Indian filmmakers are rushing to secure movie titles inspired by the recent India-Pakistan conflict, aiming to benefit from a wave of nationalism sparked by the four-day clash that left over 70 people dead.
The nuclear-armed neighbours exchanged artillery, drone, and air strikes in May after India blamed Pakistan for an armed attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. The fighting ended following an unexpected ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump.
India named the military response “Operation Sindoor,” symbolizing the government’s vow to avenge those widowed by the April 22 attack in Pahalgam. Bollywood has since registered several film titles based on the operation, such as “Mission Sindoor,” “Sindoor: The Revenge,” “The Pahalgam Terror,” and “Sindoor Operation.”
Director Vivek Agnihotri, known for his controversial hit The Kashmir Files, said audiences want to know what happened behind the scenes. “If it was Hollywood, they’d have made ten films already,” he said.
Critics like Raja Sen argue that many filmmakers now feel emboldened to support nationalist narratives. Others, like Anil Sharma, caution against the trend of opportunistic filmmaking, calling it “herd mentality.”
The box office success of patriotic-themed films like Fighter and Chhaava has coincided with increased criticism over Bollywood’s portrayal of Muslim characters and historical figures.
Sen warned that when storytelling leans too heavily in one direction, it risks spreading misinformation. Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra said cinema’s true patriotic duty is to promote peace. “For me, patriotism is about building harmony and learning to love our neighbours,” Mehra said.
