisha Koirala and late Raghuvaran in lead roles. With a challenge put in front of a TV Journalist, (played by Arjun Sarja) by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (played by Raghuvaran), tables turn in his favour for the spellbinding work Arjun does in a day as a CM. This results in him to face the wraths of original Chief Minister Raghuvaran, who holds a vendetta against Arjun for humiliating him in front of the public and wishes to avenge him. However, with all the hardships faced post the day as a CM, Arjun manages to get out of the dilemma triumphantly. After its successful performance in South, the movie was remade in Hindi as Nayak with Anil Kapoor as the protagonist.

Bharathi
The film Bharathi was a biography based on the life of Mahakavi Subramaniya Bharathiyaar. The movie went on to become a successful film at box office and also won the National Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil in the year 2000. The movie stars Sayaji Shinde, Devyani and Nizhalgal Ravi. The film depicted the life and times of renowned poet Subramaniya Bharathi and his quest to propel people to fight for their rights. Devyani’s role as Chellamma, Bharathiyaar’s wife, was also appreciated by the audience. A report on Thehindu.com stated that the movie’s protagonist Sayaji Shinde was the perfect choice for the role of Bharathiyaar and his performance was tremendous and dripped anger, defiance and passion. This film showed all the troubles faced by the country because of the British Raj and how Bharathiyaar encouraged everyone to seek freedom, with his writing.

Veerapandiya Kattabomman
Veerapandiya Kattabomman is a historical film which starred Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Padmini, S. Varalakshmi and Ragini in lead roles, with V. K. Ramasamy and Javar Seetharaman in pivotal supporting parts. The movie was a depiction of the original chieftain with the name Veerapandiya Kattabomman who rose to rebellion against the East India Company. The film was an adaptation of a play with the name Kattabomman performed by Sivaji Ganesan’s troupe. The film won several accolades while the audience enjoyed thoroughly as late actor Sivaji Ganesan created magic on screen. The movie also won a National Award for Feature Film in Tamil. The movie was also dubbed in Telugu and Hindi post the success.

Madrasapattinam
Critically acclaimed film Madrasapattinam is a love story of a young South Indian boy and a British girl. Starring Arya and Amy Jackson in leads, the film also stars Nassar, Cochin Hanifa and Alexx O'Nell playing other prominent roles. The film was nominated for several awards as well. The film is a simple story of a South Indian launderer and a British girl who eventually fall in love with each other during the independence period. However, things take a drastic turn when India wins independence resulting in all the Britishers leaving from the country. After several means to hide Amy, Arya is not able to hide her anymore and eventually she is taken away from him. Years later, she comes back in search of Arya along with her granddaughter and after finding his grave, collapses herself. The film was beautifully shot and the depiction of a love story in times of freedom struggle was laudable.